root position

noun

: the disposition of a musical chord so that its root is in the bass : the arrangement of notes in a chord so that the root is in the lowest position
The final chord needs to be in root position.
compare first inversion, second inversion, third inversion see seventh chord , triad illustration

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of root position was in 1884

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Dictionary Entries Near root position

Cite this Entry

“Root position.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20position. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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