Embedded Files
Objectives
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Spell and identify major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads in inversion using lead sheet (slash) notation and figured bass.
Define the difference between a chord's root and bass.
Transcribe and perform rhythms and melodies that incorporate dotted quarter notes and 8th note rhythms.
Preparation for Class
Preparation for Class
Read:
Read:
"Inversions & Figured Bass" (OMT) - Just read up to 7th Chords Inversions
"Inverted Triads" (MT21st)
"Figured Bass Inversion Symbols" (MT21st)
Watch
Watch
Triads (Brad Harrison, 2 mins)
Watch 5:45–7:14
Triads (Brad Harrison, 2 mins)
Watch 5:45–7:14
What are Slash Chords? (Adam Neely, 30")
Watch 2:03-2:37
Watch 2:03-2:37
Practice
Practice
Musition: Chords (Lvl 5–6)
Musition: Jazz Chord Symbols (Lvl 5a–b)
Musition: Rhythm Tapping (Lvl 4a–4b)
Auralia: Melodic Dictation (Lvl 10)
Auralia: Rhythm Dictation (Lvl 2c–3)
MusicTheory.net: ID with Inversions
Teoria: Triad Construction (using Slash Notation)
Study Aids
Study Aids
Chord Inversions (from findyourmelody.com)
Reading Lead Sheet Notation (from rebeccapianokeys.com)
In-Class Activities
In-Class Activities
Discussion
Discussion
Why Invert a Chord? Why do you think a composer or performer might choose to use an inverted triad rather than a root-position triad? Consider the chord progressions in the following songs. Spell out the chords and look carefully at the notes you see in the bass going from one chord to the next. Listen to the examples and try to follow the bass notes with your ear. How would these excerpts be different if the artist chose to use root-position chords instead?
Percy Sledge, "When a Man Loves a Woman" (verse): Db - Ab/C - Bbm - Db/Ab - Gb - Ab - Db - Ab [Youtube audio]
Elton John, "Tiny Dancer" (verse): C - F/C - C - F/C - F/A - G/B - C [Youtube audio]
Figured Bass vs. Slash Notation? What is the different between figured bass notation and lead sheet notation for identifying triads in inversion. Where do the numbers come from for figured bass notation. Look at an inverted chord on the staff and compare it with the numbers to see if you can figured it out. Where are you most likely to see each type of chord notation?
Activities
Activities
Triad Speed Challenge: Race against your classmates to see who can get the highest score in each level before the timer runs up. Record the highest running scores on the board. Scores only count if you have 100% correct, so accuracy matters. If you miss a chord, restart from the top! Work until your instructor yells "stop!".
Spell Triads above a given bass note: Major/Minor/Dim
ID Triads in with Inversions: Major/Minor/Dim
Worksheets for Practice
Triad Spelling Using Slash Notation (Section 3, p. 2) or Figured Bass
Triad ID (practice with both slash and FB notation)
Mixed Spelling & ID: Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2
Figured Bass: Theory for Today's Musician Workbook (pp. 37–39) - Library Access
Repertoire for Practice
Repertoire for Practice
Reading Chord Notation: For each of the song excerpts in the Triad Spelling section of your anthology here, spell the triads indicated by the lead sheet notation. Spell the chords out on staff paper or write out their letter names, as indicated by your instructor.
Page updated
Report abuse