Inversion & Figured Bass Trainer

What is this tool?

A chord keeps its identity no matter which of its notes sits in the bass, but the inversion changes. This tool shows you a chord with a given bass and asks for the inversion number or the figured bass symbol (6, 6-4, 7, 6-5, 4-3, 4-2). Every answer is generated from the theory engine, so it is consistent across all twelve roots and every chord type.

When it helps

• Learn to read figured bass

  Reading harmony exercises and continuo parts requires internalising that the figures count intervals up from the bass.

• Connect slash chords to inversions

  You will see that the C/E and F/A of popular music are exactly the first inversions of classical harmony.

• Prepare for writing bass lines

  Once you can pick inversions freely, you can shape a smooth bass line under any progression.

How to use

1. 1 Choose the question type (name the figure, the bass, or the inversion)
2. 2 Choose the range (triads, sevenths, or mixed)
3. 3 Read the chord symbol and its notes, then pick your answer
4. 4 Press play to hear it — the bass note is shown in orange on the keyboard
5. 5 Read the explanation to confirm the interval from the bass, then move on

Lessons that use this tool

The sections of the systematic curriculum where this actually comes up.

• Chord Structure Inversions and Figured Bass
• Four-Part Writing Realizing a Figured Bass