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

Related Tools

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