Level 5 (like Grade 5) · Unit 22 of 24

Inversions, chord symbols and cadences

Triads with a different note at the bottom, the chord symbols used in songbooks, and the chords that end a phrase.

By the end you will be able to:

• write triads in root position, first and second inversion
• read chord symbols such as C, Am, G7
• name authentic, half, plagal and deceptive cadences

Learn

Inversions

A triad does not have to have its root at the bottom. Root position: the root is lowest (C–E–G). First inversion: the 3rd is lowest (E–G–C). Second inversion: the 5th is lowest (G–C–E). The notes are the same chord; only the bottom note changes.

Chord symbols

Songbooks and lead sheets use chord symbols above the music: C means C major, Am means A minor, G7 means a G major triad with a minor 7th added (G–B–D–F), and Bdim means B diminished.

Cadences

A cadence is the pair of chords that ends a phrase, like punctuation:

• Authentic cadence: V to I – a full stop.
• Plagal cadence: IV to I – the “Amen” ending.
• Half cadence: ending on V – a comma.
• Deceptive cadence: V to vi – a surprise.

Your turn

Watch and listen, then practice with new questions every time – reading questions, and writing tasks you answer on the staff. Take the check when you are ready: 80% passes the unit.

Level 5 is like Grade 5 music theory. These are Classfern’s own levels, not an exam board’s. Questions are made and graded by rules in your browser.