Identify Triads in All Three Positions: Quiz

This is the final challenge: the chords appear in any of the three positions, chosen at random. The goal is to identify the type of triad without knowing in advance whether it is in root position, first inversion or second inversion. When you miss, the feedback also tells you which position it was.

1. The three positions at a glance

Position	Bass note	Middle note	Top note
Root position	Root (1)	Third (3)	Fifth (5)
First inversion	Third (3)	Fifth (5)	Root (1)
Second inversion	Fifth (5)	Root (1)	Third (3)

2. A quick strategy

The universal method: whatever the position, you can always rearrange the three notes in your head and stack them in thirds going up. Once the chord is in root position, apply the standard analysis: the quality of the third (major = 4 half steps, minor = 3) and the quality of the fifth (perfect = 7, diminished = 6, augmented = 8).

3. Interactive final challenge

The chords appear in a random position. If you miss, the feedback also tells you which position the chord was in.

If you want to start with one position at a time, go back to root position, first inversion or second inversion. To practice the opposite skill, build triads in all three positions.

If you practice these chords on an instrument, the online metronome helps you build speed gradually: start slowly (50-60 BPM) and speed up a little at a time. The online tuner lets you check that every note of the chord is in tune.

For the full theory of each triad, see the page on triads, with the diminished chord and the augmented chord.

Printable worksheet (PDF)

The same exercise on paper, for class: 21 triads in all three positions on one side of A4, and under each one you write its type and its position. With a separate answer sheet.

It goes from easier to harder: first chords with natural notes in treble clef, then with sharps and flats and the bass clef coming in gradually, and finally a few with a double accidental.

Printable PDF worksheet with 21 triads in all three positions to analyze — A4 sheet with 21 triads in all three positions to analyze.

Download the worksheet (PDF, A4) Answers

You may print and photocopy it freely for the classroom. To practice in the other direction, see the worksheet to write triads in all three positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many positions can a triad have?

A triad has three positions: root position (the root in the bass), first inversion (the third in the bass) and second inversion (the fifth in the bass). Each position has its own harmonic character: root position is stable, first inversion sounds lighter and second inversion sounds tense.

How can I quickly tell which position a triad is in?

Look at the interval between the bass and the middle note. If it is a fourth, the chord is in second inversion. If it is a third, look at the top note: a fifth above the bass means root position, and a sixth means first inversion. In short: root position is 3rd + 5th, first inversion is 3rd + 6th, and second inversion is 4th + 6th.

How do inversions change the sound of a chord?

Inversions change the weight and direction of the chord. Root position is stable and conclusive. First inversion is lighter and allows melodic bass lines. Second inversion is the most tense and usually leads to a chord in root position.

What is figured bass for triads?

Figured bass shows the position with numbers under the bass note. No number (or 5/3): root position. 6/3, or just 6: first inversion. 6/4: second inversion. The numbers are the intervals above the bass: in first inversion there is a 6th between the bass and the root, hence the 6.

In what order should I learn the positions?

The natural order is: first master root position for the four types (major, minor, diminished, augmented), then first inversion, and finally second inversion. Practicing all three positions mixed, as in this final challenge, is the last step toward reading chords automatically in real scores.