Reading time: 7 minutes |
Section 5.3 of the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam tests your knowledge of chord inversions.
You’ll be given a question like this: “Tick one box to name each of the three marked chords. The key is E major.”
To answer these questions, you need to understand what inversions are and how to identify them.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Chord Inversions?
An inversion is when a chord is not in its original root position. The notes are the same, but the lowest note (the bass) is different.
Example: F minor chord (F – A♭ – C)
| Inversion | Bass Note | Inversion Label |
|---|---|---|
| Root Position | F (Root) | a |
| First Inversion | A♭ (3rd) | b |
| Second Inversion | C (5th) | c |
Important: Root vs Bass
These two terms are not the same:
- Root – the note the chord is built on (e.g., F in an F minor chord)
- Bass – the lowest note actually sounding (can be root, 3rd, or 5th)
In root position, root = bass. In inversions, they are different.
How to Identify an Inversion
Step 1: Identify the Chord
Work out what chord the notes form (I, II, IV, or V) by arranging them in root position.
Step 2: Check the Bass Note
Look at the lowest note and see if it’s the root, 3rd, or 5th.
| If Bass Note Is | Inversion |
|---|---|
| Root | Root Position (a) |
| 3rd | First Inversion (b) |
| 5th | Second Inversion (c) |
Rule of Thumb
The inversion is always determined by the bass note. The other notes can be arranged in any order or octave – they don’t affect the inversion.
Example: All these are Ia chords because the bass note is always F:
- F – A♭ – C
- F – C – A♭ – F
- F – A♭ – F – C
Worked Example: E Major
The question: Identify the three marked chords. The key is E major.
Step 1: Write out the chords in E major
| Chord | Notes |
|---|---|
| I | E – G♯ – B |
| II | F♯ – A – C♯ |
| IV | A – C♯ – E |
| V | B – D♯ – F♯ |
Chord A
Bass clef: C♯
Treble clef: A – C♯ – E
Notes present: A, C♯, E
Step 1: Identify the chord
A – C♯ – E in root position = Chord IV (A – C♯ – E)
Step 2: Check the bass note
The bass note is C♯.
In the IV chord (A – C♯ – E):
- Root = A
- 3rd = C♯
- 5th = E
The bass note is the 3rd.
Answer: IVb (First Inversion)
Chord B
Bass clef: B and G♯
Treble clef: E
Notes present: E, G♯, B
Step 1: Identify the chord
E – G♯ – B in root position = Chord I (E – G♯ – B)
Step 2: Check the bass note
The bass note is B.
In the I chord (E – G♯ – B):
- Root = E
- 3rd = G♯
- 5th = B
The bass note is the 5th.
Answer: Ic (Second Inversion)
Chord C
Bass clef: B and F♯
Treble clef: D♯
Notes present: B, D♯, F♯
Step 1: Identify the chord
B – D♯ – F♯ in root position = Chord V (B – D♯ – F♯)
Step 2: Check the bass note
The bass note is B.
In the V chord (B – D♯ – F♯):
- Root = B
- 3rd = D♯
- 5th = F♯
The bass note is the root.
Answer: Va (Root Position)
Summary Table
| Chord | Notes | Chord Number | Bass Note | Inversion | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | A – C♯ – E | IV | C♯ (3rd) | First | IVb |
| B | E – G♯ – B | I | B (5th) | Second | Ic |
| C | B – D♯ – F♯ | V | B (Root) | Root | Va |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confusing root and bass. They are not always the same!
- Forgetting the key signature. Always check the key first – it affects which notes are sharp or flat.
- Ignoring the bass clef. The bass note determines the inversion – don’t miss it!
- Arranging notes incorrectly. Make sure you arrange them in thirds to identify the chord.
Quick Reference
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ia | Chord I, Root Position |
| Ib | Chord I, First Inversion |
| Ic | Chord I, Second Inversion |
| IVa | Chord IV, Root Position |
| IVb | Chord IV, First Inversion |
| IVc | Chord IV, Second Inversion |
| Va | Chord V, Root Position |
| Vb | Chord V, First Inversion |
| Vc | Chord V, Second Inversion |
Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding the theory is one thing, but exam success comes from repeated, focused practice. That’s why my interactive practice site (app.owenmusictheory.com) can make all the difference in your preparation.
Here’s how the two practice modes work:
Drill Mode: Master One Section at a Time
Drill Mode is designed for targeted practice. You get access to all the questions organised section by section, just like the real exam. This means you can:
- Focus specifically on chord inversions until it feels second nature
- Skip the sections you’re already confident in and spend your time where it matters most
- Practise the same question type repeatedly with virtually unlimited questions – you’ll never run out of fresh material
With instant feedback on every answer, you’ll learn from your mistakes immediately and reinforce correct answers right away.
Exam Mode: Simulate the Real Thing
When you’re ready to put it all together, Exam Mode gives you the full experience:
- Full-length papers in the exact format of the ABRSM exam
- Randomised questions each time you take a test – no two papers are the same
- A 2-hour time limit to help you build speed and stamina
- A final score and detailed feedback at the end, so you know exactly where you stand
This mode is invaluable for reducing exam-day anxiety. The more you practise under real conditions, the more confident you’ll feel when it counts.
Get Started
- Head to app.owenmusictheory.com
- Sign up free — no card required
- Try the free Pitch and Terms drills, or sit the free sample exam paper
- If it’s helping, upgrade for full access to every section and unlimited randomised papers
Grade 5 Theory is a one-time hurdle standing between you and your next practical grade. Practising smart — with realistic questions, instant feedback, and proper timed conditions — is the difference between walking in anxious and walking in ready.
Good luck!
