[pianotech] theory question

[Tom Rhea, Jr.]

Hi Joe, et al,

The actual theory behind this convention is this:

Consider the CEG major chord and the note positions when being played.  All
the notes are said to be in their root positions.

When a first inversion of the CEG chord is being played, the E and G are in
their root positions but the C has been moved up an octave and is now a 4th
interval above the highest adjacent root note, the G.  This position, EGC,
is said to be a C Major 4 or first inversion of the C Major chord.

In the second inversion of the CEG chord, the only note still in its root
position is the G.  The C and E are moved an octave above their root
positions, such that the E is a 6th interval above the G (in its root
position) and the C is a 4th interval from the G (in its root position),
hence a C Major 6/4.

All of the chords are spelled from the bottom.  However, the intervals which
comprise the inversions are labeled from the highest note still in its root
position to the one or two notes that have been moved up an octave from
their root positions, either a 4th interval for a first inversion or a 6th
and a 4th interval for a second inversion.  The labeling of the inversion
intervals is always from the highest interval first.

I hope this helps with understanding the theory question.

Regards,
Tom


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Joseph Garrett
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 2:26 PM
To: pianotech
Subject: Re: [pianotech] theory question

Ken said: "I concur with Tom. You count from the bottom up. A "6" is the
interval between the E and the C when in first inversion. In second
inversion, G, C, E, there is a 4th between the G-C and an "6" between the
G-E."
 
Ken Gerler (I was a theory major in college)

Hmmm? if that were the case, then the later would be a 4/6 rather than a
6/4. Right?<G> Personally, I prefer the Jazz Musicians way of saying
something like "the C chord with a G in the bass.<G>
That's my take on that.
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I