A seventh chord written with the seventh as the lowest note.

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Multiple Choice

A seventh chord written with the seventh as the lowest note.

Explanation:
Inversion of a seventh chord is determined by which chord member sits in the bass. A seventh chord has four notes: root, third, fifth, and seventh. If the bass is the root, it’s in root position; if the bass is the third, it’s in first inversion; if the bass is the fifth, it’s in second inversion; and if the bass is the seventh, it’s in third inversion. When the seventh is the lowest note, you’re hearing the chord in third inversion. The other notes stay the same; only the bass note changes, which affects the bass line and voice-leading without changing the chord’s identity.

Inversion of a seventh chord is determined by which chord member sits in the bass. A seventh chord has four notes: root, third, fifth, and seventh. If the bass is the root, it’s in root position; if the bass is the third, it’s in first inversion; if the bass is the fifth, it’s in second inversion; and if the bass is the seventh, it’s in third inversion. When the seventh is the lowest note, you’re hearing the chord in third inversion. The other notes stay the same; only the bass note changes, which affects the bass line and voice-leading without changing the chord’s identity.

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