The Young Composer

Meet the great composers, learn music theory, and start composing your own music — free interactive tools for young musicians.
← All printables
Cover of Chord Inversions
Reference Chart

Chord Inversions

How root position, first and second inversion reorder the same three notes, with figured bass, Roman numerals, and seventh-chord inversions.

A4 · 1 page · 294 KB ⤢ View ⬇ Download PDF

What's inside

  • A C major triad in root position, first inversion and second inversion, with what each sounds like
  • A table of position, bass note, figured bass, Roman numeral and chord symbol for each inversion
  • All four inversions of a seventh chord (root through third inversion)
  • Why inversions matter for the bass line, and the cadential 6/4
inversionsfigured-basschordsharmony

You might also want

Reference Chart

Writing for Four Voices

Comfortable ranges for soprano, alto, tenor and bass, four rules that do most of the work in SATB writing, and habits for building a chord and setting words.

A4 · 1 page · 431 KB ⬇ Download
Reference Chart

Accidentals & Enharmonics

The five signs that raise or lower a note, how long an accidental lasts, and why the same pitch can be spelled two different ways.

A4 · 1 page · 313 KB ⬇ Download
Reference Chart

Aural Training

A two-sheet guide to aural tests — telling major from minor, chords and cadences by ear, finding the metre, writing down a rhythm you've heard, and how to answer decisively in the exam room.

A4 · 2 pages · 352 KB ⬇ Download
✧ Prefer it interactive? The Chord Builder covers the same ground on screen — open the tool →

Looking for step-by-step lessons instead? Head to Music Theory. Want composing ideas? Try Composing.