Inversions in chord symbol
Is there any current way to input inversions for chord symbols? So far, I've just been doing 6/4 and the like.
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Is there any current way to input inversions for chord symbols? So far, I've just been doing 6/4 and the like.
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Comments
Well, those aren't chord symbols per se but part of Roman numeral analysis, so I wouldn't use the chord symbol mechanism for that. Instead, use staff text or lyrics or something else that doesn't reformat the text as you go. Then, the trick is finding a font that supports the necessary specially-sized and specially-positioned characters. There was one floating around called Sicilian Numerals but it's hard to find these days. Some day I hope to see these made part of the SMuFL standard so all music fonts will include them.
In reply to Well, those aren't chord… by Marc Sabatella
I "misuse" Figured Bass to do analysis. I like the fact that I don't have to worry about positioning each time the score is laid out again.
In reply to I "misuse" Figured Bass to… by Louis Cloete
Okay, more specifically here I'm writing a lead sheet, so that specific of a level of analysis is probably not necessary- I'm probably the one overcomplicating things.
In reply to Okay, more specifically here… by Alexander Simpson
But that is actually a really good idea, thank you!
In reply to Well, those aren't chord… by Marc Sabatella
I have seen 6/4 used in guitar chords (like C6/4) before, so I don't think it is correct to say that it is not chord symbols, but Roman numeral analysis the OP wants.
In reply to I have seen 6/4 used in… by Louis Cloete
Perhaps you really mean C6/9? That's common enough, but it means something totally different from what 6/4 means. The number 6 in a chord symbol means literally add the sixth of the chord. The number 6 in Roman numeral analysis means, the chord is in an inversion (first inversion for 6, second for 6/4). Totally different uses of similar-looking symbols
In reply to Perhaps you really mean C6/9… by Marc Sabatella
No, I mean this:
![IMG_20190313_235523.jpg]()
In reply to No, I mean this: [inline:IMG… by Louis Cloete
Interesting, I have literally never seen that. Is this from a recognized music publisher?
In reply to Interesting, I have… by Marc Sabatella
No, it is a church youth song book from 1984. The music engraving is done by Studio Holland, P.O Box 120, Parow, 7500. That is in South Africa. I don't know anything about them.
In reply to No, I mean this: [inline:IMG… by Louis Cloete
If a 6/4 inversion is meant here (which seems to be), the easiest way to write it is E / B.
Chord: E
Bass: B
Otherwise, someone who does not know the "plagal cadence" can try to play it as "e, a, b, c #".
In reply to If a 6/4 inversion is meant… by Ziya Mete Demircan
Very true- yes, I forget that lead sheets don't actually require inversions!
In reply to If a 6/4 inversion is meant… by Ziya Mete Demircan
Yes, you're right!!!
Any chord marked as 6/4, is the second inversion of that chord (the 5th is on the bass note).
Any chord marked as 6, is the first inversion of that chord (the 3th is on the bass note).
Any chord without mark, is the basic chord (the chord main note is on the bass note).
Any chord marked as 6/5, is the first inversion chord plus its 7th (normally minor) note.
But... I remember those marks only from my college harmony classes. In the real world... I've never seen it.
Thanks, all! This has been really helpful- and thank you, Mr. Sabatella, for taking the time to respond personally!
In reply to Thanks, all! This has been… by Alexander Simpson
If you do not write historical music (general bass), you can use combined symbols, as already said:
C CEG
C/E EGC sextchord - first inversion
C/G GCE kvartsextchord - second inversion
what is general pattern:
guitar chord / over bass note
Sometimes I lack a symbol for two full chords played at ones (C dur + E minor), usually when played by two instruments - piano plays C major and guitar E minor = together Cmaj7
Inversions are notated as slash-chords: A/E.
However, the 4/6 you are referring to is probably not an inversion, but rather a double suspension.
You could write Esus46 if you don't like to write it as a slash-chord. You will still hear the 5ths though...
In reply to Inversions are notated as… by oMrSmith
These are (an alternative way of showing) inversions. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_(music)#:~:text=A%20notation%20….