Jazz chord inversion notation
I'd like to ask for your advice on this kind of jazz chord inversion notation: superscript number: eg C7 superscript 1,2,3 ... and C9 superscript 9_1,2,3... . I've seen some used them but I've never used them myself and I try to avoid because they confuse me with the vertically stacked number notation (like the figured bass). But I'm writing a plugin and I'd like to offer the option.
What does that superscript number meaning? Does superscript 1 (and 9_1) notate first inversion or root pos? I tried to search online but couldn't find the reddit post I've seen.
Are they popular in published material at all? Which place/genre of musicians usually use them?
Comments
It's a little hard to tell what you mean without seeing a picture. I am having trouble imagining how the numbers 1,2,3 would ever figure into a chord symbol, inversion or otherwise.
In reply to It's a little hard to tell… by Marc Sabatella
I'm not sure, something like these, could be subscript.
![inversion.PNG]( "inversion.PNG")
In reply to I'm not sure, something like… by msfp
But what would that even mean? None of those really make any sense at all as chord symbols.
In reply to But what would that even… by Marc Sabatella
Yea that's what I though, maybe some kind of homebrew symbol. Plus that gets more confusing C2 could be mistaken as C9? C4 could be mistaken as C4 (sus4)?
In reply to Yea that's what I though,… by msfp
At this point it would probably help if you started a new thread and described in more general terms what you are actually trying to accomplish here, so we can understand and advise better.
In reply to At this point it would… by Marc Sabatella
> I've seen some used them but I've never used them myself
That's ok. Hearing from an experienced jazz musician not recognizing these symbol actually helps me evaluate them, may be I shouldn't use them at all.
Anyone who've seen (or not) and could understand them are welcome to comment.
In reply to > I've seen some used them… by msfp
Again, they are nonsense, of course you shouldn't use them. What would you hope to gain by writing a symbol that neither you nor anyone else has any idea how to interpret?
So again, the question is, what are you actually trying to accomplish? If there is a specific chord you are wondering how to name, just ask that. But be aware, not all arbitrary combinations of notes have names. But elsewhere you mentioned some sort of plugin. I really think you should start a new thread and describe in general terms just what problem you are trying to solve and how you are proposing going about solving it via a plugin. Then we can advise better.
In reply to Again, they are nonsense, of… by Marc Sabatella
I'm revamping the Chord Identifier (Pop & Jazz)
In reply to I'm revamping the Chord… by msfp
Inversion "Normal"
In reply to I'm revamping the Chord… by msfp
OK, now the context makes sense. So, if there a specific combination of pitches you are wondering how to name?
In reply to OK, now the context makes… by Marc Sabatella
I'm good for now, thanks again.