root

Refers to the pitch perceived as the fundamental of a tonality or chord.

The chord is referred to as being in 'root position' when the 'root' is in the bass - in other words, when the lowest-pitched chord-member is the fundamental or one of its 'octaves'.

When a chord-member other than the 'root' is in the bass, the chord is referred to as being an inversion.

See also tonic.

[from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]

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