VI — Ab triad — All inversions
Every voicing of the VI (Ab) triad in C Aeolian, rendered for Alto. Each section anchor (#root, #first-inversion, …) is direct-linkable.
Root position
Ab — bass voice: A♭
1st inversion
Ab — bass voice: C
2nd inversion
Ab — bass voice: E♭
What is the VI chord in C Aeolian?
The VI (Ab) is a triad built on the 6th scale degree of the C Aeolian scale. Its bass-voice character changes across inversions but the chord identity stays the same.
How do inversions affect the sound?
The chord identity (root, quality) is invariant across inversions; the bass voice changes, which shifts the harmonic 'colour' and how the chord leads to its neighbours. Inversions are the bedrock of bass-line writing and voice-leading.
When would I use this on Alto?
Pianists alternate inversions to keep the left hand moving smoothly between chords; guitarists shape voicings around fingering ergonomics; bowed strings and winds typically play individual chord tones across a section. Try all inversions above and listen for the one that fits your current passage.
Why are there only three inversions for a triad?
A triad has three notes (root, third, fifth) — there are only three distinct bass voices to choose from. Seventh chords add a fourth note, so they get a fourth (third) inversion as well.
How is this notated?
Each inversion engraves at the instrument's default display octave. The bass voice (the lowest note in each card above) tells you which inversion is which — root in the bass means root position; third in the bass means first inversion; and so on.