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AP Music Theory Practice Quiz: Seventh Chord Inversions and Figures

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: June 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 11 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 11

In the analysis of a seventh chord using Roman and Arabic numerals, which figures indicate a root position chord?

All Questions (11)

In the analysis of a seventh chord using Roman and Arabic numerals, which figures indicate a root position chord?

A) 7

B) 6/5

C) 4/3

D) 4/2

Correct Answer: A

The Arabic numeral '7' by itself following a Roman numeral indicates that the seventh chord is in root position, with the root of the chord in the bass.

A seventh chord is described as being in first inversion. Which Arabic numerals correctly represent this inversion?

A) 7

B) 6/5

C) 4/3

D) 4/2

Correct Answer: B

The figures '6/5' signify a first inversion seventh chord. This means the chordal third is the lowest sounding note (the bass note).

According to the principles of harmonic analysis, what specific information does the Roman numeral part of a chord symbol convey?

A) Only the inversion of the chord

B) The scale degree of the root and the quality of the chord

C) Only the bass note of the chord

D) The tempo and dynamics of the progression

Correct Answer: B

The Roman numeral indicates two key things: the scale degree on which the chord is built (e.g., V for the dominant) and the quality of the chord (e.g., uppercase for major, lowercase for minor).

A unique feature of seventh chords is the potential for a third inversion. Which member of the chord is in the bass in this inversion?

A) The root

B) The chordal third

C) The chordal fifth

D) The chordal seventh

Correct Answer: D

The provided content explicitly states that in a third inversion, 'the chordal seventh appears in the bass.' This inversion is indicated by the figures '4/2' or '2'.

If a seventh chord is labeled with the Arabic numerals '4/3', it is in which inversion?

A) Root position

B) First inversion

C) Second inversion

D) Third inversion

Correct Answer: C

The figures '4/3' indicate a second inversion seventh chord, which means the chordal fifth is in the bass.

In the key of F Major, a dominant seventh chord has its seventh in the bass. How would this chord be identified using Roman and Arabic numerals?

A) V7

B) V6/5

C) V4/3

D) V4/2

Correct Answer: D

The dominant (V) in F Major is C. The dominant seventh chord is C-E-G-Bb. The seventh of the chord is Bb. Placing the seventh in the bass creates a third inversion, which is indicated by the figures '4/2'.

What is the primary goal of analyzing a performed harmonic progression with Roman and Arabic numerals?

A) To notate the exact pitches for transcription

B) To identify the harmonic function of the chords

C) To determine the composer's intended instrumentation

D) To measure the precise rhythm of the performance

Correct Answer: B

The content states that the purpose of this analysis is to 'identify the harmonic function of chords in a performed harmonic progression,' allowing musicians to understand how chords relate to each other and the key.

A chord in a notated piece of music is identified as ii6/5 in the key of G major. Which note is in the bass?

A) A

B) C

C) E

D) G

Correct Answer: B

In G major, the supertonic (ii) is A minor. The A minor seventh chord is A-C-E-G. The figures '6/5' indicate a first inversion, meaning the chordal third (C) is in the bass.

The complete analysis of a seventh chord using Roman/Arabic numerals indicates three distinct properties. These are:

A) Root, quality, and tempo

B) Scale degree of the root, quality, and bass note

C) Bass note, key signature, and dynamics

D) Quality, inversion, and articulation

Correct Answer: B

The Roman numeral indicates the scale degree of the root and the chord's quality, while the Arabic numeral (figure) indicates the bass note, which in turn defines the inversion.

When analyzing a piece of performed music aurally, a musician identifies a seventh chord built on the subdominant of a major key with the fifth of the chord in the bass. What is the correct Roman/Arabic numeral for this chord?

A) IV7

B) IV6/5

C) IV4/3

D) V4/2

Correct Answer: C

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree (IV). A seventh chord with its fifth in the bass is in second inversion. The figures for a second inversion seventh chord are '4/3'. Therefore, the correct analysis is IV4/3.

Which set of Arabic numerals corresponds to the third inversion of a seventh chord?

A) 7

B) 6/5

C) 4/3

D) 4/2

Correct Answer: D

The figures '4/2' (sometimes abbreviated to just '2') are used to denote the third inversion of a seventh chord, where the chordal seventh is in the bass.