# Chord Inversions & Figured Bass, Music theory

First, second, third inversions and Baroque continuo

A chord is not always in root position, and the difference matters enormously for voice leading and bass motion. This module covers all chord inversions, figured bass notation, and how Baroque continuo players in Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach realized these harmonies.

Intermediate · 5 lessons · approximately 100 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Diatonic Harmony & Roman Numeral Analysis](/learn/theory/diatonic-harmony), Chord functions, harmonic rhythm, and voice leading basics

## What this module covers
1. **First Inversion Chords**, The third in the bass, lighter, less stable, voice-leading gold (20 min)
2. **Second Inversion Chords**, The fifth in the bass, the cadential 6/4 and its rules (20 min)
3. **Seventh Chord Inversions**, All four inversions of the dominant seventh and beyond (20 min)
4. **Figured Bass Notation**, The shorthand that powered Baroque harmony (20 min)
5. **Baroque Continuo in String Repertoire**, How cello and harpsichord realized harmony in Vivaldi and Bach (20 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free note-reading practice](/tools/note-reading), Check note names in the clef you are studying before adding instrumental technique.

## What comes next
- [Secondary Dominants & Applied Chords](/learn/theory/secondary-dominants), Tonicization, V/V, and the emotional color of applied harmony

## Where should I start with chord inversions & figured bass?
The curriculum places Diatonic Harmony & Roman Numeral Analysis before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “First Inversion Chords”: The third in the bass, lighter, less stable, voice-leading gold. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the chord inversions & figured bass module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 100 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with first, second, third inversions and baroque continuo. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The chord inversions & figured bass description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the music theory curriculum](/learn/theory)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/theory/chord-inversions