Question

What kind of triad is this?

Answer 1

Answer:

Minor

Second inversion

A

Explanation:

Both intervals of a root position triad are either major third or minor third.

The interval between the bottom note and middle is perfect fourth so it is not root position.  

List the notes: E, A, C

Invert the triad to root position by moving the bottom note up an octave (rotate the letters as if they are in a circle) so that they are separated by only major or minor thirds.

A, C, E

The root is the first note of a root position triad.  A

Identify what third the two intervals are.  

A - C: Minor third

C - E: Major third

A triad with a minor third followed by a major third is a minor triad.

The number of inversions from a root position triad is the position of the original triad.  

A, C, E

C, E, A

E, A, C

It took 2 inversions, so the triad is in second inversion.  

Answer 2

minor

second inversion

A