ABSTRACT
The bass position of a chord influences its functionality, in part because inverted chords are less stable than those in root-position. Inverted chords may be functional or prolongational—at times, they prolong a function other than that implied by their Roman numeral. A first-inversion primary triad may initiate or prolong the function for which it serves as prototype. The leading-tone triad is found in first inversion more often than in root position. Triads in second inversion are nonfunctional—and thereby prolongational—by nature. Positioning a triad in second inversion destabilizes it to the point that it loses its functional potential, so its Roman numeral will not accurately reflect its role in the musical context. There are four varieties of six-four chord: arpeggiating, neighbor, passing, and cadential. Adjacent noteheads indicate doublings, and lines trace the paths that chord tones take as the chord resolves.
