Pitch & Harmony
Root Note
The note that names a chord and acts as its foundation.
In plain English
The root is the reference point from which the other notes in a chord are understood. It does not always have to be the lowest note being played.
Try or listen for this
C is the root of a C major chord, even if the chord is arranged with E as its lowest note.
Why it matters
Finding roots helps musicians follow harmony, build chords, create bass lines, and hear where a progression is moving.