16
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How can I distinguish between a full 7th chord and a 7th chord without a 5th in figured bass?
Traditionally, this isn't specified. A single "7" in the figures could be performed either complete (with the chordal fifth) or incomplete (without).
Rarely, though, the figures can specify ...
- 83.2k
10
votes
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Modern convention for writing raised sixth in figured bass?
I've checked three sources.
C.P.E. Bach's Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a public domain English translation (you might be able to ...
- 20.5k
10
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A 3/3 figured bass
Typically, a root-position triad has nothing in the figured bass; if the text is really specific, it will provide "5 3" as the figures. But in this case, they've taken it one step further: they ...
- 83.2k
8
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Do incomplete chords get roman numerals in harmonic analysis?
No, not all three notes of a triad must be present for it to be given a Roman numeral.
Common practice requires at least two pitches to be present to recognize it as a triad: the root, so that we know ...
- 83.2k
8
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For a first-inversion major V in a minor key, is the figured bass just a 6?
The figures show intervals relative to the given bass note. Unaltered figures generally mean the diatonic pitch at that interval. Therefore, for example, in a piece in A minor, whether the bass is G ...
- 17.9k
8
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How can I distinguish between a full 7th chord and a 7th chord without a 5th in figured bass?
It really depends on the context since there is no standard way to denote this. In a harmony class, you should ask your teacher which kind of notation they would find acceptable for the omission of ...
- 1,643
7
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Did continuo players consider figured bass as "interval symbols" or "chord symbols"?
Part of the problem is what is meant by the term "chord." It's tricky to interpret the occurrence of that word (and synonyms in other languages) from the 17th and 18th centuries, as there ...
- 12.3k
7
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Function of augmented-fifth in figured bass
If you also look at the 5th bar...
...the 5+ figure is used again.
If the bass were unfigured, both of the chords could be 6 or 6/5 chords, some kind of dominant harmony.
I think the editor may be ...
- 54.1k
7
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Do incomplete chords get roman numerals in harmonic analysis?
I would add the Roman numeral if there is an implied harmony. The 5th is such a strong fundamental (acoustically speaking) that it is still perceived by the listener even if it is not written in the ...
- 951
7
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For a first-inversion major V in a minor key, is the figured bass just a 6?
Since figured bass shows the intervals above the bass, it only shows chromatic alterations for intervals above the bass. As such, if the only chromatic pitch is itself the note in the bass, there's no ...
- 83.2k
6
votes
is this F 6'9 chord a figured bass or a chord extension?
69 chords are chords in their own right. They are major triad, with M6 and M9 added. So F69 comprises F A C D G. 9th chords generally are expected to include a 7th of some kind, unless they're 'add9' ...
- 186k
6
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Who has brought up the English term **figured bass** for thorough bass?
I don't think it is a "misunderstanding" at all. It is just the fact that the English word "thorough" has changed its meaning over time. The original meaning only survives in a few compound words like ...
- 61
6
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Confused on figured bass in minor
The last chord shows the notes: G, A, E, C#.
If we rearrange these into a stack of thirds, we get: A, C#, E, G.
This is a dominant seventh chord: A7.
But, as the note G is in the bass it is: A7/G....
- 11.3k
6
votes
What does a "2" on top of a figured bass exercise mean?
These numbers indicate what we call octave designation, which these authors discuss in their chapter on key/scale/modes (depending on what edition of the book you have, these chapters may be separated)...
- 83.2k
6
votes
How to write a double sharp in a figured bass symbol
You can write it exactly as you've done it! Double accidentals in figured bass are rare, but they do happen; see Can we use double accidentals in figured bass?
Another option would be to replace the &...
- 83.2k
5
votes
Accepted
Figured bass 52?
Remember that figured bass tells you the intervals up above the bass pitch. With that in mind, the 5/2 above the B♭ suggests C (that's the 2) and F (that's the 5).
Unfortunately for us, B♭ C F isn't ...
- 83.2k
5
votes
Abbreviations for dominant seventh chords
A big part of it has to do with the abbreviations for triads, which are traditionally taught before the figured bass for seventh chords.
(By the way: this whole process is called "figured bass," and ...
- 83.2k
5
votes
7th chord notation confusion
The symbol is Roman numeral analysis with figured bass which is more than enough information to build the specific chord. It is telling you that the harmony at that point is a minor 7th (from the ...
Dom♦
- 47.3k
5
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What is the basso continuo numbering of the inversions of a dominant seventh chord?
It's just basic figured bass which on the V chord in a major key would look like:
Root position: V7
First inversion: V65
Second inversion: V43
Third inversion: V42
The above is attached to a Roman ...
Dom♦
- 47.3k
5
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How can I learn thoroughbass?
There are several texts that are readable. One is available on IMSLP: https://imslp.org/wiki/Thorough-Bass_Made_Easy_(Pasquali%2C_Nicolo)
Arnold's two volume set is available from Dover so not too ...
- 24.4k
5
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How can I learn thoroughbass?
As someone who is currently learning to play from figured bass on the harpsichord, I can recommend starting with the book "Continuo Playing According to Handel: His figured bass exercises" ...
- 361
5
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What does an isolated horizontal dash mean in figured bass notation
Figured bass written when it was a living notation is often not so neatly formalized as modern figured bass used as a teaching aid for learning common practice harmony.
Also, most music editions ...
- 66
5
votes
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Can you solve these figured bass queries?
Just a few quick clarifications to onto Aaron's answer.
BAR 5
In many historical figured bass practices, accidentals were sparingly used with figures and only when absolutely necessary. In fact, ...
- 12.3k
5
votes
Do incomplete chords get roman numerals in harmonic analysis?
Figured bass and Roman numeral analysis are two separate things.
In figured bass, each interval above the given bass is specified. A chord that features an octave and a third above the bass would be ...
- 75.4k
5
votes
How can I distinguish between a full 7th chord and a 7th chord without a 5th in figured bass?
Chord notation systems, including figured bass, leave room for interpretation. It lets the performer or the arranger to interpret the composition their own way. In order to specify the exact notes to ...
- 14.5k
4
votes
How can I learn thoroughbass?
For myself and others a list of terms...
figured bass: a system to represent chords, synonymous with 'thorough bass'
basso continuo : executing a figured bass
partimenti : figured bass exercises to ...
- 54.1k
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