Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Trio Sonata in F major (A. Corelli)

6 6 5 6 5 6 7 6 7 6 7 5 6 n

4 3 n 5

Constructing and Identifying Triads Using Figured Bass Symbols

Figured bass symbols are numbers (“figures”) that represent the intervals created above a bass (or “bottom”)
note. Here, the root of the triad is G.

Atriad in root positionconsists of a fifth and a third above the lowest note.

Atriad in first inversionconsists of a sixth and a third above the lowest note.

Atriad in second inversionconsists of a sixth and a fourth above the lowest

note.

Figured bass:

Figured bass:

Figured bass:

5 3 6 3 6 4

(^53)
(^63)
6 4
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Aharpsichordist (most popular keyboard instrument during seventeenth and eighteenth centuries) used these figured bass symbols
to improvise above a given bass line (called “realizing” a figured bass). This is similar to a jazz performer today using chord
symbols/progressions to improvise.
Historical Note: Figured bass
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