As with figured bass symbols for triads, these symbols may be shortened; they will measure the interval of the
bass note to the root and the bass note to the seventh of the chord. Memorize and use these numbers.
(Note: Figured bass symbols are modified for minor keys; this subject is beyond the scope of this book.)
Exercise 5
Draw inversions for dominant seventh chords. Label the key and the figured bass symbols. Your instructor may
also ask for the chord symbols (for example, F7).
Exercise 6
Identify the root and figured bass symbols for the following dominant seventh chords. Reminder: in an inversion,
the root of the chord is the upper note of the interval of the second.
Example 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
F^4(^3) _____
378
Figured bass: 7 6
5
4
3
4 or 2
Chord symbols: F7 F7/A F7/C F7/Eb
(Used in popular music)
2
MODULE 15
AM: 7 6
5
4
3
4 or 2
Chord symbols:
E7 E7/G# E7/B E7/D
Example 1.
&
2