Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is figured bass in music? It was a musical shorthand used by harpsichord and organ performers during the Baroque period. However, its influence is still felt today, because it’s at the heart of most college level classical music theory classes. Keep reading to learn what it is and how it works.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
What Is Figured Bass?
The New Harvard Dictionary of Music says this of the figure bass:
A bass part to which Arabic numbers (“figures”) have been added… The strict realization in four parts of figured bass is a regular feature of instruction in harmony… (305)
In other words, the figured bass was a notation system for keyboard players during the Baroque period (1600 to 1750 AD).
- It gets its name because the bassline (the lowest music part) had numbers, or figures, that told the harpsichordist what chords to play.
- It’s roughly equivalent in function to the chord symbols found in contemporary piano/guitar/vocal sheet music which allows chordal instruments (e.g., guitar, banjo, mandolin, and keyboard) to “comp” chords.
- The process of creating a harmonic accompaniment from the figures bass is called “realizing the harmony”.
How Does Figured Bass Work?
You’ll find the figures below the staff (usually the bass staff):
- If there is no figure, then the triad is in root position.
- If there is a figure 6 the triad is a first inversion chord. Having a figure 6 over a figure 4 is a second inversion triad.
- There are even more figures for seventh chords and various ornaments.
This example shows you what the figured bass looks like:
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
This is one possible realization:
Figured bass soundtrack:
In the realization I have the Roman numeral analysis below the staff and the modern chords symbols above the staff.
To learn more about figured bass for the keyboard:
Final Thoughts on “What Is Figured Bass in Music?”
Takeaway points:
- Figured bass was a notation system for keyboard players during the Baroque period.
- It gets its name because the bassline had figures that told the harpsichordist what chords to play.
- You’ll find the figures below the bass staff.
Symphony Meaning: Definition, Videos, and a Quick Guide
Do you want to know the symphony definition and meaning? Would you like a quick guide on where to start listening? The orchestra has a rich history spanning hundreds of years with tons of fun pieces to listen to and enjoy. Keep reading “Symphony Meaning: Definition, Videos, and a Quick Guide” to dip your toes in the orchestral waters. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
Why Do Pianists Occasionally Play Their Hands at Different Times as They Perform
Are you confused by the squiggly lines in the score? Have you ever wondered, “Why do pianists occasionally play their hands at different times as they perform?” Answer: because it makes the music sound sophisticated and plays an important stylistic role in piano music. Click if you’d like to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Do You Need Help Learning How to Harmonize?
Have you ever marveled at how some people can easily sing with a beautiful tone? Do you need help learning how to harmonize in tune? Good news! Vocal harmonizing can be learned, and the sing-along soundtracks will help. Click to find out how it works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
How Do I Organize a Recital Concert?
Are you a music teacher? Are you organizing your first music recital? Whether you’re doing a classical recital, Christmas piano recital, a mini recital, or a chamber music recital, these musical recitals will all be organized basically the same way with just a few variations. Read more to answer the question, “How do I organize a recital concert?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More