All Flashcards
What is a chord inversion?
Rearranging chord notes so the bass note is not the root.
Define 'root position'.
The root of the chord is in the bass.
What is figured bass?
Shorthand notation using Arabic numerals to indicate chord inversions.
What does 'realizing a figured bass' mean?
Filling in the upper voices of the basso continuo.
What are lead sheet symbols?
Letter names and abbreviations to denote chords.
What is basso continuo?
A bass line that uses figured bass, played by a bass instrument and keyboard.
What does a slash (/) in figured bass indicate?
The pitch denoted by that figure should be raised a half step.
What does an accidental to the left of a figure in figured bass mean?
It alters the corresponding note. If alone, it alters the third above the bass.
Define '1st inversion'.
The third of the chord is in the bass.
Define '2nd inversion'.
The fifth of the chord is in the bass.
In figured bass, what do Roman numerals represent?
The chord's function in the key.
What is the figured bass for a root position chord?
Usually no figures, or 5/3. Often just the Roman numeral.
What is the figured bass for a 1st inversion chord?
Typically written as 6.
What is the figured bass for a 2nd inversion chord?
Typically written as 6/4.