Glossary
'+' (in Lead Sheet Symbols)
In lead sheet symbols, a plus sign indicates an augmented chord.
Example:
'C+' uses the '+' symbol to denote a C augmented triad.
'°' (in Lead Sheet Symbols)
In lead sheet symbols, a degree symbol indicates a diminished chord.
Example:
'B°' uses the '°' symbol to denote a B diminished triad.
1st Inversion
A chord inversion where the third of the chord is the lowest note (bass note).
Example:
A C major chord played as E-G-C is in 1st inversion.
2nd Inversion
A chord inversion where the fifth of the chord is the lowest note (bass note).
Example:
A C major chord played as G-C-E is in 2nd inversion.
Accidentals (in Figured Bass)
Symbols (♭, ♯, ♮) placed to the left of a figured bass numeral to alter the corresponding note, or alone to alter the third above the bass.
Example:
A ♯ placed next to a '6' in figured bass means the note a sixth above the bass should be sharp, using an accidental.
Arabic numerals (in Figured Bass)
Numbers (like 6, 6/4, 5/3) placed below the bass line in figured bass to represent intervals above the bass note.
Example:
The '6' in a I⁶ chord in figured bass is an Arabic numeral indicating a first inversion.
Bass note
The lowest sounding note in a chord or musical texture.
Example:
In a C major chord (C-E-G), C is the bass note if it's in root position.
Basso Continuo
A Baroque performance practice where a bass instrument plays the bass line and a keyboard instrument improvises chordal accompaniment based on figured bass.
Example:
A cello and harpsichord performing together in a Baroque sonata would typically form the basso continuo.
Capital Letter (in Lead Sheet Symbols)
In lead sheet symbols, a capital letter indicates the root of the chord and often implies a major triad unless otherwise specified.
Example:
The 'G' in 'G7' is a capital letter indicating the root of the chord.
Chord Inversions
Rearranging the notes of a chord so that the bass note (the lowest note) is not the root.
Example:
Playing a C major chord as E-G-C means you're using a chord inversion.
Closed position (in Figured Bass context)
Refers to the arrangement of upper chord tones as close together as possible, typically within an octave, when interpreting figured bass.
Example:
When realizing a figured bass, you'd arrange the upper notes of a C major chord (C-E-G) as E-G-C in closed position above the bass.
Figured Bass
A shorthand notation used in the Baroque era to indicate chord inversions and harmonies using Arabic numerals below a bass line.
Example:
A composer might write a G bass note with a '6' below it, indicating a G major chord in figured bass 1st inversion.
Lead Sheet Symbols
A modern shorthand notation using letter names and abbreviations to denote chords, commonly found in jazz and popular music.
Example:
The symbol 'Cmaj7' is a lead sheet symbol for a C major seventh chord.
Lead Sheets
Simplified musical scores containing a melody, lyrics, and chord symbols, providing a flexible framework for improvisation.
Example:
A jazz musician might play from a lead sheet that only shows the melody and chord changes.
Lowercase 'm' (in Lead Sheet Symbols)
In lead sheet symbols, a lowercase 'm' (or 'min') indicates a minor chord.
Example:
'Dm' uses a lowercase 'm' to show it's a D minor chord.
Realizing a figured bass
The process of filling in the upper voices of a basso continuo part based on the given figured bass numerals.
Example:
A keyboardist would be realizing a figured bass by improvising chords above a written bass line with numbers.
Roman Numerals
Symbols (I, ii, V, etc.) used to denote the function of a chord within a specific key.
Example:
In C major, the G major chord is represented by the Roman numeral V.
Root Position
A chord inversion where the root of the chord is the lowest note (bass note).
Example:
A C major chord played as C-E-G is in root position.
Seventh Chords (in Lead Sheet Symbols context)
Chords consisting of a triad plus a seventh, often indicated in lead sheets by adding a '7' or specific abbreviations (e.g., maj7, min7, dom7).
Example:
'Cmaj7' is a seventh chord symbol in a lead sheet.
Slash (/) or Plus Sign (+) (in Figured Bass)
Symbols used in figured bass to indicate that the pitch denoted by the corresponding figure should be raised a half step.
Example:
A '6+' in figured bass means the note a sixth above the bass should be raised, using a slash (/) or plus sign (+) for alteration.