#Music Theory Study Guide: Chord Inversions, Figured Bass, and Lead Sheets

Welcome! This guide is designed to help you confidently navigate chord inversions, figured bass, and lead sheet symbols. Let's get started!

#Chord Inversions: Rearranging the Notes

• Root Position: The root of the chord is in the bass. Think of it as the 'home base' of the chord.
• Inversions: When a note other than the root is in the bass, we have an inversion.
  • 1st Inversion: The third of the chord is in the bass.
  • 2nd Inversion: The fifth of the chord is in the bass.

Caption: Visual representation of chord inversions. Note how the bass note changes in each inversion.

#Figured Bass: The Baroque Code

• It uses Arabic numerals below the bass line to represent intervals above the bass note.
• It was crucial for improvisation and understanding harmonies in the Baroque period.

#How Figured Bass Works

• The numbers indicate the intervals above the bass note in a closed position (notes as close as possible).
• Root Position: Usually no figures are written, or it is written as 5/3. Often just the Roman numeral is used (e.g., I).
• 1st Inversion: Typically written as a 6 (e.g., I⁶). The 3 is usually omitted.
• 2nd Inversion: Typically written as 6/4 (e.g., I^6/4).

#Figured Bass in Practice

• Roman Numerals + Arabic Numerals: Combine Roman numerals (for the chord's function in the key) with Arabic numerals (for the inversion).

Caption: Example of figured bass notation with Roman numerals.

#Alterations in Figured Bass

• Slash (/) or Plus Sign (+): Indicates that the pitch denoted by that figure should be raised a half step.
• Accidentals (♭, ♯, ♮): Placed to the left of a figure, they alter the corresponding note. If alone, they alter the third above the bass.

Caption: Examples of alterations in figured bass notation.

#Basso Continuo: The Foundation

• A bass instrument (e.g., cello) plays the bass line.
• A keyboard instrument (e.g., harpsichord) provides chordal accompaniment based on the figured bass.
• Realizing a figured bass means filling in the upper voices of the basso continuo.

#Lead Sheet Symbols: Modern Shorthand

• Capital Letter: Indicates the root of the chord (e.g., G for G major).
• Lowercase 'm': Indicates a minor chord (e.g., Dm for D minor).
• '+': Indicates an augmented chord (e.g., E+ for E augmented).
• '°': Indicates a diminished chord (e.g., F#° for F# diminished).
• Seventh Chords: Use combinations like Mm, mM, etc.

Caption: Examples of lead sheet symbols.

#Lead Sheets in Practice

• Simplified versions of music with melody, lyrics, and chords.
• Common in jazz and popular music.
• Provide a flexible framework for improvisation.

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• Root Position: Think of it as the 'base' or 'foundation' of the chord.
• Inversions: Imagine the notes 'flipping' over, with a different note landing on the bottom.
• Figured Bass: Visualize the numbers as 'intervals above the bass'.

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• Confusing the bass note with the root of the chord.
• Misinterpreting figured bass symbols, especially alterations.
• Forgetting that inversions depend on the bass note, not the order of the upper notes.

#🦜 Polly's Progress Check Answer

For a 2nd-inversion subdominant chord in the key of F:

• Figured Bass: IV^6/4
• Chord Spelling: Bb - Eb - G

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Chord Inversions: Be able to identify and write chords in root position, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion.
• Figured Bass: Understand how to interpret and write figured bass symbols, including alterations.
• Basso Continuo: Know its role and how to realize a figured bass.
• Lead Sheet Symbols: Be familiar with common chord symbols and their meanings.

#Common Question Types

• Identifying chord inversions from notation.
• Writing figured bass for given chords.
• Realizing a figured bass line.
• Analyzing chord progressions using Roman numerals and figured bass.
• Interpreting lead sheet symbols.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Quickly scan questions and prioritize those you know well.
• Double-Check: Ensure you've correctly identified the bass note and applied alterations.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. You've got this!

Good luck on your exam! You are well-prepared and ready to succeed. 🚀