Added 9th Chords
In figured bass, the number 9 is used to show a dissonance of a 9th above the bass. The rest of the chord will be the root position chord built …
Figure 4 (Figured Bass)
Occasionally you may see the figure 4 used by itself (without a 3). You should interpret it as a suspended 4th in the normal way, as far as possible. This …
Suspensions (Figured Bass)
Suspensions The only suspension figure that might appear in Question 1 is the 4-3 [1]. The figure 4-3 shows a suspension of a 4th within a root position chord. The …
Added 7th Chords (Figured Bass)
There are four figures used for added 7th chords, one for each of the inversions. Root position 7th chords are written as 7, which is short for 7/5/3. First inversion …
Figured Bass (ABRSM Grade 7)
Introduction to Grade 7 Figured Bass Question 1 in the ABRSM grade 7 music theory exam asks you to add figures to a given bass line. If you follow the …
Harmonic Sequence with Suspensions
Here is a harmonic sequence which comprises a progression of 5ths, each with added 7th chords. It uses a series of suspensions which allow each chord to move smoothly into …
Harmonic Sequence
A harmonic sequence is a short progression of chords which is then repeated, using different chords which are the same distance apart. For example, in the progression of chords I-IV-V-I …
Arpeggio 6/4 (Alberti Bass)
The arpeggio 6-4 is another one of the few progressions where you can use a second inversion chord. (Other progressions with 6/4 chords that you should already know are the …
Analysing Harmony with Decoration Notes
Chord Notes and Non-Chord Notes When we want to know which chords are being used in a piece of music, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between …
Decoration Mistakes to Avoid
Consecutives Consecutive 5ths and octaves must be avoided between chords when you are writing traditional harmony. If the music contains melodic decoration like passing or auxiliary notes, then you also …