How to Realize Simple Figured Bass - Music Theory

[@MusicMattersGB]

Learn Music Online - Check out our courses here! www.mmcourses.co.uk/courses

[@Dave-nm8uk]

Interesting - though do I need this much pain? I tried to process your example, but it's still WIP - work in process. I did also try to play what I worked out on our piano. Doable, but I wouldn't be able to do it on the fly. A couple of points. First it doesn't always seem obvious how the RNA lines up with the figured bass. I think that it can be calculated - for first inversion chords - by adding 6 to the scale degree of the root note. Thus a G root in B flat is scale degree 6, so the result is 12 which corresponds to a IV. An A root is scale degree 7 giving a total of 13 - corresponding to a V. Another way is to subtract 2, but if the result is less than 1 add another 8. I'm going to have to work at this - might take me a little while. I'll probably come up with a table which will make this obvious. That will either confirm or deny what I've calculated so far. I'm still not quite sure if exactly the same calulations apply to second inversion chords. The second point regards how to play "in real time". I figured that I can work things out in advance, but that might result in harmonising both the LH and RH parts together. Was it perhaps more normal to simply focus on the LH part and treat the RH part as a pure melody? Maybe more advanced players found they could actually process both parts together.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Best to keep it simple. Just count intervals above the bass line according to the numbers

[@Dave-nm8uk]

@@MusicMattersGB For playing is it really just a "simple" physical thing on a keyboard? Maybe it is easy to do that - the chord patterns might be straightforward enough. I did actually produce a kind of table for the second inversions as well - and indeed it does look as the though the "algorithm" is different. I might find a way to post a link to the tables.

[@MusicMattersGB]

You soon get used to reading the figures and playing them.

[@Nguyenducky]

Thanks!

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀😀

[@jayducharme]

Very clearly explained (as always). Thanks! I never quite understood this before.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Glad it’s useful

[@PijanitsaVode]

They (performers, profs, musicologists) usually don't stress the principles. 1 that it imposes the bass notes / the bass voice leading 2 and that it reasons up from there None of my contacts have sufficiently articulated that. So for us reasoning from the actual name of the chord and its inversion, it's a kind of reverse-engineering gymnastics (and easier to handle after memorizing the catalogue of codes).

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@bobcosmic]

Plainly explained as an introduction to the wonderful world of figured bass !

[@MusicMattersGB]

Glad it’s helpful

[@Nguyenducky]

This explains something that I have seen many times but has no one to ask. Thanks for a great lesson.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Glad it’s helpful.

[@muziksculp2r]

Thanks for making this very helpful video. This is an important detail that I always wanted to know more about when it came to playing figured bass . Especially for Baroque Music.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Glad it’s helpful

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Yesterday I didn't know what figured bass was. I watched another lesson by Gareth, talking about triads and sevenths. I need to learn triads before I think about sevenths, so this was a timely video. And I was able to anticipate the notes and the chords. Not as fast as he can, but I see the pattern. I've thought I wasn't ready to really dive in since I want my playing to be on a higher level, but this approach at theory intrigues me. Bigly.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Excellent. Go for it. Have a look at our Theory courses at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@rutheproppi6265]

Hello Maestro: First let me thank you with respect and gratitude over the lesson you posted. Thank you for sharing your genius with us, especially, me. I felt to tell you "how much weight you lost." All the best, please, please do not stop.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@annahcreates]

Every single one of your videos helps me so much! You are an amazing teacher and make it so easy to understand concepts I thought were so difficult before. Thank you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@Oaktreealley]

My brain melted. 😅 However i play a lot of baroque tunes as a woodwind and i finally understand why all those numbers are there in the bass line! Thanks. (I really should learn more about chords)

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s good

[@denizatalay]

This channel is great!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Thank you. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@Raffael-Tausend]

every time you greet us, i feel the urge to respond: "Hallo Garath" :)

[@MusicMattersGB]

Feel free!

[@cobalthorizon]

This lesson is so incredibly clear; thank you for that.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@JackStevenson5045]

I enjoy figured bass as well. My favorite subject to teach. great job. tip play through the bass alone first.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Good tip

[@ktkprincess]

Beautifully and clearly explained! Thank you.

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@annahcreates]

I would love more examples of figured bass! This is so helpful, and I think with more examples I'll get it.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Ok

[@georgemmbeye6304]

Great tutorial. I now understand. Thanks.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Fabulous. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@claudinejames7731]

This really helps with improv, even in Jazz! Thanks

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@varman1983]

Wonderful explanation, I figured out the Figured Bass now😊

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@surskitty2618]

I've only just started, so I like the thorough explanation of figured bass since I'm following through into partimento study in the ways Gjerdingen's been reviving. I don't play a keyboard though I do play a lever harp which can play chords and has a range comparable to the keyboard, but still uncertain about the extent to which one can advance in this on a harp as opposed to a piano..

[@MusicMattersGB]

All perfectly possible

[@rutheproppi6265]

Maestro: at the time set at 3:22 you state that C Note is in the Bass - the Fifth G Note above it and third the E Note above the C in the Bass. Question: I am a bit confused in the notes presented in the "keyboard." I understand the C Note is in the Bass part of the keyboard "please inform the location of the C Note in the Bass (is this C Note 8 notes down from Middle C). Then you have the G Note the fifth (does the G Note go on the Treble Staff) or does it stay below Middle C. Then the E Note the third (does the E Note go on the Treble Cleff or the Bass). I am a bit confused by the location of notes (G Note E Note) above the Bass. I was tutored that the Bass is below the Middle C. Please, when you can catch a second, please explain. Your video is dynamite, it does help much. Thank you, R

[@MusicMattersGB]

In Figured Bass if, for example you have a 5/3 chord with C in the Bass, 5 above is G and 3 above is E. This gives you the chord. As long as C remains in the Bass you can have any arrangement of CEG above the Bass that you choose in any order and in any octave.

[@xanblacq]

Thank you for this. You've explained it beautifully.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@FondueBrothers]

Your videos are always clear and informative. A few things confuse me a little bit. When spelling out a (triad) chord, in root position, I would say Root, Third and Fifth. So logically, I would have thought it should be named a 3-5 chord, but you say 5-3. The same with a 3-6 and 4-6 chords. Also it would appear that in the Figured Bass system, the top two notes can be in any order, so a C major chord in root position could be C-E-F or C-F-E. confusing!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Yes the notes can be presented in any order above the bass to promote maximum flexibility. The convention is always to mention the highest number first and work down to the lowest number.

[@sweetiekjj]

Mercy. You have no idea what a GOD-sent blessing you are. I wish you taught me theory in College.

[@MusicMattersGB]

You’re very kind. Much more to assist you at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@chretienrisley7853]

What about avoiding parallel octaves and fifths and a few of those other rules ? And sometimes making the tenor and alto the same voice ?

[@MusicMattersGB]

Ideally observe the rules but if you’re trying to play figured bass get going and refine things later.

[@JSMatteson]

Thank you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@galacticvortex6506]

Thank you so much! 🎉

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@BallJoinedWing]

bless this man

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind

[@TechnoRaabe]

Could you do a video on various descending and ascending suspensions? I can't find much information on ascending ones, but I think they are used pretty often in baroque music. Or maybe they are just ascending episodes, but I guess they use well known chord progressions or basslines as well.

[@MusicMattersGB]

7-8 is the most common, often used in conjunction with 4-3 and 9-8.

[@Andy-mo4uk]

Hello, can I ask what is the difference between playing octaves, thirds or fifts position?

[@MusicMattersGB]

Are you asking about chord positions or harmonic intervals in melodic lines?

[@pouryahanzaleyadni9076]

Hi I just watch your amazing video about neapolitan chord and I have question about it: 1.we can only use this chord on ii in major scale? Or we can use it on another chord in major scales and 2.how can we use this in minor scale?

[@MusicMattersGB]

It normally appears on flat 2 in either a major or a minor scale.

[@pouryahanzaleyadni9076]

@@MusicMattersGB thank you so much❤

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@trevorcollins25]

I’ve known about how to read and understand this concept, but while watching this I thought of something I hadn’t before. In your example you used Diatonic chords. But what if you want to play a chromatic chord, like minor iv? Would you use the same figured bass as the Diatonic chord but with a flat symbol in front the number that the third of the chord note would go? And at that, would you not be able to abbreviate in root position so you can add a flat the 3? Thanks.

[@MusicMattersGB]

You’ve got it. We can indicate any chord alteration by adding accidentals to numbers. If you simply place a flat on its own that always refers to the 3rd.

[@trevorcollins25]

@@MusicMattersGB great thanks for the info. And again, great job with the video!! Just curious, have you ever made any videos regarding Jazz harmony? I’m huge into Big Band Swing, but every time I try to find info on harmonizing a melody, it seems all the videos I watch just talk about the 7th Chords and the ii-V-I progression. I understand all that, but I can’t seem to find anything that sounds proper to my ears with the melodies I come up with. Any suggestions?

[@MusicMattersGB]

We’ve made some lead sheet videos that may be helpful

[@trevorcollins25]

@@MusicMattersGB I’ll look into them. Thanks.

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@gwendolynkaren5933]

04:44 I can't see. You said I can see how that's first inversion. I need more work

[@MusicMattersGB]

First inversion is when the middle note of the basic chord is the lowest sounding note

[@gwendolynkaren5933]

@@MusicMattersGB 💡💡💡💡💡♥️😁👍

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@indradhanush5444]

Sir.. First inversion is. CEG.. That's ok But when you take.. Second Inv. I think it becomes... EGC Iam confused.. How it becomes... Different in second inv.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Root position of that chord has C at the bottom. First inversion has E at the bottom. Second inversion has G at the bottom.

[@indradhanush5444]

@@MusicMattersGB thankyou very much for your time sir. Iam searching for.. Partimento lessons.. Is their any course available sir.. Plz guide me ..... Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@MusicMattersGB]

@indradhanush5444 We haven’t yet got a course but we will do one in due course.

[@indradhanush5444]

@@MusicMattersGB thank you sir.. Waiting ⏳

[@MusicMattersGB]

@indradhanush5444 😀

[@the_eternal_student]

Sight-reading figured bass might be a daunting undertaking for me, but I hope you can successfully persuade your viewers to keep the practice alive.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Well worth working at

[@Lucius_Chiaraviglio]

Just one problem: I keep hearing of Roman numerals in the video, but didn't see a single one. All of the numerals shown are Arabic (actually Western Arabic), although they are the default digits in what you will see named as Latin characters on a computer.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Absolutely correct, which is what we mean by Roman Numerals.

[@geraldedwards5762]

Wow... this was something I had read in theory books but didn't really understand what it was.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Hopefully it now makes more sense.

[@geraldedwards5762]

@@MusicMattersGB I have given up any hope of learning to play an actual instrument... but yes, it does explain a concept I was confused about. Thank you.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Excellent

[@LoveLifeG]

You look alot more tone than before, how did you loose so much weight? Was it ketogenic dietary lifestyle or did you go on a raw fruit fast?

[@MusicMattersGB]

Just more exercise and more sensible eating

[@unknownkingdom]

I thought they didnt improvise in classical music. Guess that isnt true

[@MusicMattersGB]

In figured bass the player has a lot of freedom to improvise around the given chord scheme.

[@Kristimilaa]

Figured bass is the devil

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀