In some cases, Roman numerals denote scale degrees themselves. More commonly, however, they represent the chord whose root note is that scale degree.
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Common practice numerals.
Symbol | Meaning | Examples |
---|---|---|
Superscript number | Added note | V7 |
Two or more numbers(#-#) | Figured bass notation | V4–3 |
- How do you notate figured bass?
- How do you label chords with Roman numerals?
- What do figured bass symbols represent?
How do you notate figured bass?
How to Read and Write Figured Bass
- If the bass note is the root of a Seventh chord, then there is a “7” written below it.
- If the bass note is the 3rd of a Seventh chord, then there is a “6 5” written below it.
- If the bass note is the 5th of a Seventh chord, then there is a “4 3” written below it.
How do you label chords with Roman numerals?
The numeral indicates the scale degree (scale step) of the root of the chord. The format of the roman numeral indicates the chord quality, as follows: In major keys, I, IV, and V are major; ii, iii, and vi are minor; and the leading tone chord is diminished.
What do figured bass symbols represent?
Figured bass symbols indicate intervals above the bass. They come from the old practice of thorough bass: composers wrote bass line and figures. The part was played by the cello player and the keyboard (continuo) player who realized the chords, filling in the harmonies.