Accidentals
Figured Bass Accidentals If a chord needs an accidental, a flat, sharp or natural sign is added as a figure. It is either written next to the number it applies …
Continuation Lines
In figured bass, a horizontal line shows that the same chord continues. It is called a “continuation line”. Compare these two examples: In A, a different chord would be needed …
5/3, 6/3 and 6/4
5/3 – Root Position Chords 5/3 means “root position chord”, or “a” chord. We must add a 5th and a 3rd above the bass note to make a complete chord. …
Figured Bass
Figured Bass – Introduction Figured bass is a 17th-18th century system for notating improvised chords, which is used in modern times as a tool for music theory and analysis (so, …
SATB Decoration
Here is an SATB hymn tune Pansies, Lilies, Roses which is not decorated: To make it a little more rhythmically and melodically interesting, we can add unaccented passing notes between …
SATB Voice Leading
The four voices in SATB writing have different characteristics. In fact, 4-part music has three separate layers. The topmost layer is the tune, found in the soprano part. The lowest …
SATB Doubling, Omissions & Spacing
Doubling When a three-note chord is used in four-part harmony, one of the triad notes must be used twice. This is called “doubling” a note. The doubled note can …
SATB Harmony
Introduction to SATB Harmony Chords are often written for four separate voices, parts or instruments, because a 4-note chord makes a richer sounding chord than a three-note chord. This is …
Q1a | Chords to Accompany a Melody
Writing Chords to Accompany a Melody The first question in the ABRSM grade 6 theory paper asks you to provide a chord progression for a given melody. You are given …
Consecutive 5ths and Octaves
When two parts form a harmonic interval of a perfect 5th, this should not normally be followed by another perfect 5th between the same two parts, in Classical harmony. This …