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 advice in these lessons, you should be able to figure a bass line so that it closely matches the ABRSM’s model answers. Each point below will be explained in full in the following lessons.
- You will be given a complete bass line and melody line.
- The notes are written out in “piano” style, i.e. the stems of the notes obey the normal rules for piano music, rather than an SATB stave.
- A few chords at the beginning will already be figured. Asterisks are then placed under each bass note to show you where you need to add a figured bass symbol.
- You need to understand how figures work, and the rules of harmony.
- You need to discover the tonality of the piece: what key is starts in, and what other keys it modulates through.
- You should work out which chords (including the inversion) fit the chord notes.
- When more than one chord fits, you should pick the most likely chord.
- The harmonic “vocabulary” which you are expected to use (i.e. which chords) comprises all the primary triads (I, V, IV), and the secondary triads II, III, VI and VII.
- In addition, you will probably have to use V7 and possibly II7. Other 7th chords might crop up, but V and II are the most common.
- You might need to include suspensions.
- If there is a harmonic sequence, you are advised to follow it.