25 Less Common Symbols in Figured Bass
Liz Pauly
Key Takeaways
While the numbers in figured bass typically indicate intervals above the bass note, they sometimes mean something else. The most common alternative meaning specifies what chord factors should be doubled.
Doubling the Third
Figure 1 3 over 3
In this first example (Figure 1), most of the symbols are typical. But notice the symbol that has been circled – a 3 over a 3.
Unlike the more common type of figured bass, where the numbers indicate an interval or intervals above the bass note, numbers that don’t seem to follow the typical figured bass system patterns are frequently root position chords where the numbers are used to indicate which chord factors should be included. In the above example, this chord is in root position. The 3 indicates that the third of the chord should be played, and the additional 3 indicates that this 3rd should be doubled. To realize this chord, the performer would need to play the chord in root position, and double the third of the chord. You could also think of this as two 3rds above the bass note.
Doubling the Octave and Omitting the Fifth
Figure 2 8,7 and 3 stacked
The second example (Figure 2) is even a bit more challenging. This symbol contains an 8, 7 and 3 stacked on top of each other. In this figure, the most important aspect is the fact that there is a 7, indicating that this is a 7th chord.
The remaining numbers, much like in the first example, specify which notes should be played – the 3 indicating the third of the chord, and the 8 indicating that the root should be doubled. To realize this chord, the performer would need to double the root, and play the third and the seventh. They would omit the fifth of this chord, since this is four-part writing.
