Figured bass is a musical notation system used in the Baroque period to indicate the harmonies that should be played above a given bass note. It consists of numbers and symbols written below or above the bass line.
Think of figured bass as a musical GPS. Just like how a GPS guides you with specific directions, figured bass guides musicians by providing them with precise instructions on which harmonies to play.
Harmonic Progression: A series of chords played in succession that creates movement and tension within a piece of music.
Inversion: When the notes of a chord are rearranged so that a different note becomes the lowest pitch.
Cadence: A sequence of chords or notes that brings a sense of resolution or conclusion to a musical phrase.
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