AP Music Theory Flashcards: Chord Inversions and Figures: Introduction to Figured Bass
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What three pieces of information are used to identify a chord in musical analysis?
Chords are identified using letters and Roman/Arabic numerals that indicate the scale degree of the root, the chord's quality, and the bass note.
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What three pieces of information are used to identify a chord in musical analysis?
Chords are identified using letters and Roman/Arabic numerals that indicate the scale degree of the root, the chord's quality, and the bass note.
Define a first inversion chord.
A first inversion occurs when the chordal third appears in the bass.
What is a chord in root position?
A chord is in root position when the chordal root appears in the bass.
Define a second inversion chord.
A second inversion occurs when the chordal fifth appears in the bass.
What are chord inversions?
Chord inversions result when chord members other than the root, such as the third or fifth, appear in the bass.
After realizing a figured bass, what is the final analytical step?
The final step is to provide a Roman numeral analysis of the completed harmonic progression.
What is the primary purpose of using Roman numerals when analyzing a figured bass?
Roman numerals are used to indicate the harmonic progression that is implied by the figured bass line.
What information do the Arabic numerals in a figured bass convey?
The Arabic numerals, or figures, denote pitches at specific intervals above each given bass note, which implies the harmony.
What does it mean to "realize" a figured bass line?
To realize a figured bass line is to complete a four-part harmonic progression based on the given bass notes and figures.
How do Roman numerals and figured bass work together?
The figures imply harmonies based on intervals above the bass, and Roman numerals are then applied to analyze the harmonic progression.