Figured Bass Numerals
Numerals placed above or below the bass line that specify the chords of a figured bass.
What it means
Figured bass numerals consist of Arabic numbers, occasionally combined with accidentals, written above or below the notes of a bass line. They indicate which intervals are to be played above the given bass note, thereby fixing the chord to be formed without spelling out the upper voices in full.
If no figures are given at all, a simple triad in root position over the bass note is usually assumed; different inversions or added notes are shown by the corresponding numerals.
In the notation
Typical figures include 6 for a first-inversion triad, 6/4 for a second-inversion triad, or 7 for a seventh chord. A sharp, flat, or natural sign next to a numeral alters that interval chromatically, while a crossed-out sharp indicates a raised bass note itself.
Musical use
Figured bass numerals are the central notational device of Baroque continuo playing, letting a keyboard or lute player realize the intended harmony without the composer writing out every voice. They also allowed a degree of improvisational freedom in shaping the upper voices.
This should be distinguished from the modern chord symbol notation of popular music, which describes chords with letter names rather than interval numbers above a fixed bass note.
Performance practice
When realizing figured bass from its numerals, read the bass note together with its figures before shaping the upper voices. Practice common figure combinations such as 6, 6/4, or 7 until you can find the corresponding chord without hesitation.