Triad Figured Bass Symbols

Each number in the inversion symbol refers to that diatonic interval above the bass note.

Name Root Position 1st Inversion 2nd Inversion

Bass Note Root Third Fifth
Inversion (5) 6 6
(3) (3) 4
Symbol
Sample
Chord

Numbers in parenthesis are rarely used and are only given as a curtesy to show the connection to other inversions

7th Chord Figured Bass Symbols

Each number in the inversion symbol refers to that diatonic interval above the bass note.

Name Root Position 1st Inversion 2nd Inversion 3rd Inversion

Bass Note Root Third Fifth Seventh
Inversion 7 6 (6) (6)
Symbol (5) 5 4 4
(3) (3) 3 2
Sample
Chord

Numbers in parenthesis are rarely used and are only given as a curtesy to show the connection to other inversions