Definition of Bass note
In music theory, the bass note of a chord or sonority is the lowest note played or notated. If there are multiple voices it is the note played or notated in the lowest voice (the note furthest in the bass.)
Three situations are possible:
The bass note is the root or fundamental of the chord. The chord is in root position.
Related terms
Figured bass
Figured bass is musical notation in which numerals and symbols appear above or below (or…
Supertonic
In music, the supertonic is the second degree of a diatonic scale, one whole step above…
Comma (music)
In music theory, a comma is a very small interval, the difference resulting from tuning…
Resolution (music)
Resolution in Western tonal music theory is the move of a note or chord from dissonance…
Chromatic hexachord
In music theory, the chromatic hexachord is the hexachord consisting of a consecutive…
Scale (music)
In music theory, a scale is "any consecutive series of notes that form a progression…
Pedal point
In music, a pedal point (also pedal note, organ point, pedal tone, or pedal) is a…
Pensato
In music, a pensato (Italian: "thought") is a composed imaginary note, a written note…
Tonic (music)
In music, "tonic" refers to the originating note or chord of a particular key.
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bass note?
In music theory, the bass note of a chord or sonority is the lowest note played or notated. If there are multiple voices it is the note played or notated in the lowest voice (the note furthest in the bass.)
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Bass note – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Hyacinth – Public domain