Table of Contents
Notation reference
Figured bass
Figured bass is a shorthand that uses figures to specify the harmony above the notated bass notes. It is particularly common in Baroque and early Classical music and in the parts of accompanying instruments, such as harpsichords and viols.
Figured bass hold lines
Figured bass hold lines indicate that chords remain the same over changing notes in the bass.

Figured bass hold lines

Figured bass hold lines indicate that chords remain the same over changing notes in the bass.

By default, Dorico Pro shows hold lines for figures that have duration, but hides lines between suspensions and resolutions or after resolutions. You can hide/show hold and suspension lines for individual suspension figures. You can also change the circumstances in which Dorico Pro automatically shows hold lines, and their position and number, project-wide on the Figured Bass page in Engraving Options.


Figure 1. Figure (selected) with no duration	Figure 2. Figure (selected) with duration and hold line

Tip

You can move figures graphically in Engrave mode, including changing the graphical length of hold lines.