Hi ZeroZero,

You are correct. When numbers are used they usually refer to the scale note number in some way. Mostly these numbers mean chords but sometimes they can mean note number. Thus V could be note number 5 (in whatever key) or the triad built on note number 5. After a slash, the number usually means the bass note unless one is using classical harmony. Sometimes people use lowercase (say, ii) to indicate minor triads and uppercase (say, V) to indicate major triads.

Such notation is not a BIAB invention and hence it's probably not discussed too much in the book. This notation has been used for centuries and the best place to find information about it is in music theory books. Here's a link that might offer some insight...

http://www.studybass.com/lessons/harmony/intro-to-diatonic-chords/

Hope this helps
Noel

Last edited by Noel96; 08/17/10 12:52 PM.

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Audiophile BIAB 2025