Base, in Music, means, in a general sense, the lowest part in a composition for two or more voices or instruments, or for an organ or pianoforte, &c. A fundamental bass is that in which each note bears a direct harmony only, i.e., a common chord or a chord of the seventh. A thorough bass (Basso continuo in Italian), or continuous bass, is that which, on the organ or pianoforte, accompanies a musical composition throughout, and of which the harmony played by the right hand consists of a judicious selection of chords drawn from the upper parts of the composition. (See Music, §§ Harmony, Organ, Pianoforte; and Accompaniment, in appendix to Music.) (G.Y.G.)