Social Science

Music Theory

1,845 Questions

Review fundamental music theory concepts including scales, chords, intervals, and musical notation. These questions also cover instrument techniques and improvisation methods. Practice these objective questions to build a strong foundation for performing arts and fine arts evaluations.

Musical intervals and notesChords and harmonyScales and formulasMusical notation symbolsInstrumental techniquesJazz improvisation

Music Theory Questions

Multiple choice

What is the relative minor of the key of C major?

  1. A minor

  2. B minor

  3. C minor

  4. D minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The relative minor of a major key is the minor key that shares the same key signature. In this case, C major and A minor share the same key signature of no sharps or flats, so A minor is the relative minor of C major.

Multiple choice

What is the circle of fifths?

  1. A series of 12 major keys arranged in a circle, with each key being a perfect fifth above the previous one.

  2. A series of 12 minor keys arranged in a circle, with each key being a perfect fifth above the previous one.

  3. A series of 12 major and minor keys arranged in a circle, with each key being a perfect fifth above the previous one.

  4. A series of 12 major and minor keys arranged in a circle, with each key being a perfect fourth above the previous one.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The circle of fifths is a way of organizing the 12 major keys in a logical order. Starting with the key of C major, each key to the right is a perfect fifth above the previous key. This means that the keys on the circle of fifths are: C, G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, and F.

Multiple choice

What is the relative major of the key of A minor?

  1. C major

  2. D major

  3. E major

  4. F major
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The relative major of a minor key is the major key that shares the same key signature. In this case, A minor and C major share the same key signature of no sharps or flats, so C major is the relative major of A minor.

Multiple choice

What is the key signature for the key of G major?

  1. One sharp

  2. Two sharps

  3. Three sharps

  4. Four sharps
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The key signature for the key of G major is one sharp, which is F#. This is because the G major scale contains the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#, and the F# is the only note that is not in the C major scale.

Multiple choice

What is the key signature for the key of D minor?

  1. One flat

  2. Two flats

  3. Three flats

  4. Four flats
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The key signature for the key of D minor is one flat, which is Bb. This is because the D minor scale contains the notes D, E, F, G, A, Bb, and C, and the Bb is the only note that is not in the C major scale.

Multiple choice

What is the tonic note of the key of F major?

  1. F

  2. G

  3. A

  4. B
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The tonic note of a key is the first note of the scale. In the case of F major, the first note of the scale is F, so F is the tonic note.

Multiple choice

What is the tonic note of the key of B minor?

  1. B

  2. C

  3. D

  4. E
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The tonic note of a key is the first note of the scale. In the case of B minor, the first note of the scale is B, so B is the tonic note.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the tonic and the dominant in a major scale?

  1. A perfect fifth

  2. A perfect fourth

  3. A major third

  4. A minor third
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The interval between the tonic and the dominant in a major scale is a perfect fifth. This is because the dominant is the fifth note of the scale, and a perfect fifth is the interval between two notes that are five steps apart.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the tonic and the subdominant in a minor scale?

  1. A perfect fifth

  2. A perfect fourth

  3. A major third

  4. A minor third
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The interval between the tonic and the subdominant in a minor scale is a perfect fourth. This is because the subdominant is the fourth note of the scale, and a perfect fourth is the interval between two notes that are four steps apart.

Multiple choice

What is the parallel minor of the key of A major?

  1. A minor

  2. B minor

  3. C minor

  4. D minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The parallel minor of a major key is the minor key that has the same tonic note. In this case, the tonic note of A major is A, so the parallel minor of A major is A minor.

Multiple choice

What is the parallel major of the key of E minor?

  1. E major

  2. F major

  3. G major

  4. A major
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The parallel major of a minor key is the major key that has the same tonic note. In this case, the tonic note of E minor is E, so the parallel major of E minor is E major.

Multiple choice

What is the leading tone in the key of C major?

  1. B

  2. C

  3. D

  4. E
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The leading tone in a major key is the seventh note of the scale. In the case of C major, the seventh note of the scale is B, so B is the leading tone.

Multiple choice

What is the leading tone in the key of G minor?

  1. F

  2. G

  3. A

  4. B
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The leading tone in a minor key is the seventh note of the scale raised by a half step. In the case of G minor, the seventh note of the scale is F, and raising it by a half step gives us F#, so F# is the leading tone.

Multiple choice

What is the enharmonic equivalent of the note C#?

  1. Db

  2. D

  3. Eb

  4. E
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The enharmonic equivalent of a note is another note that sounds the same, but is written differently. In the case of C#, the enharmonic equivalent is Db, because both notes sound the same.

Multiple choice

What is the enharmonic equivalent of the note Gb?

  1. F#

  2. G

  3. Ab

  4. A
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The enharmonic equivalent of a note is another note that sounds the same, but is written differently. In the case of Gb, the enharmonic equivalent is F#, because both notes sound the same.