Social Science

Music Theory

1,843 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

The relative minor of a major scale is the:

  1. Scale with the same tonic

  2. Scale with the same key signature

  3. Scale with the same intervals

  4. Scale with the same root note
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The relative minor of a major scale is the scale with the same key signature.

Multiple choice

Which chord is built on the first, fourth, and fifth scale degrees of a major scale?

  1. Major triad

  2. Minor triad

  3. Suspended fourth chord

  4. Augmented triad
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A suspended fourth chord is built on the first, fourth, and fifth scale degrees of a major scale.

Multiple choice

The interval between the tonic and the dominant in a major scale is:

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

  4. Perfect fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The interval between the tonic and the dominant in a major scale is a perfect fifth.

Multiple choice

Which chord is built on the first, third, and sixth scale degrees of a major scale?

  1. Major triad

  2. Minor triad

  3. Diminished triad

  4. First inversion triad
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A first inversion triad is built on the first, third, and sixth scale degrees of a major scale.

Multiple choice

The interval between the tonic and the supertonic in a minor scale is:

  1. Major second

  2. Minor second

  3. Major third

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

The interval between the tonic and the supertonic in a minor scale is a minor second.

Multiple choice

Which chord is built on the first, fourth, and sixth scale degrees of a major scale?

  1. Major triad

  2. Minor triad

  3. Suspended fourth chord

  4. Sixth chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A sixth chord is built on the first, fourth, and sixth scale degrees of a major scale.

Multiple choice

The interval between the tonic and the subdominant in a major scale is:

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

  4. Perfect fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The interval between the tonic and the subdominant in a major scale is a perfect fourth.

Multiple choice

Which chord is built on the first, fifth, and seventh scale degrees of a major scale?

  1. Major triad

  2. Minor triad

  3. Diminished triad

  4. Dominant seventh chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A dominant seventh chord is built on the first, fifth, and seventh scale degrees of a major scale.

Multiple choice

The interval between the tonic and the leading tone in a major scale is:

  1. Major second

  2. Minor second

  3. Major third

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

The interval between the tonic and the leading tone in a major scale is a major second.

Multiple choice

Which pencil grade is best suited for creating a wide range of tones and values?

  1. H

  2. 2B

  3. 4B

  4. 6B
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

2B pencil grades are best suited for creating a wide range of tones and values, as they offer a balance between hardness and softness, allowing for both light and dark lines.

Multiple choice

What is the typical tempo range for downtempo music?

  1. 60-80 BPM

  2. 80-100 BPM

  3. 100-120 BPM

  4. 120-140 BPM
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Downtempo music is characterized by slow tempos, typically ranging from 60 to 80 beats per minute (BPM). This relaxed tempo creates a laid-back and atmospheric vibe, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the music's soundscapes.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the notes C and E?

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

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

The interval between C and E is a major third because it consists of four half steps.

Multiple choice

What is the scale that begins on the note C and contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B?

  1. Major scale

  2. Minor scale

  3. Pentatonic scale

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

The scale that begins on C and contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B is a major scale because it contains the intervals of a major second, a major third, a perfect fourth, a perfect fifth, a major sixth, and a major seventh.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the notes F and A?

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

  4. Augmented fourth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The interval between F and A is a perfect fourth because it consists of five half steps.

Multiple choice

What is the scale that begins on the note G and contains the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#?

  1. Major scale

  2. Minor scale

  3. Pentatonic scale

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

The scale that begins on G and contains the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, and F# is a minor scale because it contains the intervals of a minor second, a major third, a perfect fourth, a perfect fifth, a minor sixth, and a minor seventh.