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

What is a diminished chord?

  1. A chord with a flat third and a flat fifth

  2. A chord with a sharp third and a sharp fifth

  3. A chord with a natural third and a flat fifth

  4. A chord with a natural third and a sharp fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A diminished chord is a chord with a flat third and a flat fifth. The interval between the root and the third is a minor third, and the interval between the third and the fifth is a diminished fifth, which is two half steps.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a chord in music?

  1. To provide harmony

  2. To provide melody

  3. To provide rhythm

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

The primary function of a chord in music is to provide harmony. Chords create a sense of stability and movement in a piece of music by providing a foundation for the melody and rhythm.

Multiple choice

What is a chord progression?

  1. A series of chords played in a specific order

  2. A series of notes played in a specific order

  3. A series of rhythms played in a specific order

  4. A series of textures played in a specific order
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A chord progression is a series of chords played in a specific order. Chord progressions are used to create a sense of movement and direction in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What are the most common chord progressions?

  1. I-IV-V

  2. I-vi-IV-V

  3. I-ii-V-I

  4. I-iii-vi-ii-V-I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The most common chord progression in Western music is the I-IV-V progression. This progression is often used in popular music, rock music, and jazz music.

Multiple choice

What is a cadence?

  1. A chord progression that ends on a tonic chord

  2. A chord progression that ends on a dominant chord

  3. A chord progression that ends on a subdominant chord

  4. A chord progression that ends on a mediant chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A cadence is a chord progression that ends on a tonic chord. Cadences are used to create a sense of finality and resolution in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What are the three main types of cadences?

  1. Perfect, imperfect, and plagal

  2. Authentic, half, and deceptive

  3. Major, minor, and diminished

  4. Consonant, dissonant, and suspended
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The three main types of cadences are authentic, half, and deceptive. Authentic cadences end on the tonic chord, half cadences end on the dominant chord, and deceptive cadences end on a chord other than the tonic or dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is a tonic chord?

  1. The first chord in a key

  2. The last chord in a key

  3. The chord that is built on the root note of a key

  4. The chord that is built on the fifth note of a key
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A tonic chord is the chord that is built on the root note of a key. The tonic chord is the most stable chord in a key and is often used to end a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a dominant chord?

  1. A chord that is built on the fifth note of a key

  2. A chord that is built on the fourth note of a key

  3. A chord that is built on the second note of a key

  4. A chord that is built on the seventh note of a key
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A dominant chord is a chord that is built on the fifth note of a key. Dominant chords are often used to create a sense of tension and movement in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a subdominant chord?

  1. A chord that is built on the fourth note of a key

  2. A chord that is built on the second note of a key

  3. A chord that is built on the seventh note of a key

  4. A chord that is built on the third note of a key
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A subdominant chord is a chord that is built on the fourth note of a key. Subdominant chords are often used to create a sense of stability and movement in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a mediant chord?

  1. A chord that is built on the third note of a key

  2. A chord that is built on the second note of a key

  3. A chord that is built on the seventh note of a key

  4. A chord that is built on the sixth note of a key
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A mediant chord is a chord that is built on the third note of a key. Mediant chords are often used to create a sense of color and variety in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a leading tone chord?

  1. A chord that is built on the seventh note of a key

  2. A chord that is built on the second note of a key

  3. A chord that is built on the fourth note of a key

  4. A chord that is built on the sixth note of a key
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A leading tone chord is a chord that is built on the seventh note of a key. Leading tone chords are often used to create a sense of tension and movement in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is the difference between a sus2 chord and a sus4 chord?

  1. Sus2 chords have a major third, while sus4 chords have a minor third.

  2. Sus2 chords have a minor third, while sus4 chords have a major third.

  3. Sus2 chords have a perfect fifth, while sus4 chords have an augmented fifth.

  4. Sus2 chords have an augmented fifth, while sus4 chords have a perfect fifth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

Sus2 chords have a major third and a perfect fourth, while sus4 chords have a perfect fifth and a major third.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of sus2 chord?

  1. Csus2

  2. Gsus2

  3. Dsus2

  4. Asus2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Csus2 is the most common type of sus2 chord because it is the easiest to play on the guitar. It is also a very common chord in popular music.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of sus4 chord?

  1. Gsus4

  2. Dsus4

  3. Csus4

  4. Asus4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Gsus4 is the most common type of sus4 chord because it is the easiest to play on the guitar. It is also a very common chord in popular music.

Multiple choice

What is the difference between a sus2 chord and a sus4 chord in terms of their function?

  1. Sus2 chords are more often used as tonic chords, while sus4 chords are more often used as dominant chords.

  2. Sus2 chords are more often used as dominant chords, while sus4 chords are more often used as tonic chords.

  3. Sus2 chords are more often used as subdominant chords, while sus4 chords are more often used as leading tone chords.

  4. Sus2 chords are more often used as leading tone chords, while sus4 chords are more often used as subdominant chords.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sus2 chords are more often used as tonic chords because they have a more stable sound. Sus4 chords are more often used as dominant chords because they have a more unstable sound.