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 the characteristic interval of the Turkish Makam Hicaz scale?

  1. Major second

  2. Minor second

  3. Perfect fourth

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

The Makam Hicaz scale is a Turkish scale that is characterized by its use of a diminished fifth interval, which is an interval that is one half-step narrower than a perfect fifth.

Multiple choice

What is the characteristic interval of the Vietnamese Ca Tru scale?

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fifth

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

The Ca Tru scale is a Vietnamese scale that is characterized by its use of a minor seventh interval, which is an interval that is seven half-steps wide.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a non-western scale that is used in Korean traditional music?

  1. Gyeongbo scale

  2. Yeonpyeongdo scale

  3. Jeju scale

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Gyeongbo scales, Yeonpyeongdo scales, and Jeju scales are all examples of non-western scales that are used in Korean traditional music. These scales are characterized by their use of microtones and their unique melodic patterns.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the technique of playing two or more notes simultaneously on a string instrument?

  1. Harmony

  2. Melody

  3. Counterpoint

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

Polyphony refers to the simultaneous combination of multiple independent melodic lines in a musical composition.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the lowest-pitched string on a double bass?

  1. G

  2. D

  3. A

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

The lowest-pitched string on a double bass is typically tuned to G.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a neighboring tone that is above a chord tone?

  1. upper neighbor

  2. lower neighbor

  3. passing tone

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

An upper neighbor is a neighboring tone that is one step above a chord tone.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a neighboring tone that is below a chord tone?

  1. upper neighbor

  2. lower neighbor

  3. passing tone

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

A lower neighbor is a neighboring tone that is one step below a chord tone.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a neighboring tone that moves from a chord tone to a non-chord tone and then back to the chord tone?

  1. upper neighbor

  2. lower neighbor

  3. passing tone

  4. escape tone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A passing tone is a neighboring tone that moves from a chord tone to a non-chord tone and then back to the chord tone.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a neighboring tone that moves from a non-chord tone to a chord tone?

  1. upper neighbor

  2. lower neighbor

  3. passing tone

  4. escape tone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An escape tone is a neighboring tone that moves from a non-chord tone to a chord tone.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a neighboring tone?

  1. to add tension to a chord

  2. to resolve tension in a chord

  3. to create a sense of movement in a melody

  4. all of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Neighboring tones can serve all of these functions.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between a chord tone and a neighboring tone?

  1. one step

  2. two steps

  3. three steps

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

The interval between a chord tone and a neighboring tone is one step.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a neighboring tone?

  1. C-D-E

  2. C-E-G

  3. C-F-G

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

C-D-E is an example of a neighboring tone. The D is a lower neighbor of the E.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a neighboring tone that is approached by leap?

  1. upper neighbor

  2. lower neighbor

  3. passing tone

  4. escape tone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An escape tone is a neighboring tone that is approached by leap.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of an escape tone?

  1. C-D-E

  2. C-E-G

  3. C-F-G

  4. C-G-B
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

C-G-B is an example of an escape tone. The G is an escape tone from the B.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a function of a neighboring tone?

  1. to add tension to a chord

  2. to resolve tension in a chord

  3. to create a sense of movement in a melody

  4. to create a sense of dissonance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Neighboring tones do not typically create a sense of dissonance.