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 name of the technique used to produce a continuous, sliding change in pitch on a woodwind instrument?

  1. Vibrato

  2. Trill

  3. Fingering

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

Glissando refers to the technique of sliding from one note to another on a woodwind instrument, creating a continuous and smooth change in pitch.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of adjusting the pitch of a string instrument by tightening or loosening the strings?

  1. Intonation

  2. Tuning

  3. Tempering

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

Tuning involves adjusting the tension of the strings to ensure that they produce the correct pitch when played.

Multiple choice

The pentatonic scale, which is commonly used in traditional Chinese music, consists of:

  1. Five notes

  2. Seven notes

  3. Nine notes

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

The pentatonic scale is a musical scale that consists of five notes. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese music, as well as in other musical traditions around the world.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

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

In a major scale, the interval between the tonic and the mediant is a major third.

Multiple choice

Which note is the leading tone in a major scale?

  1. The seventh note

  2. The sixth note

  3. The fifth note

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

The leading tone in a major scale is the seventh note, which is a semitone below the tonic.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Minor third

  2. Major third

  3. Perfect fourth

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

In a minor scale, the interval between the tonic and the subdominant is a minor third.

Multiple choice

Which note is the raised seventh in a harmonic minor scale?

  1. The seventh note

  2. The sixth note

  3. The fifth note

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

The raised seventh in a harmonic minor scale is the seventh note, which is raised by a semitone compared to the natural minor scale.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the tonic and the supertonic in a melodic minor scale ascending?

  1. Major second

  2. Minor second

  3. Major third

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

In a melodic minor scale ascending, the interval between the tonic and the supertonic is a major second.

Multiple choice

Which note is lowered by a semitone in a Dorian mode compared to the major scale?

  1. The third note

  2. The sixth note

  3. The seventh note

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

In a Dorian mode, the third note is lowered by a semitone compared to the major scale.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the tonic and the mediant in a Phrygian mode?

  1. Minor third

  2. Major third

  3. Perfect fourth

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

In a Phrygian mode, the interval between the tonic and the mediant is a minor third.

Multiple choice

Which note is raised by a semitone in a Lydian mode compared to the major scale?

  1. The fourth note

  2. The fifth note

  3. The sixth note

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

In a Lydian mode, the fourth note is raised by a semitone compared to the major scale.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the tonic and the subdominant in a Mixolydian mode?

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

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

In a Mixolydian mode, the interval between the tonic and the subdominant is a major third.

Multiple choice

Which note is lowered by a semitone in an Aeolian mode compared to the major scale?

  1. The third note

  2. The sixth note

  3. The seventh note

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

In an Aeolian mode, the third note is lowered by a semitone compared to the major scale.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the tonic and the supertonic in a Locrian mode?

  1. Minor second

  2. Major second

  3. Minor third

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

In a Locrian mode, the interval between the tonic and the supertonic is a minor second.

Multiple choice

Which note is raised by a semitone in a Hungarian minor scale compared to the natural minor scale?

  1. The second note

  2. The third note

  3. The sixth note

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

In a Hungarian minor scale, the second note is raised by a semitone compared to the natural minor scale.