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

Which of the following is an example of a first inversion chord?

  1. C major

  2. C minor

  3. C augmented

  4. C6
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A first inversion chord has the third in the bass, so C6 is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord with the fifth in the bass?

  1. First Inversion

  2. Second Inversion

  3. Root Position

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

A chord with the fifth in the bass is in second inversion.

Multiple choice

In a G major chord, what is the interval between the root and the seventh?

  1. Major Seventh

  2. Minor Seventh

  3. Perfect Fifth

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

In a major seventh chord, the interval between the root and the seventh is a major seventh.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a third inversion chord?

  1. G major

  2. G minor

  3. G augmented

  4. G7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A third inversion chord has the seventh in the bass, so G7 is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord with the root in the bass?

  1. First Inversion

  2. Second Inversion

  3. Root Position

  4. Open Position
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A chord with the root in the bass is in root position.

Multiple choice

In a D minor chord, what is the interval between the root and the fifth?

  1. Major Third

  2. Minor Third

  3. Perfect Fifth

  4. Major Sixth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In a minor chord, the interval between the root and the fifth is a perfect fifth.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of an open position chord?

  1. C major

  2. C minor

  3. C augmented

  4. C6
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An open position chord has the notes spread out, so C major is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord with the third and the seventh in the bass?

  1. First Inversion

  2. Second Inversion

  3. Third Inversion

  4. Open Position
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A chord with the third and the seventh in the bass is in third inversion.

Multiple choice

In an F major chord, what is the interval between the root and the sixth?

  1. Major Third

  2. Minor Third

  3. Perfect Fourth

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

In a major chord, the interval between the root and the sixth is a major sixth.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a first inversion seventh chord?

  1. G major

  2. G minor

  3. G augmented

  4. G7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A first inversion seventh chord has the third in the bass, so G7 is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord with the fifth and the seventh in the bass?

  1. First Inversion

  2. Second Inversion

  3. Third Inversion

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

A chord with the fifth and the seventh in the bass is in second inversion.

Multiple choice

In a B minor chord, what is the interval between the root and the ninth?

  1. Major Third

  2. Minor Third

  3. Perfect Fourth

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

In a minor chord, the interval between the root and the ninth is a major ninth.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a third inversion ninth chord?

  1. C major

  2. C minor

  3. C augmented

  4. C9
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A third inversion ninth chord has the seventh in the bass, so C9 is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord with the root, the third, and the seventh in the bass?

  1. First Inversion

  2. Second Inversion

  3. Third Inversion

  4. Open Position
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A chord with the root, the third, and the seventh in the bass is in third inversion.

Multiple choice

The contrabassoon is the largest member of the bassoon family. What is its typical range?

  1. C2 to F4

  2. B♭1 to E♭4

  3. D2 to A♭4

  4. E♭2 to B♭4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The contrabassoon typically has a range of B♭1 to E♭4, spanning over two and a half octaves. It is known for its deep, resonant tone and is often used in classical music and film scores.