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 difference between a major and a minor chord?

  1. Major chords have a wider interval between the root and the third

  2. Minor chords have a wider interval between the root and the third

  3. Major chords have a wider interval between the third and the fifth

  4. Minor chords have a wider interval between the third and the fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The difference between a major and a minor chord is in the interval between the root and the third. In a major chord, the interval is a major third (4 semitones), while in a minor chord, the interval is a minor third (3 semitones).

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol G7 represent?

  1. G major seventh chord

  2. G minor seventh chord

  3. G augmented seventh chord

  4. G diminished seventh chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The chord symbol G7 represents a G dominant seventh chord, which consists of the notes G, B, D, and F.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a dominant seventh chord in music?

  1. To resolve to the tonic chord

  2. To resolve to the subdominant chord

  3. To resolve to the mediant chord

  4. To resolve to the submediant chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The function of a dominant seventh chord is to resolve to the tonic chord. This is because the dominant seventh chord contains a leading tone, which creates a strong sense of tension that is resolved when the chord moves to the tonic.

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol Cm represent?

  1. C major triad

  2. C minor triad

  3. C augmented triad

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

The chord symbol Cm represents a C minor triad, which consists of the notes C, Eb, and G.

Multiple choice

What is the difference between a diminished and an augmented chord?

  1. Diminished chords have a wider interval between the root and the third

  2. Augmented chords have a wider interval between the root and the third

  3. Diminished chords have a wider interval between the third and the fifth

  4. Augmented chords have a wider interval between the third and the fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The difference between a diminished and an augmented chord is in the interval between the third and the fifth. In a diminished chord, the interval is a diminished fifth (6 semitones), while in an augmented chord, the interval is an augmented fifth (8 semitones).

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol F#m7b5 represent?

  1. F# minor seventh chord with a flatted fifth

  2. F# minor seventh chord with a sharped fifth

  3. F# major seventh chord with a flatted fifth

  4. F# major seventh chord with a sharped fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The chord symbol F#m7b5 represents an F# minor seventh chord with a flatted fifth, which consists of the notes F#, A#, C#, and Eb.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a subdominant chord in music?

  1. To resolve to the tonic chord

  2. To resolve to the dominant chord

  3. To resolve to the mediant chord

  4. To resolve to the submediant chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The function of a subdominant chord is to resolve to the dominant chord. This is because the subdominant chord contains a perfect fourth, which creates a sense of tension that is resolved when the chord moves to the dominant.

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol Gsus4 represent?

  1. G suspended fourth chord

  2. G major seventh chord

  3. G minor seventh chord

  4. G augmented seventh chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The chord symbol Gsus4 represents a G suspended fourth chord, which consists of the notes G, C, and D.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Sus2 chords have a wider interval between the root and the second

  2. Sus4 chords have a wider interval between the root and the second

  3. Sus2 chords have a wider interval between the second and the fourth

  4. Sus4 chords have a wider interval between the second and the fourth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The difference between a sus2 and a sus4 chord is in the interval between the root and the second. In a sus2 chord, the interval is a major second (2 semitones), while in a sus4 chord, the interval is a perfect fourth (5 semitones).

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol Cmaj7 represent?

  1. C major triad

  2. C minor triad

  3. C major seventh chord

  4. C minor seventh chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The chord symbol Cmaj7 represents a C major seventh chord, which consists of the notes C, E, G, and B.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a tonic chord in music?

  1. To resolve to the dominant chord

  2. To resolve to the subdominant chord

  3. To resolve to the mediant chord

  4. To resolve to the submediant chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The function of a tonic chord is to resolve to the dominant chord. This is because the tonic chord contains a perfect fifth, which creates a sense of stability that is resolved when the chord moves to the dominant.

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol Dm7 represent?

  1. D minor triad

  2. D minor seventh chord

  3. D major seventh chord

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

The chord symbol Dm7 represents a D minor seventh chord, which consists of the notes D, F, A, and C.

Multiple choice

What is the difference between a major and a minor seventh chord?

  1. Major seventh chords have a wider interval between the root and the seventh

  2. Minor seventh chords have a wider interval between the root and the seventh

  3. Major seventh chords have a wider interval between the third and the seventh

  4. Minor seventh chords have a wider interval between the third and the seventh
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The difference between a major and a minor seventh chord is in the interval between the root and the seventh. In a major seventh chord, the interval is a major seventh (11 semitones), while in a minor seventh chord, the interval is a minor seventh (10 semitones).

Multiple choice

What does the chord symbol Edim represent?

  1. E major triad

  2. E minor triad

  3. E diminished triad

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

The chord symbol Edim represents an E diminished triad, which consists of the notes E, G, and Bb.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the lowest note that a woodwind instrument can produce?

  1. Fundamental

  2. Root

  3. Tonic

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

The fundamental is the lowest note that a woodwind instrument can produce. It is the note that is produced when all of the holes in the instrument are closed.