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 chords is a minor chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D♭ major

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

G minor is a minor chord because it consists of the notes G, B♭, and D, which form a minor third and a perfect fifth.

Multiple choice

What is the relative major of A minor?

  1. C major

  2. E major

  3. G major

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

The relative major of a minor key is the major key that shares the same key signature. In the case of A minor, the relative major is C major.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chords is both a major and a minor chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D♭ major

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

A chord cannot be both major and minor at the same time.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chords is a diminished chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D♭ diminished

  4. B♭ minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A diminished chord consists of a root, a minor third, and a diminished fifth.

Multiple choice

What is the formula for constructing a diminished chord?

  1. Root + major third + perfect fifth

  2. Root + minor third + perfect fifth

  3. Root + major third + diminished fifth

  4. Root + minor third + diminished fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A diminished chord is constructed by stacking a minor third on top of the root, and then a diminished fifth on top of the minor third.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chords is an augmented chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D♭ augmented

  4. B♭ minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

An augmented chord consists of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth.

Multiple choice

What is the formula for constructing an augmented chord?

  1. Root + major third + perfect fifth

  2. Root + minor third + perfect fifth

  3. Root + major third + augmented fifth

  4. Root + minor third + augmented fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

An augmented chord is constructed by stacking a major third on top of the root, and then an augmented fifth on top of the major third.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chords is a suspended chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D♭ suspended fourth

  4. B♭ minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A suspended chord is a chord that omits the third and replaces it with another note, usually the fourth or the second.

Multiple choice

What is the formula for constructing a suspended fourth chord?

  1. Root + major third + perfect fifth

  2. Root + minor third + perfect fifth

  3. Root + perfect fourth + perfect fifth

  4. Root + minor third + augmented fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A suspended fourth chord is constructed by stacking a perfect fourth on top of the root, and then a perfect fifth on top of the perfect fourth.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the root and the third of a major chord?

  1. major second

  2. minor second

  3. major third

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

The interval between the root and the third of a major chord is a major third.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the root and the fifth of a minor chord?

  1. major second

  2. minor second

  3. major third

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

The interval between the root and the fifth of a minor chord is a minor third.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the root and the seventh of a dominant seventh chord?

  1. major second

  2. minor second

  3. major seventh

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

The interval between the root and the seventh of a dominant seventh chord is a minor seventh.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the root and the ninth of a major ninth chord?

  1. major second

  2. minor second

  3. major ninth

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

The interval between the root and the ninth of a major ninth chord is a major ninth.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the root and the eleventh of a minor eleventh chord?

  1. major second

  2. minor second

  3. major eleventh

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

The interval between the root and the eleventh of a minor eleventh chord is a minor eleventh.

Multiple choice

What is the interval between the root and the thirteenth of a dominant thirteenth chord?

  1. major second

  2. minor second

  3. major thirteenth

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

The interval between the root and the thirteenth of a dominant thirteenth chord is a major thirteenth.