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 chordal tone?

  1. The note C in the chord C major

  2. The note D in the chord C major

  3. The note E in the chord C major

  4. The note F in the chord C major
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The note C in the chord C major is an example of a chordal tone because it is a chord tone that is approached and resolved by leap.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a chord escape tone?

  1. To add tension and interest to a chord progression

  2. To create a sense of movement

  3. To emphasize certain notes in a melody

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

Chord escape tones can serve a variety of functions in music, including adding tension and interest to a chord progression, creating a sense of movement, and emphasizing certain notes in a melody.

Multiple choice

How can chord escape tones be used to create a sense of movement in a chord progression?

  1. By moving from one chord tone to another by step

  2. By moving from one chord tone to another by leap

  3. By moving from one chord to another by step

  4. By moving from one chord to another by leap
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord escape tones can be used to create a sense of movement in a chord progression by moving from one chord tone to another by step. This can help to create a smooth and flowing progression.

Multiple choice

How can chord escape tones be used to emphasize certain notes in a melody?

  1. By placing a chord escape tone on the same pitch as the melody note

  2. By placing a chord escape tone on a pitch that is adjacent to the melody note

  3. By placing a chord escape tone on a pitch that is two steps away from the melody note

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

Chord escape tones can be used to emphasize certain notes in a melody by placing them on the same pitch as the melody note, on a pitch that is adjacent to the melody note, or on a pitch that is two steps away from the melody note.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a suspension?

  1. The note C in the chord C major

  2. The note D in the chord C major

  3. The note E in the chord C major

  4. The note F in the chord C major
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The note D in the chord C major is an example of a suspension because it is a chord tone that is approached by leap and resolves by leap.

Multiple choice

How can chord escape tones be used to add tension and interest to a chord progression?

  1. By creating a sense of dissonance

  2. By creating a sense of movement

  3. By emphasizing certain notes in a melody

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

Chord escape tones can be used to add tension and interest to a chord progression by creating a sense of dissonance, creating a sense of movement, and emphasizing certain notes in a melody.

Multiple choice

What is the difference between a chord escape tone and a neighboring tone?

  1. A chord escape tone is approached by step, while a neighboring tone is approached by leap.

  2. A chord escape tone resolves by step, while a neighboring tone resolves by leap.

  3. A chord escape tone is a non-chord tone, while a neighboring tone is a chord tone.

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The main difference between a chord escape tone and a neighboring tone is that a chord escape tone is approached by step, while a neighboring tone is approached by leap. Additionally, chord escape tones resolve by step, while neighboring tones resolve by leap.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The note C in the chord C major

  2. The note D in the chord C major

  3. The note E in the chord C major

  4. The note F in the chord C major
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The note D in the chord C major is an example of a neighboring tone because it is a chord tone that is approached by leap and resolves by leap.

Multiple choice

How can chord escape tones be used to create a sense of dissonance?

  1. By placing a chord escape tone on a pitch that is not in the chord

  2. By placing a chord escape tone on a pitch that is adjacent to a chord tone

  3. By placing a chord escape tone on a pitch that is two steps away from a chord tone

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

Chord escape tones can be used to create a sense of dissonance by placing them on a pitch that is not in the chord, on a pitch that is adjacent to a chord tone, or on a pitch that is two steps away from a chord tone.

Multiple choice

What is the primary function of a tonic chord?

  1. To establish the key of the piece

  2. To create a sense of tension

  3. To resolve a musical progression

  4. To add color and interest to the harmony
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The tonic chord is the chord that represents the key of the piece. It is usually the first chord in a musical progression, and it helps to establish the overall tonality of the piece.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a dominant chord?

  1. To create a sense of tension

  2. To resolve a musical progression

  3. To add color and interest to the harmony

  4. To establish the key of the piece
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The dominant chord is the chord that creates a sense of tension in a musical progression. It is usually the fifth chord in a major key or the fourth chord in a minor key, and it helps to drive the progression forward.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a subdominant chord?

  1. To establish the key of the piece

  2. To create a sense of tension

  3. To resolve a musical progression

  4. To add color and interest to the harmony
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The subdominant chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually the fourth chord in a major key or the third chord in a minor key, and it helps to create a sense of movement and variety in the progression.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a mediant chord?

  1. To establish the key of the piece

  2. To create a sense of tension

  3. To resolve a musical progression

  4. To add color and interest to the harmony
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The mediant chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually the third chord in a major key or the second chord in a minor key, and it helps to create a sense of movement and variety in the progression.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a submediant chord?

  1. To establish the key of the piece

  2. To create a sense of tension

  3. To resolve a musical progression

  4. To add color and interest to the harmony
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The submediant chord is the chord that resolves a musical progression. It is usually the sixth chord in a major key or the fifth chord in a minor key, and it helps to bring the progression to a close.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a leading tone chord?

  1. To establish the key of the piece

  2. To create a sense of tension

  3. To resolve a musical progression

  4. To add color and interest to the harmony
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The leading tone chord is the chord that creates a sense of tension in a musical progression. It is usually the seventh chord in a major key or the sixth chord in a minor key, and it helps to drive the progression forward.