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 function of a diminished 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 diminished chord is the chord that creates a sense of tension in a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of an augmented 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 augmented chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a suspended 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 suspended chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a polychord?

  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 polychord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a cluster 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 cluster chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a quartal 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 quartal chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a quintal 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 quintal chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a sextal 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 sextal chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a septimal 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 septimal chord is the chord that adds color and interest to the harmony of a musical progression. It is usually used as a passing chord or as a chord that leads to a dominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains one or more chromatic notes?

  1. Chromatic chord

  2. Altered chord

  3. Extended chord

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

A chromatic chord is a chord that contains one or more chromatic notes, which are notes that are not part of the diatonic scale of the key.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of chromatic chord?

  1. Augmented chord

  2. Diminished chord

  3. Seventh chord

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

Seventh chords are the most common type of chromatic chord. They are formed by adding a seventh note to a triad, which creates a more complex and dissonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains two or more chromatic notes?

  1. Double chromatic chord

  2. Triple chromatic chord

  3. Quadruple chromatic chord

  4. Quintuple chromatic chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A double chromatic chord is a chord that contains two chromatic notes. Triple chromatic chords, quadruple chromatic chords, and quintuple chromatic chords are also possible, but they are much less common.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note in the bass?

  1. Chromatic bass chord

  2. Altered bass chord

  3. Extended bass chord

  4. Dissonant bass chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A chromatic bass chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in the bass. This can create a more interesting and unexpected sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note in the melody?

  1. Chromatic melody chord

  2. Altered melody chord

  3. Extended melody chord

  4. Dissonant melody chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A chromatic melody chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in the melody. This can create a more expressive and emotional sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note in the inner voices?

  1. Chromatic inner voice chord

  2. Altered inner voice chord

  3. Extended inner voice chord

  4. Dissonant inner voice chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A chromatic inner voice chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in the inner voices. This can create a more complex and sophisticated sound.