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 term for a chord that contains a chromatic note in the upper voices?

  1. Chromatic upper voice chord

  2. Altered upper voice chord

  3. Extended upper voice chord

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

A chromatic upper voice chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in the upper voices. This can create a more bright and shimmering sound.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Chromatic middle voice chord

  2. Altered middle voice chord

  3. Extended middle voice chord

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

A chromatic middle voice chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in the middle voices. 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 lower voices?

  1. Chromatic lower voice chord

  2. Altered lower voice chord

  3. Extended lower voice chord

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

A chromatic lower voice chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in the lower voices. This can create a more dark and mysterious sound.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Chromatic all-voice chord

  2. Altered all-voice chord

  3. Extended all-voice chord

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

A chromatic all-voice chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note in all of the voices. This can create a very complex and dissonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note that is not part of the key signature?

  1. Foreign chromatic chord

  2. Exotic chromatic chord

  3. Unusual chromatic chord

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

A foreign chromatic chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note that is not part of the key signature. This can create a very unexpected and dissonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note that is part of the key signature?

  1. Native chromatic chord

  2. Domestic chromatic chord

  3. Familiar chromatic chord

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

A native chromatic chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note that is part of the key signature. This can create a more interesting and sophisticated sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note that is both part of the key signature and not part of the key signature?

  1. Hybrid chromatic chord

  2. Mixed chromatic chord

  3. Combined chromatic chord

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

A hybrid chromatic chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note that is both part of the key signature and not part of the key signature. This can create a very complex and dissonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note that is neither part of the key signature nor not part of the key signature?

  1. Neutral chromatic chord

  2. Indifferent chromatic chord

  3. Apathetic chromatic chord

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

A neutral chromatic chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note that is neither part of the key signature nor not part of the key signature. This can create a very unexpected and dissonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that contains a chromatic note that is both part of the key signature and not part of the key signature and neither part of the key signature nor not part of the key signature?

  1. Ambiguous chromatic chord

  2. Enigmatic chromatic chord

  3. Mysterious chromatic chord

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

An ambiguous chromatic chord is a chord that contains a chromatic note that is both part of the key signature and not part of the key signature and neither part of the key signature nor not part of the key signature. This can create a very complex and dissonant sound.

Multiple choice

In a major chord, the interval between the root and the third is a:

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

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

In a major chord, the interval between the root and the third is a major third, which consists of four half steps.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common chord progression in popular music?

  1. I - IV - V

  2. I - ii - V

  3. I - vi - IV

  4. I - iii - vi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The I - IV - V chord progression, also known as the perfect cadence, is a common chord progression in popular music and is often used to create a sense of resolution.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

  4. Minor sixth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In a minor chord, the interval between the root and the fifth is a minor third, which consists of three half steps.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that consists of the root, third, and fifth notes of a scale?

  1. Triad

  2. Seventh chord

  3. Ninth chord

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

A triad is a chord that consists of the root, third, and fifth notes of a scale. It is the most basic type of chord and is often used as the foundation for more complex chords.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a suspended chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D suspended fourth

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

A suspended chord is a chord that omits the third and instead uses the fourth or second note of the scale. D suspended fourth is an example of a suspended chord.

Multiple choice

In a dominant seventh chord, the interval between the root and the seventh is a:

  1. Major seventh

  2. Minor seventh

  3. Perfect fourth

  4. Minor sixth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In a dominant seventh chord, the interval between the root and the seventh is a minor seventh, which consists of ten half steps.