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 consists of the root, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a scale?

  1. Triad

  2. Seventh chord

  3. Ninth chord

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

A seventh chord is a chord that consists of the root, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a scale. It is more complex than a triad and is often used to create richer harmonies.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of an augmented chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D augmented

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

An augmented chord is a chord that has a raised fifth, which is one half step higher than the perfect fifth. D augmented is an example of an augmented chord.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Major third

  2. Minor third

  3. Perfect fourth

  4. Diminished fifth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In a diminished chord, the interval between the root and the fifth is a diminished fifth, which consists of six half steps.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Triad

  2. Seventh chord

  3. Ninth chord

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

A ninth chord is a chord that consists of the root, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth notes of a scale. It is a complex chord that is often used to create rich and dissonant harmonies.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a diminished seventh chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D diminished seventh

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

A diminished seventh chord is a chord that has a diminished fifth and a minor seventh. D diminished seventh is an example of a diminished seventh chord.

Multiple choice

In an eleventh chord, the interval between the root and the eleventh is a:

  1. Major seventh

  2. Minor seventh

  3. Perfect fourth

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

In an eleventh chord, the interval between the root and the eleventh is a perfect eleventh, which consists of twelve half steps.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Triad

  2. Seventh chord

  3. Ninth chord

  4. Thirteenth chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A thirteenth chord is a chord that consists of the root, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and thirteenth notes of a scale. It is a complex chord that is often used to create rich and dissonant harmonies.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of an augmented eleventh chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D augmented eleventh

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

An augmented eleventh chord is a chord that has an augmented fifth and an eleventh. D augmented eleventh is an example of an augmented eleventh chord.

Multiple choice

In a half-diminished seventh chord, the interval between the root and the seventh is a:

  1. Major seventh

  2. Minor seventh

  3. Half-diminished seventh

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

In a half-diminished seventh chord, the interval between the root and the seventh is a half-diminished seventh, which consists of nine half steps.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a musical improvisation that is based on a specific chord progression?

  1. Riff

  2. Cadenza

  3. Jam session

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

A riff is a short, repeated musical phrase or pattern that is often used as the basis for improvisation.

Multiple choice

What is a suspension?

  1. A chord that contains a note that is not in the key

  2. A chord that contains a note that is held over from the previous chord

  3. A chord that contains a note that is played before the rest of the chord

  4. A chord that contains a note that is played after the rest of the chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A suspension is a chord that contains a note that is held over from the previous chord. This note is usually dissonant with the other notes in the chord, but it is resolved to a consonant note in the next chord.

Multiple choice

How is a suspension resolved?

  1. It is played again in the next chord

  2. It is moved to a different note in the next chord

  3. It is dropped from the chord

  4. It is held over to the next chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A suspension is resolved when it is moved to a different note in the next chord. This note is usually consonant with the other notes in the chord.

Multiple choice

Can suspensions be used in any key?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. Only in major keys

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

Suspensions can be used in any key. However, they are more common in some keys than others. For example, 4-3 suspensions are more common in major keys, while 6-5 suspensions are more common in minor keys.

Multiple choice

What is a double suspension?

  1. A suspension that contains two suspended notes

  2. A suspension that is resolved to two different notes

  3. A suspension that is played in two different voices

  4. A suspension that is held over for two chords
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A double suspension is a suspension that contains two suspended notes. These notes are usually resolved to consonant notes in the next chord.

Multiple choice

What is a triple suspension?

  1. A suspension that contains three suspended notes

  2. A suspension that is resolved to three different notes

  3. A suspension that is played in three different voices

  4. A suspension that is held over for three chords
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A triple suspension is a suspension that contains three suspended notes. These notes are usually resolved to consonant notes in the next chord.