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 most common type of minor chord sequence?

  1. i-iv-v

  2. i-v-iv

  3. iv-v-i

  4. v-i-iv
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The i-iv-v chord sequence is the most common type of minor chord sequence. It is often used to create a sense of sadness or melancholy in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a chromatic chord sequence?

  1. A chord sequence that uses chords from different keys.

  2. A chord sequence that uses chords from the same key.

  3. A chord sequence that uses chords from different scales.

  4. A chord sequence that uses chords from the same scale.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A chromatic chord sequence is a chord sequence that uses chords from different keys. Chromatic chord sequences are often used to create a sense of tension or excitement in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a modal chord sequence?

  1. A chord sequence that uses chords from a specific mode.

  2. A chord sequence that uses chords from different modes.

  3. A chord sequence that uses chords from different scales.

  4. A chord sequence that uses chords from the same scale.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A modal chord sequence is a chord sequence that uses chords from a specific mode. Modal chord sequences are often used to create a sense of atmosphere or mood in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a parallel chord sequence?

  1. A chord sequence that uses chords from the same key.

  2. A chord sequence that uses chords from different keys.

  3. A chord sequence that uses chords from different scales.

  4. A chord sequence that uses chords from the same scale.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A parallel chord sequence is a chord sequence that uses chords from the same key. Parallel chord sequences are often used to create a sense of unity and coherence in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a secondary dominant chord?

  1. A chord that is built on the fifth degree of the scale.

  2. A chord that is built on the fourth degree of the scale.

  3. A chord that is built on the third degree of the scale.

  4. A chord that is built on the second degree of the scale.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A secondary dominant chord is a chord that is built on the fifth degree of the scale. Secondary dominant chords are often used to create a sense of tension or excitement in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a diminished chord?

  1. A chord that has a flattened third and a flattened fifth.

  2. A chord that has a flattened third and a raised fifth.

  3. A chord that has a raised third and a flattened fifth.

  4. A chord that has a raised third and a raised fifth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A diminished chord is a chord that has a flattened third and a flattened fifth. Diminished chords are often used to create a sense of tension or unease in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is an augmented chord?

  1. A chord that has a raised third and a raised fifth.

  2. A chord that has a flattened third and a raised fifth.

  3. A chord that has a raised third and a flattened fifth.

  4. A chord that has a flattened third and a flattened fifth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An augmented chord is a chord that has a raised third and a raised fifth. Augmented chords are often used to create a sense of excitement or energy in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a suspended chord?

  1. A chord that has a missing third.

  2. A chord that has a missing fifth.

  3. A chord that has a missing seventh.

  4. A chord that has a missing ninth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A suspended chord is a chord that has a missing third. Suspended chords are often used to create a sense of tension or unease in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is an inversion?

  1. A chord that has its root note in the bass.

  2. A chord that has its third note in the bass.

  3. A chord that has its fifth note in the bass.

  4. A chord that has its seventh note in the bass.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An inversion is a chord that has its root note in the bass. Inversions are often used to create a sense of variety or interest in a piece of music.

Multiple choice

What is a cadence?

  1. A chord progression that creates a sense of resolution.

  2. A chord progression that creates a sense of tension.

  3. A chord progression that creates a sense of movement.

  4. A chord progression that creates a sense of atmosphere.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A cadence is a chord progression that creates a sense of resolution. Cadences are often used to end a piece of music or to create a sense of finality.

Multiple choice

In traditional Chinese music, what is the term for a five-tone scale that forms the basis of many melodies?

  1. Pentatonic Scale

  2. Chromatic Scale

  3. Diatonic Scale

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

The pentatonic scale is a five-tone scale that forms the basis of many melodies in traditional Chinese music. It is characterized by its unique intervals and is often used to create a sense of balance and harmony.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chords is an augmented sixth chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D augmented

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

An augmented sixth chord is a type of seventh chord that contains an augmented sixth interval between the root and the sixth.

Multiple choice

What is the function of an augmented sixth chord in a musical progression?

  1. To create tension and resolution

  2. To add color and richness to the harmony

  3. To provide a sense of stability and grounding

  4. To introduce a new key or tonal center
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Augmented sixth chords are often used to create tension and resolution in a musical progression. The augmented sixth interval creates a sense of dissonance that is resolved when the chord moves to a more stable chord.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of augmented sixth chord?

  1. German augmented sixth

  2. French augmented sixth

  3. Italian augmented sixth

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

The German augmented sixth chord is the most common type of augmented sixth chord. It consists of the root, major third, augmented fourth, and augmented sixth.

Multiple choice

How can you identify an augmented sixth chord on a piano?

  1. Look for a chord with a black key as the root

  2. Look for a chord with a white key as the root

  3. Look for a chord with two black keys

  4. Look for a chord with three black keys
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An augmented sixth chord on a piano typically has three black keys. The root, augmented fourth, and augmented sixth are all black keys.