Music Theory Basics Quiz

What is music theory often compared to in terms of language?

• Talking

• Mathematics

• Writing

• Science

What does music theory help you understand?

• How to play instruments

• How chords, notes, rhythms, and melodies work together

• How to sing

• How to write lyrics

What is a note in music?

• A type of instrument

• A type of song

• A consistent pitch or frequency

• A musical genre

How many notes are used in the vast majority of popular music?

• Twelve

• Seven

• Twenty-four

• Thirty-six

What is the term for the distance of going twelve notes up or down to the next identically named note?

• Chord

• Whole tone

• Semitone

• Octave

What is the increment between each individual note called?

• Semitone or half-step

• Whole tone

• Chord

• Scale

What is a key in music?

• A type of song

• A musical genre

• A guide of what notes will sound good together

• A type of instrument

What is the formula of a major scale?

• Half whole whole half whole whole whole

• Whole whole half whole whole whole half

• Whole whole whole half whole whole half

• Whole half whole whole half whole whole

What is the root note in the key of C major?

• D

• E

• C

• G

What is the term for a set of notes that you would play in conjunction with a key?

• Chord

• Scale

• Octave

• Semitone