Harmony in Music: Understanding Chord Construction and Progression

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a first inversion chord?

Accepted Answer

The seventh is in the bass

Answer

The root is in the bass

Answer

The third is in the bass

Answer

The fifth is in the bass

Question 2

What is the intervallic relationship between the root and the third of a minor chord?

Accepted Answer

Minor third

Answer

Major third

Answer

Perfect fourth

Answer

Augmented fourth

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of a consonant interval?

Accepted Answer

Stability and consonance

Answer

Tension and instability

Answer

Neither stability nor tension

Answer

Both stability and tension

Question 4

What is the term for the repetition of a melodic pattern at a different pitch level?

Accepted Answer

Sequence

Answer

Canon

Answer

Fugue

Answer

Rondo

Question 5

What is the purpose of a deceptive cadence?

Accepted Answer

To create a sense of surprise

Answer

To introduce a new key area

Answer

To prepare for the resolution of a piece

Answer

To add tension to the music

Question 6

How does the progression from a C major chord to a G major chord create musical tension and release?

Accepted Answer

The C major chord establishes stability, while the G major chord introduces tension that resolves back to the C major chord, creating a sense of release.

Answer

The G major chord creates tension, while the C major chord provides stability.

Answer

Both chords create tension, and neither provides release.

Answer

Neither chord creates tension, and both provide release.

Question 7

How does the ii-V-I chord progression contribute to the emotional impact of a musical piece?

Accepted Answer

It creates a sense of anticipation and resolution

Answer

It evokes a feeling of uncertainty and chaos

Answer

It creates a sense of sadness and melancholy

Answer

It has no significant impact on the emotional tone

Question 8

Analyze the harmonic progression I - IV - V - VI - II - V - I. Identify and explain the use of any non-diatonic chords.

Accepted Answer

The non-diatonic chords are II (borrowed from the parallel minor key) and V/V (a secondary dominant).

Answer

The progression contains no non-diatonic chords.

Answer

The only non-diatonic chord is II.

Answer

The progression contains only diatonic chords.

Question 9

Which cadence type provides a sense of closure and finality in a musical progression?

Accepted Answer

Authentic cadence

Answer

Plagal cadence

Answer

Deceptive cadence

Question 10

Which of the following represents the root position of a major chord?

Accepted Answer

1-3-5

Answer

1-b3-5

Answer

1-3-b5

Answer

1-b3-b5

Question 11

What is the primary function of a dominant seventh chord?

Accepted Answer

Create tension and lead to resolution

Answer

Create stability and resolution

Answer

Enhance harmonic color and richness

Answer

Establish a clear tonal center

Question 12

Which of the following chord progressions forms a perfect cadence?

Accepted Answer

V - I

Answer

I - IV - V

Answer

VI - IV - I

Answer

II - V - I

Question 13

What is the main purpose of voice leading in harmony?

Accepted Answer

Ensure smooth melodic flow between voices

Answer

Create rhythmic variation

Answer

Enrich harmonic complexity

Answer

Eliminate dissonant intervals

Question 14

Which of the following characteristics best describes suspended harmony?

Accepted Answer

Delays the resolution of a chord, creating anticipation

Answer

Utilizes parallel motion to enhance rhythmic variety

Answer

Incorporates additional notes to enrich harmonic texture

Answer

Provides a foundation for dissonant intervals

Question 15

What is the difference between parallel and contrary motion?

Accepted Answer

Parallel motion occurs when two voices move in the same direction, while contrary motion occurs when they move in opposite directions.

Answer

Parallel motion occurs when two voices move in opposite directions, while contrary motion occurs when they move in the same direction.

Answer

Both parallel and contrary motion occur when two voices move in the same direction.

Answer

Both parallel and contrary motion occur when two voices move in opposite directions.

Question 16

What is the main role of the circle of fifths in music theory?

Accepted Answer

Organize keys and chords based on their harmonic relationships

Answer

Facilitate chromatic progressions

Answer

Establish intervals and scales

Answer

Determine the appropriate key signature

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of modulation?

Accepted Answer

Transitioning from a major key to a minor key

Answer

Moving to a different section within a piece

Answer

Introducing a new chord progression

Answer

Including a new theme

Question 18

What is the purpose of a fermata in musical notation?

Accepted Answer

Indicate a pause or hold

Answer

Emphasize a specific note or chord

Answer

Signal a change in tempo

Answer

Create a gradual increase or decrease in volume

Question 19

Analyze the chord progression I - viio - IV - V. Identify its harmonic function and potential resolution.

Accepted Answer

Tonic - Unstable dominant seventh - Subdominant - Dominant

Answer

Subdominant - Tonic - Dominant - Resolution to IV

Answer

Dominant - Subdominant - Tonic - Resolution to V

Answer

Tonic - Subdominant - Dominant - Resolution to viio

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a primary triad in Western music theory?

Accepted Answer

Suspended triad

Answer

Major triad

Answer

Minor triad

Answer

Diminished triad

Question 21

What is the term for a chord progression that resolves to a point of stability and creates a sense of closure?

Accepted Answer

Cadence

Answer

Sequence

Answer

Arpeggio

Answer

Inversion

Question 22

Which type of inversion occurs when the middle note of a chord (the third) is in the bass?

Accepted Answer

Second inversion

Answer

First inversion

Answer

Third inversion

Answer

Root position

Question 23

What is the term for a chord that contains two augmented intervals?

Accepted Answer

Augmented chord

Answer

Diminished chord

Answer

Suspended chord

Answer

Extended chord

Question 24

Which of the following chord progressions is considered a chromatic modulation?

Accepted Answer

I - bVII - I

Answer

I - IV - V - I

Answer

I - viio - I

Answer

I - III - VI - II - V - I

Question 25

What is the purpose of using a pedal point in a musical composition?

Accepted Answer

To create a sense of harmonic stability and grounding

Answer

To add rhythmic interest and drive

Answer

To introduce melodic complexity and ornamentation

Answer

To provide a contrasting texture and color

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a strong and effective melodic line?

Accepted Answer

Ambiguity (unclear or unpredictable direction)

Answer

Singability (ease of singing the melody)

Answer

Logical progression (clear and coherent movement)

Answer

Contrast (variation in pitch and rhythm)

Question 27

What is the term for a musical form that consists of three main sections, often in contrasting keys and featuring a development section?

Accepted Answer

Sonata

Answer

Rondo

Answer

Fugue

Answer

Minuet

Question 28

How does modulation contribute to musical contrast and emotional impact in a piece of music?

Accepted Answer

It creates contrast by establishing new key centers, leading to a sense of emotional shift.

Answer

It brings a sense of closure and finality to a musical piece.

Answer

It weakens the harmonic structure of a piece by introducing chords that are not related to the original key.

Answer

It has no significant impact on the musical contrast or emotional impact of a piece.

Question 29

How do you construct a major chord using its root note?

Accepted Answer

Add a perfect fifth and a major third.

Answer

Add a minor third and a perfect fifth.

Answer

Add a major second and a perfect fourth.

Answer

Add a minor third and a diminished fifth.

Question 30

Which interval creates the most intense sense of tension?

Accepted Answer

Minor second

Answer

Major third

Answer

Perfect fifth

Answer

Octave

Question 31

Which type of chord progression conveys a sense of resolution and stability?

Accepted Answer

I-IV-V-I

Answer

I-ii-V

Answer

I-vi-IV-V

Answer

I-VII-iii

Question 32

Which of the following is a hallmark of parallel harmony?

Accepted Answer

Moving all voices in the same direction

Answer

Using only major triads

Answer

Creating a sense of dissonance

Answer

Avoiding repetition

Question 33

What is the fundamental position of a major triad?

Accepted Answer

Root in the bass

Answer

Third in the bass

Answer

Fifth in the bass

Answer

Root not present

Question 34

What is the process of adding non-chord tones to a chord called?

Accepted Answer

Harmonic embellishment

Answer

Chord extension

Answer

Voice leading

Answer

Chord substitution

Question 35

What are the core principles of Schenkerian analysis, and how does it help us understand the structure of music?

Accepted Answer

Linear progression and hierarchical reduction

Answer

Functional harmony and tonal analysis

Answer

Set theory and pitch-class analysis

Answer

Algorithmic music and computer-assisted composition

Question 36

Which musical interval creates the most significant tension in music?

Accepted Answer

Tritone

Answer

Perfect fifth

Answer

Minor second

Answer

Major third

Question 37

What is the term for a series of chords that progress in a stepwise manner?

Accepted Answer

Chord progression

Answer

Harmony

Answer

Melody

Answer

Cadence

Question 38

Which of the following intervals is classified as a perfect consonance?

Accepted Answer

Octave

Answer

Major second

Answer

Major seventh

Answer

Minor ninth

Question 39

Which characteristic is typically associated with a half cadence?

Accepted Answer

Ends on the dominant chord

Answer

Often found at the end of a musical section

Answer

Resolves to the tonic chord

Question 40

Which of the following is a type of chromaticism?

Accepted Answer

Accidental

Answer

Modulation

Answer

Voice leading

Answer

Harmony

Question 41

What is the interval between the root and the third of a major chord?

Accepted Answer

Major third

Answer

Perfect fourth

Answer

Augmented fourth

Answer

Minor third

Question 42

What is a suspended chord?

Accepted Answer

A chord that omits the third, creating a sense of instability or anticipation.

Answer

A chord that includes an augmented fourth interval.

Answer

A chord that is played backwards.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of tonal harmony?

Accepted Answer

Absence of a central key or tonal center

Answer

Functional chord progressions

Answer

Emphasis on consonant intervals

Answer

Use of major and minor scales

Question 44

How can harmony be used to convey emotions or ideas in music?

Accepted Answer

By creating different types of tension and release, as well as suggesting specific moods or atmospheres.

Answer

By depicting specific objects or events in musical form.

Question 45

Which interval is NOT a basic building block for chords?

Accepted Answer

Sixth

Answer

Perfect fifth

Answer

Major third

Answer

Minor second

Question 46

A chord that generates anticipation and requires resolution is known as:

Accepted Answer

Dissonance

Answer

Resolution

Answer

Cadence

Answer

Consonance

Question 47

Which chord progression commonly resolves to a tonic chord, creating a sense of closure?

Accepted Answer

I - IV - V - I

Answer

II - IV - VI - I

Answer

I - III - IV - I

Answer

III - V - II - I

Question 48

Which of these chords is classified as a dominant seventh?

Accepted Answer

G7

Answer

Cmaj7

Answer

Dm

Question 49

A chord containing an augmented interval is typically perceived as:

Accepted Answer

Dissonant

Answer

Neutral

Answer

Ambiguous

Answer

Consonant

Question 50

Which of the following chords is a triad?

Accepted Answer

C major

Answer

Fdim7

Answer

Dsus4

Answer

G7

Question 51

Which of these chords is a diminished seventh?

Accepted Answer

Bdim7

Answer

Csus4

Answer

D7

Answer

Gmaj7

Question 52

A chord that brings a sense of resolution and stability is known as:

Accepted Answer

Consonance

Answer

Dissonance

Answer

Suspension

Answer

Appoggiatura