Beat Making Music Theory for Beat Makers

Question 1

What is a 'chord progression' in beat making?

Accepted Answer

A series of chords played in succession that forms the harmonic foundation of a song

Answer

A sequence of tempo changes in a beat

Answer

The arrangement of drum patterns in a project

Answer

A MIDI controller mapping

Question 2

What is the difference between a major and minor scale in beat making?

Accepted Answer

Major scales generally sound bright and happy; minor scales sound darker and more melancholic

Answer

Major scales are faster; minor scales are slower

Answer

Major scales have 8 notes; minor scales have 7 notes

Answer

Major scales are only used in jazz; minor in hip-hop

Question 3

What does 'BPM' stand for and what does it measure?

Accepted Answer

Beats Per Minute — the tempo or speed of a piece of music

Answer

Bass Per Measure — the number of bass hits in a measure

Answer

Bars Per Mix — the number of bars in a mixdown

Answer

Beats Per Measure — the time signature denominator

Question 4

What is a 'pentatonic scale' and why is it popular among beat makers?

Accepted Answer

A 5-note scale that avoids dissonant intervals, making melodies easy to construct and sound good

Answer

A 10-note scale used in classical music

Answer

A scale exclusive to jazz improvisation

Answer

A scale that only uses black keys on a piano

Question 5

What is a 'bar' (or measure) in music?

Accepted Answer

A rhythmic unit containing a set number of beats as defined by the time signature

Answer

A segment of audio exactly 1 second long

Answer

A looping audio region in a DAW

Answer

The lowest frequency range in a mix

Question 6

What is the 'root note' of a chord or scale?

Accepted Answer

The foundational note from which a chord or scale is built and named

Answer

The lowest possible note on a piano keyboard

Answer

The bass note of the kick drum

Answer

The first note played in a melody