Free Songwriters Melody and Chord Progressions Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the key of G Major, a songwriter wants to create the strongest possible harmonic pull back to the tonic G chord. Which chord should they use immediately before the G chord?
- C Major (IV)
- D Major (V) (Correct answer)
- A minor (ii)
- E minor (vi)
Correct answer: D Major (V)
The V chord (the dominant) contains the leading tone (F# in this case), which is one half-step below the tonic (G). This creates strong harmonic tension that naturally resolves to the I chord (the tonic). The V-I progression, also known as an authentic cadence, provides the most powerful point of resolution in Western harmony.
Question 2: A songwriter working in C Major has a progression of C - G - Am (I - V - vi). They want to add a chord after the Am that introduces a moment of unexpected sadness or melancholy before resolving. Which of the following non-diatonic chords would be most effective?
- F minor (iv) (Correct answer)
- B♭ Major (♭VII)
- D Major (V/V)
- E♭ Major (♭III)
Correct answer: F minor (iv)
The F minor chord is the minor subdominant (iv). Borrowing this chord from the parallel minor key (C minor) is a common technique to add pathos or melancholy to a major key progression. Its F and A♭ notes create a distinct color change from the diatonic F Major chord (F-A-C), often setting up a powerful resolution back to the I chord.
Question 3: A songwriter is crafting a melody for a chorus that needs to convey a feeling of increasing excitement and triumph. Which melodic contour would best support this emotion?
- A generally static contour with many repeated notes.
- A descending contour moving from high to low pitches.
- An arch-shaped contour that rises and then falls within the phrase.
- A generally ascending contour moving from low to high pitches. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A generally ascending contour moving from low to high pitches.
An ascending melodic line naturally creates a sense of rising energy, tension, and excitement, mirroring the physical effort required to sing higher notes. This makes it an ideal choice for a triumphant chorus aiming to lift the listener's spirits. A descending contour, by contrast, often suggests sadness or resolution.
Question 4: When a melody note does not belong to the underlying chord being played, it is called a non-chord tone. What is the primary harmonic function of using non-chord tones like passing tones or suspensions in a melody?
- To establish a new key center within the song.
- To create and resolve momentary dissonance, adding interest. (Correct answer)
- To ensure the melody only contains notes from the pentatonic scale.
- To eliminate the need for a complex chord progression.
Correct answer: To create and resolve momentary dissonance, adding interest.
Non-chord tones create temporary clashes (dissonance) with the underlying harmony. This dissonance generates tension that is then released when the melody moves to a consonant chord tone. This interplay of tension and release is fundamental to creating compelling and memorable melodies that move smoothly between chord changes.
Question 5: A songwriter wants to write a bridge that feels like it's logically and powerfully moving forward toward a resolution. They decide to use a progression based on the circle of fifths. Which of the following progressions in C Major best exemplifies this concept?
- C - Am - F - G (I - vi - IV - V)
- C - G - C - F (I - V - I - IV)
- Am - Dm - G - C (vi - ii - V - I) (Correct answer)
- C - Em - G - Am (I - iii - V - vi)
Correct answer: Am - Dm - G - C (vi - ii - V - I)
The vi - ii - V - I progression is a classic example of movement around the circle of fifths. Each chord's root is a fifth above (or a fourth below) the next, creating a strong sense of forward momentum and inevitable resolution to the tonic (I). This is one of the most common and powerful progressions in Western music.
Question 6: Which type of musical cadence, often referred to as the 'Amen' cadence, creates a less forceful, more gentle sense of resolution compared to a V-I cadence?
- Half Cadence (ending on V)
- Deceptive Cadence (V - vi)
- Plagal Cadence (IV - I) (Correct answer)
- Authentic Cadence (V - I)
Correct answer: Plagal Cadence (IV - I)
The Plagal Cadence, the progression from the subdominant (IV) chord to the tonic (I) chord, provides a sense of closure but is less dynamic and final than the Authentic Cadence (V-I). Because of its frequent use to set the word 'Amen' in hymns, it has earned that nickname and is often used to create a feeling of peaceful finality.
Free Songwriters Melody and Chord Progressions Questions and Answers 1
In the key of G Major, a songwriter wants to create the strongest possible harmonic pull back to the tonic G chord.
Which chord should they use immediately before the G chord?