FREE Songwriters Melody and Chord Progressions 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?

Accepted Answer

D Major (V)

Answer

C Major (IV)

Answer

A minor (ii)

Answer

E minor (vi)

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?

Accepted Answer

F minor (iv)

Answer

B♭ Major (♭VII)

Answer

D Major (V/V)

Answer

E♭ Major (♭III)

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?

Accepted Answer

A generally ascending contour moving from low to high pitches.

Answer

A generally static contour with many repeated notes.

Answer

A descending contour moving from high to low pitches.

Answer

An arch-shaped contour that rises and then falls within the phrase.

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?

Accepted Answer

To create and resolve momentary dissonance, adding interest.

Answer

To establish a new key center within the song.

Answer

To ensure the melody only contains notes from the pentatonic scale.

Answer

To eliminate the need for a complex chord progression.

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?

Accepted Answer

Am - Dm - G - C (vi - ii - V - I)

Answer

C - Am - F - G (I - vi - IV - V)

Answer

C - G - C - F (I - V - I - IV)

Answer

C - Em - G - Am (I - iii - V - vi)

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?

Accepted Answer

Plagal Cadence (IV - I)

Answer

Half Cadence (ending on V)

Answer

Deceptive Cadence (V - vi)

Answer

Authentic Cadence (V - I)