FREE Songwriters Melody & Harmony Basics Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a melody and its underlying harmony?

Accepted Answer

Harmony provides a vertical context and support for the horizontal movement of the melody.

Answer

Melody is merely a decorative element added on top of a fully formed harmonic progression.

Answer

Harmony is always derived directly from the notes present in the melody, with no other considerations.

Answer

The melody and harmony are entirely independent and do not influence each other's construction.

Question 2

A songwriter wants to create a feeling of tension and anticipation before resolving to a stable, comfortable sound. Which harmonic concept would be most effective for achieving this?

Accepted Answer

Employing a dominant seventh chord that resolves to the tonic.

Answer

Using only diatonic chords within the key, avoiding any dissonances.

Answer

Repeating the same consonant major chord throughout the section.

Answer

Limiting all harmonic movement to stepwise progressions.

Question 3

When composing a melody, which element primarily dictates its overall contour and emotional arc?

Accepted Answer

The combination of pitch direction, intervals, and rhythmic phrasing.

Answer

The instrument chosen to play the melody.

Answer

The rhythmic complexity of the underlying drums.

Answer

The tempo of the song, exclusively.

Question 4

A songwriter is trying to harmonize a simple folk melody. They choose chords that contain notes found within the melody at each given point. This approach is primarily focused on:

Accepted Answer

Achieving consonance and reinforcing the melodic tones.

Answer

Creating complex polyrhythms.

Answer

Ensuring melodic independence from the harmony.

Answer

Introducing extreme dissonance for dramatic effect.

Question 5

What is the primary function of a 'cadence' in songwriting, related to both melody and harmony?

Accepted Answer

To create a sense of arrival, rest, or completion at the end of a phrase or section.

Answer

To introduce a new musical theme or motif.

Answer

To rapidly modulate to an entirely new key.

Answer

To introduce rhythmic complexity and syncopation.

Question 6

Which term describes a single line of notes played or sung in succession, often the most memorable part of a song?

Accepted Answer

Melody

Answer

Chord progression

Answer

Harmony

Answer

Rhythm section