Guitar Guitar Theory & Music Fundamentals 2

Question 1

What is a 'dominant seventh chord' built from?

Accepted Answer

Root + major third + perfect fifth + minor seventh

Answer

A dominant seventh chord is a major triad with an added minor seventh, creating a strong tension that naturally resolves to the tonic chord.

Question 2

Which mode of the major scale starts on the sixth degree and has a natural minor quality?

Accepted Answer

Aeolian

Answer

Aeolian mode, starting on the sixth degree of the major scale, is identical to the natural minor scale and is the most common minor scale used in Western music.

Question 3

What is the function of a 'circle of fifths' in music theory?

Accepted Answer

It organizes all 12 keys by their relationships of perfect fifths

Answer

The circle of fifths arranges all 12 musical keys in a circular pattern where each adjacent key is a perfect fifth apart, making key relationships and modulations visually clear.

Question 4

What is the term for a chord that uses all six strings on standard guitar, often written with an 'x' to indicate a muted string?

Accepted Answer

Voicing

Answer

A chord voicing refers to the specific arrangement of notes in a chord, including which strings are played or muted to achieve a desired sound and register.

Question 5

What interval is the defining characteristic that makes a chord 'diminished'?

Accepted Answer

Two minor thirds stacked

Answer

A diminished triad is built by stacking two minor thirds (three semitones each), resulting in a root, flat third, and flat fifth that creates a tense, unstable sound.

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Guitar Guitar Theory & Music Fundamentals 2