Guitar Guitar Theory & Music Fundamentals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the interval between the first and fifth degree of a major scale called?
- Major third
- Perfect fourth
- Perfect fifth (Correct answer)
- Major sixth
Correct answer: Perfect fifth
The interval from the root to the fifth degree of any major scale is called a perfect fifth, spanning seven semitones.
Question 2: On a standard-tuned guitar, what are the pitches of the six open strings from lowest to highest?
- E A D G B E (Correct answer)
- E A D G B F
- E B G D A E
- D A D G B E
Correct answer: E A D G B E
Standard guitar tuning from the lowest (thickest) string to highest is E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4.
Question 3: A pentatonic scale has how many notes per octave?
- 4
- 5 (Correct answer)
- 6
- 7
Correct answer: 5
A pentatonic scale contains five distinct pitches per octave, making it simpler than the seven-note major or minor scales.
Question 4: What does a 'barre chord' require the guitarist to do?
- Use only open strings
- Press one finger across all or most strings at a single fret (Correct answer)
- Use only the thumb on the low strings
- Tap the body for percussion
Correct answer: Press one finger across all or most strings at a single fret
A barre chord requires the guitarist to lay one finger, usually the index, flat across all strings at a given fret, acting as a movable capo.
Question 5: What is the formula for a major triad in terms of intervals?
- Root + minor third + perfect fifth
- Root + major third + perfect fifth (Correct answer)
- Root + perfect fourth + major sixth
- Root + major second + minor seventh
Correct answer: Root + major third + perfect fifth
A major triad consists of a root, a major third (4 semitones above the root), and a perfect fifth (7 semitones above the root).
Question 6: In music theory, what does 'CAGED' system refer to for guitarists?
- A method of alternate tunings
- Five chord shapes that map the entire fretboard (Correct answer)
- A strumming pattern system
- A scale fingering notation system
Correct answer: Five chord shapes that map the entire fretboard
The CAGED system uses the five open chord shapes (C, A, G, E, D) as moveable templates to understand scales, arpeggios, and chords across the whole fretboard.
Guitar Guitar Theory & Music Fundamentals 1
What is the interval between the first and fifth degree of a major scale called?