Ultimate Music Transcription Flashcards

A transcriber needs to notate a rhythm that divides a beat into five equal parts. This is called a:

Answer: Quintuplet

A quintuplet divides a beat (or note value) into five equal parts, indicated by a bracket or slur with the number 5.

When transcribing jazz, the chord symbol 'Cmaj7' indicates a C major chord with which added note?

Answer: Major seventh (B)

Cmaj7 (C major seven) adds the major seventh interval above the root, which is the note B natural.

A piece written in 3/4 time shifts feel to 6/8 without changing the tempo. This rhythmic device is known as:

Answer: Hemiola

Hemiola is the superimposition of duple groupings over triple meter (or vice versa), creating a temporary metric shift.

On a lead sheet, a chord written above the staff with a melody note below is intended to show:

Answer: The melody with implied harmony for improvisation or accompaniment

Lead sheets pair a single-line melody with chord symbols, giving performers freedom to realize the harmony as they choose.

Which of the following best describes 'enharmonic equivalents' in transcription?

Answer: Two notes with different names but the same pitch

Enharmonic equivalents are pitches that sound identical but are spelled differently, such as F# and G♭.

When transcribing a vocal melody with wide leaps, which interval is typically the most difficult to identify by ear?

Answer: Tritone

The tritone (augmented fourth / diminished fifth) is considered the most difficult common interval to identify because it is equidistant between the octave extremes and has an unstable, ambiguous sound.

A transcriber wants to indicate that a passage should gradually slow down. Which notation is correct?

Answer: Ritardando (rit.)

Ritardando (rit.) is an Italian term instructing the performer to gradually decrease the tempo.