Music Transcription Chord Quality and Inversions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct name for the chord built on the seventh scale degree in a major key?
- Diminished triad (Correct answer)
- Minor triad
- Augmented triad
- Major triad
Correct answer: Diminished triad
The triad built on the seventh scale degree of a major key is a diminished triad.
Question 2: Which symbol in a lead sheet chart indicates a minor seventh chord?
- Maj7
- m7 (Correct answer)
- 7
- ø7
Correct answer: m7
The symbol 'm7' (or '-7') indicates a minor seventh chord with a minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
Question 3: An augmented sixth chord resolves outward by half step to which interval?
- A minor sixth
- A perfect fifth
- An octave (Correct answer)
- A tritone
Correct answer: An octave
The augmented sixth interval resolves by contrary motion outward in half steps to an octave.
Question 4: What does the figured bass number '6' alone indicate?
- Root position
- First inversion (Correct answer)
- Second inversion
- Third inversion
Correct answer: First inversion
The figure '6' (shorthand for 6/3) indicates first inversion, with a sixth and third above the bass.
Question 5: A dominant seventh chord (V7) in third inversion has which note in the bass?
- Root
- Third
- Fifth
- Seventh (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Seventh
Third inversion places the seventh of the chord in the bass, making 4/2 the figured bass symbol.
Question 6: Which chord quality is described as having a major third and a perfect fifth above the root?
- Minor
- Augmented
- Diminished
- Major (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Major
A major triad consists of a root, major third (4 semitones), and perfect fifth (7 semitones).
Question 7: When you see a chord written as 'C/E' in a lead sheet, what does it mean?
- C major with an added E
- C major with E in the bass (first inversion) (Correct answer)
- E minor over C
- C dominant seventh
Correct answer: C major with E in the bass (first inversion)
Slash chord notation 'C/E' means a C major chord with E as the bass note, indicating first inversion.
Music Transcription Chord Quality and Inversions 3
What is the correct name for the chord built on the seventh scale degree in a major key?