Music Transcription Ultimate Music Transcription 3

Question 1

When transcribing a guitar piece, a bend from D to E would be written as:

Accepted Answer

A whole step bend on D

Answer

A whole step (major 2nd) bend starting on D raises the pitch to E, and is notated with a curved arrow above the D.

Question 2

In transcription, a 'pick-up' or 'anacrusis' refers to:

Accepted Answer

One or more notes before the first full measure

Answer

An anacrusis (pickup) consists of notes that precede the first full measure and lead into the downbeat.

Question 3

Which clef would a transcriber most commonly use for writing bass guitar parts?

Accepted Answer

Bass clef

Answer

Bass guitar parts are written in bass clef because the instrument's range corresponds to the lower register it represents.

Question 4

A transcriber hears two pitches sounding simultaneously. The lower pitch vibrates at 220 Hz and the upper at 330 Hz. The interval is a:

Accepted Answer

Perfect fifth

Answer

A frequency ratio of 3:2 (330/220 = 1.5) corresponds to a perfect fifth in just intonation.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a double barline in a transcription score?

Accepted Answer

It signals a change in tempo, key, or time signature

Answer

A double barline (two thin lines) marks the end of a section or the point where a significant change such as a new key or time signature occurs.

Music Transcription Practice Test