Online Music Lessons Online Music Theory Lessons 1

Question 1

What interval spans exactly three whole tones (six half steps)?

Accepted Answer

A tritone

Answer

A tritone spans three whole tones (six half steps), equivalent to an augmented fourth or diminished fifth. It is famously dissonant and was historically called 'diabolus in musica.'

Question 2

Which scale degrees are lowered by a half step in a natural minor scale compared to the parallel major scale?

Accepted Answer

3rd, 6th, and 7th

Answer

The natural minor scale lowers the 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees of the major scale by a half step each, producing the characteristic darker, more melancholic sound of the minor mode.

Question 3

What is the relative minor key of G major?

Accepted Answer

E minor

Answer

The relative minor key shares the same key signature as its major counterpart and begins on the 6th scale degree. The 6th degree of G major is E, making E minor the relative minor of G major.

Question 4

How many flats appear in the key signature of B-flat major?

Accepted Answer

Two

Answer

B-flat major has two flats — B♭ and E♭ — in its key signature. Flats are added in the order: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭.

Question 5

What does the dynamic marking 'pianissimo' (pp) instruct a performer to do?

Accepted Answer

Play very softly

Answer

Pianissimo (pp) is an Italian dynamic marking meaning 'very soft,' indicating a quieter volume than piano (p). Dynamic markings control the loudness or softness of a musical passage.

Online Music Lessons Practice Test

Online Music Lessons Practice Test

Online Music Lessons Online Music Theory Lessons 1