Music Transcription Chord Quality and Inversions Questions and Answers

Question 1

A triad consists of the notes B-flat, D-flat, and F-flat. What is the quality of this chord?

Accepted Answer

Diminished

Answer

The interval from the root (B-flat) to the third (D-flat) is a minor third, and the interval from the root to the fifth (F-flat) is a diminished fifth. This combination of intervals defines a diminished triad.

Question 2

You are transcribing a piano piece and identify a chord containing the notes E, G, and C, with the note G as the lowest sounding pitch. What is the correct description of this chord?

Accepted Answer

C major in second inversion

Answer

The notes E, G, and C form a C major triad (C-E-G). When the fifth of the chord (G) is the lowest sounding note, the chord is in second inversion.

Question 3

Which of the following sets of notes correctly forms a dominant seventh chord with a root of G?

Accepted Answer

G - B - D - F

Answer

A dominant seventh chord is constructed with a root, a major third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. The notes G-B-D-F fit this structure: G to B is a major third, G to D is a perfect fifth, and G to F is a minor seventh.

Question 4

While transcribing, you hear a triad that sounds uniquely unstable, tense, and almost "yearning" or "sci-fi" in quality. It lacks the stability of major or minor chords. Which chord quality is being described?

Accepted Answer

Augmented

Answer

An augmented triad is built from two stacked major thirds (e.g., C-E-G#). The resulting augmented fifth creates a restless and unstable sound that pulls strongly towards resolution, distinguishing it from the stability of major/minor or the "eerie" quality of a diminished chord.

Question 5

A transcriber notates a chord and adds the figured bass symbol '6/5' below the bass note. What does this symbol indicate?

Accepted Answer

A seventh chord in first inversion

Answer

The figured bass "6/5" signifies that the notes sounding above the bass note are a sixth and a fifth away. This intervallic structure occurs when a seventh chord is in first inversion, meaning the third of the chord is in the bass.

Music Transcription Practice Test

Music Transcription Practice Test

Music Transcription Chord Quality and Inversions Questions and Answers