Songwriters FREE Songwriters Melody and Chord Progressions Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

In songwriting, what is a 'passing tone' used for in a melody?

Accepted Answer

To connect two chord tones by stepwise motion

Answer

A passing tone is a non-chord tone that moves by step between two chord tones, creating smooth melodic connections.

Question 2

Which chord progression is commonly known as the 'Axis of Awesome' progression used in countless pop songs?

Accepted Answer

I-V-vi-IV

Answer

The I-V-vi-IV progression has been used in hundreds of popular songs and was famously demonstrated by the comedy group Axis of Awesome.

Question 3

What technique involves repeating a melodic phrase at a different pitch level?

Accepted Answer

Sequencing

Answer

Melodic sequencing repeats a musical pattern starting on a different pitch, creating momentum and development in a song.

Question 4

In a minor key, what is the name for the chord built on the raised seventh scale degree that creates a stronger pull to the tonic?

Accepted Answer

Leading-tone chord

Answer

Raising the seventh degree in a minor key creates a leading tone that resolves strongly upward to the tonic by half step.

Question 5

What does a 'deceptive cadence' do in a chord progression?

Accepted Answer

Resolves from V to vi instead of the expected I

Answer

A deceptive cadence substitutes the expected tonic resolution with the vi chord, surprising the listener and extending the phrase.

Songwriters Practice Test