Songwriters Music Theory and Harmony Questions and Answers

Question 1

A songwriter in the key of C Major wants to add a moment of unexpected color and melancholy. Which of the following chords, borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor), would be the most common and effective choice to achieve this?

Accepted Answer

F minor (iv)

Answer

Borrowing the iv chord (F minor) from the parallel minor key is a classic modal interchange technique used to add a touch of melancholy or introspection to a major key progression. While the other chords also exist in C minor, the minor subdominant (iv) is one of the most frequently used and recognizable borrowed chords in popular songwriting, creating a powerful emotional shift without destabilizing the tonic.

Question 2

In a song in the key of G Major, a songwriter uses the chord progression: G - D - Em - C. They decide to insert a chord before the Em to create a stronger pull towards it. Which of the following secondary dominant chords would best accomplish this?

Accepted Answer

B Major (V/vi)

Answer

The Em chord is the 'vi' chord in the key of G Major. A secondary dominant is the dominant (V) chord of a diatonic chord other than the tonic. The dominant of E minor is B Major (or B7). Inserting a B Major chord before the Em creates a V-i resolution (in the temporary key of E minor), providing a strong sense of harmonic direction and tension leading into the Em chord.

Question 3

A songwriter is working on a verse melody and wants to create a progression with a classic, 'feel-good' sound that has been a staple in pop and rock music for decades. Which of the following diatonic chord progressions is most famously associated with this feeling?

Accepted Answer

I - V - vi - IV

Answer

The I-V-vi-IV progression, often called the 'Axis of Awesome' or 'four-chord' progression, is one of the most ubiquitous and commercially successful progressions in modern popular music. It forms the basis of countless hits across many genres and is known for its uplifting and satisfying resolution.

Question 4

Which of the following musical modes is characterized by being a minor scale with a raised sixth degree, often described as having a 'bright minor' or 'soulful' sound?

Accepted Answer

Dorian

Answer

The Dorian mode is a minor mode (it has a minor third) but features a major (raised) sixth degree compared to the natural minor scale (Aeolian). This unique interval gives it a sound that is both melancholic and hopeful, and it has been used extensively in folk, jazz, rock, and pop music.

Question 5

A songwriter wants to create a chord progression that strongly establishes the tonic. Which harmonic function serves to create the most tension and strongest desire to resolve back to the tonic (I) chord?

Accepted Answer

Dominant

Answer

In functional harmony, the Dominant function, represented primarily by the V chord (and V7), creates the maximum harmonic tension in a key. This tension is due to the presence of the leading tone (the 7th degree of the scale), which has a strong melodic pull up to the tonic. This V-I resolution is the most fundamental and powerful cadence in Western harmony.

Songwriters Practice Test

Songwriters Practice Test

Songwriters Music Theory and Harmony Questions and Answers