Songwriters Songwriters Melody and Harmony Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is a melodic sequence in songwriting?

Accepted Answer

A repeated melodic pattern transposed to different pitch levels

Answer

A melodic sequence repeats a melodic motif at successively higher or lower pitch levels to create momentum and development.

Question 2

Which interval is most commonly associated with creating tension in a melody before resolving?

Accepted Answer

Minor second

Answer

The minor second creates strong dissonance and tension that naturally seeks resolution to a more consonant interval.

Question 3

In popular songwriting, what does 'contrary motion' between melody and bass refer to?

Accepted Answer

The melody moves up while the bass moves down, or vice versa

Answer

Contrary motion occurs when the melody and bass line move in opposite directions, creating a sense of independence and harmonic richness.

Question 4

What is a 'pedal tone' and how does it function in songwriting harmony?

Accepted Answer

A sustained or repeated note held while chords change above it

Answer

A pedal tone is a sustained note, usually in the bass, that remains constant while the harmony changes around it, creating tension and release.

Question 5

Which harmonic technique do songwriters use when they borrow a chord from the parallel minor key in a major key song?

Accepted Answer

Modal interchange

Answer

Modal interchange, also called modal mixture, involves borrowing chords from a parallel mode to add color and emotional depth.

Songwriters Practice Test