Songwriters Songwriters Music Theory and Harmony Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which chord quality results from stacking a minor third on top of a major third?

Accepted Answer

Minor

Answer

A minor chord is built by placing a minor third above a major third from the root.

Question 2

In the key of G major, what is the vi chord?

Accepted Answer

E minor

Answer

The vi chord in G major is built on the sixth scale degree E, producing E minor.

Question 3

What term describes a chord progression that moves from the V chord to the I chord?

Accepted Answer

Authentic cadence

Answer

An authentic cadence resolves from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I).

Question 4

Which mode is derived from playing the white keys of a piano starting on D?

Accepted Answer

Dorian

Answer

The Dorian mode corresponds to the natural notes from D to D on the piano.

Question 5

What does a slash chord notation like C/E indicate?

Accepted Answer

Play C major with E as the bass note

Answer

A slash chord places the note after the slash in the bass while playing the chord before the slash.

Songwriters Practice Test