Songwriters Melody and Chord Progressions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a major key, which chord is built on the fifth scale degree and creates the strongest pull back to the tonic?
- The dominant (V) chord (Correct answer)
- The subdominant (IV) chord
- The supertonic (ii) chord
- The submediant (vi) chord
Correct answer: The dominant (V) chord
The dominant (V) chord contains the leading tone and creates the strongest resolution to the tonic.
Question 2: A songwriter wants a melancholy verse that still resolves home. Which progression best fits a sad-but-resolving feel in C major?
- vi - IV - I - V (Am - F - C - G) (Correct answer)
- I - IV - V - I (C - F - G - C)
- I - V - vi - IV (C - G - Am - F)
- ii - V - I (Dm - G - C)
Correct answer: vi - IV - I - V (Am - F - C - G)
Starting on vi (the relative minor) gives a melancholy color while still resolving through V back to I.
Question 3: What is the most common interval to end a melodic phrase on for a strong sense of resolution?
- The tonic (root) note (Correct answer)
- The seventh
- The tritone
- The minor second
Correct answer: The tonic (root) note
Landing the melody on the tonic gives the listener a clear sense of arrival and rest.
Question 4: Which technique involves repeating a short melodic idea at different pitch levels to build momentum?
- Sequence (Correct answer)
- Inversion
- Augmentation
- Retrograde
Correct answer: Sequence
A melodic sequence restates a motif at higher or lower pitches, driving the line forward.
Question 5: In the key of G major, what are the diatonic chords of the I - IV - V progression?
- G - C - D (Correct answer)
- G - D - A
- G - C - Em
- G - Am - Bm
Correct answer: G - C - D
In G major, I is G, IV is C, and V is D.
Question 6: Why do songwriters often place the highest melody note at the chorus rather than the verse?
- It creates an emotional peak and lift that defines the hook (Correct answer)
- Higher notes are easier to record
- It avoids clashing with the bass
- Choruses require a key change
Correct answer: It creates an emotional peak and lift that defines the hook
Reserving the highest note for the chorus gives the song a sense of climax and emotional release.
Question 7: A 'pedal point' in a chord progression refers to what?
- A sustained bass note held while chords change above it (Correct answer)
- A pause between two verses
- A rapid strumming pattern
- A modulation to a distant key
Correct answer: A sustained bass note held while chords change above it
A pedal point holds one note (often the tonic or dominant) in the bass while harmony shifts above, creating tension.
Songwriters Melody and Chord Progressions 2
In a major key, which chord is built on the fifth scale degree and creates the strongest pull back to the tonic?