Songwriters Melody and Harmony 2

Question 1

In a major key, which chord is built on the fifth scale degree and creates the strongest pull back to the tonic?

Accepted Answer

The dominant (V)

Answer

The dominant chord contains the leading tone and pulls strongly toward the tonic.

Question 2

What is the term for a melody note that is not part of the underlying chord but resolves by step?

Accepted Answer

Non-chord tone

Answer

Non-chord tones add color and tension before resolving into chord tones.

Question 3

Two notes a perfect fifth apart sound stable and open. This interval is considered:

Accepted Answer

Consonant

Answer

The perfect fifth is one of the most consonant and stable intervals in Western music.

Question 4

When a songwriter borrows a chord from the parallel minor key, this technique is called:

Accepted Answer

Modal interchange

Answer

Modal interchange (borrowed chords) pulls harmony from the parallel mode for added color.

Question 5

A melodic phrase that ends on a note other than the tonic, leaving a sense of incompleteness, ends with a:

Accepted Answer

Half cadence

Answer

A half cadence ends on the dominant, creating an unresolved, question-like feel.

Songwriters Practice Test