Songwriters Music Theory and Harmony 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The dominant (V) chord

Answer

The subdominant (IV) chord

Answer

The mediant (iii) chord

Answer

The submediant (vi) chord

Question 2

A songwriter wants a bright, hopeful sound for a chorus. Which mode is most associated with that quality?

Accepted Answer

Ionian (major)

Answer

Aeolian (natural minor)

Answer

Phrygian

Answer

Locrian

Question 3

What does the chord symbol 'Cmaj7' tell a guitarist to play?

Accepted Answer

C, E, G, and B

Answer

C, E, G, and Bb

Answer

C, Eb, G, and B

Answer

C, E, G, and A

Question 4

The chord progression I–V–vi–IV is extremely common in pop songwriting. In the key of C major, what are those four chords?

Accepted Answer

C, G, Am, F

Answer

C, F, G, Am

Answer

C, Em, Am, G

Answer

C, G, F, Dm

Question 5

What interval is formed between the two notes C and G?

Accepted Answer

A perfect fifth

Answer

A perfect fourth

Answer

A major third

Answer

A minor sixth

Question 6

When a song temporarily uses a chord borrowed from the parallel minor key, this technique is called:

Accepted Answer

Modal interchange (borrowed chords)

Answer

Transposition

Answer

Inversion

Answer

Augmentation

Question 7

A capo placed on the second fret while playing chord shapes in the key of C will sound in which key?

Accepted Answer

D major

Answer

B major

Answer

E major

Answer

C# major