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 dominant (V) contains the leading tone, which resolves up to the tonic, creating maximum harmonic tension and release.

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

Ionian, the standard major scale, has the bright, stable, hopeful character most pop and country choruses use.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

C, E, G, and B

Answer

A major seventh chord stacks the root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh (B above C).

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

In C major the I–V–vi–IV pattern spells C, G, A minor, and F.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A perfect fifth

Answer

From C up to G spans seven semitones, which is a perfect fifth.

Songwriters Practice Test