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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Education

Music Theory Diagnostic Test Challenge

Assess Your Music Fundamentals with a Quiz

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements of a Music Theory Diagnostic Test quiz.

Welcome to a comprehensive Music Theory Quiz designed to pinpoint your strengths and areas for growth. Ideal for students and teachers seeking a clear evaluation of fundamental concepts, this diagnostic test covers scales, chords, intervals, and rhythm. Take a quick Diagnostic Assessment Quiz to benchmark your skills, then effortlessly customize questions in our editor. Dive into our quizzes library for more engaging practice. Discover insights and sharpen your musical foundation today.

What is the pattern of whole (W) and half (H) steps in a major scale?
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
W-H-W-W-H-W-W
W-W-W-H-W-W-H
H-W-W-H-W-W-W
The major scale interval pattern is whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. This sequence defines the characteristic sound of a major scale. Other patterns correspond to different scale types.
What interval is between C and E?
Major third
Minor third
Perfect fourth
Major second
C to E spans four semitones, which constitutes a major third. A minor third would be three semitones. Other options represent different interval sizes.
Which key signature has one sharp?
G major
D major
F major
C major
G major is the key with one sharp, F#. D major has two sharps, F major has one flat, and C major has no sharps or flats. The single sharp identifies G major.
How many beats are in a 4/4 time signature?
4
3
6
2
A 4/4 time signature indicates there are four quarter-note beats per measure. This is also known as common time. Other numbers apply to different time signatures.
What note is on the second line of the treble clef staff?
G
E
F
D
In the treble clef, the second line from the bottom is G. E and F occupy different lines and spaces. Knowing line and space note positions is essential for reading notation.
Which chords make up a I-IV-V progression in C major?
C - F - G
C - D - G
C - F - Am
C - G - D
In C major, the I chord is C, the IV chord is F, and the V chord is G. These three chords form the common I-IV-V progression. Other combinations do not match the scale degrees.
Using the circle of fifths, which key is a perfect fifth above D major?
A major
G major
B major
E major
A perfect fifth above D is A, so the key is A major. The circle of fifths moves clockwise by fifths. G major is a fifth below D, and E and B are other positions on the circle.
If you transpose a melody up a minor third, what is the new pitch of C?
E♭
D
A
F
Transposing up a minor third raises the pitch by three semitones: C to C♯ (1), C♯ to D (2), D to E♭ (3). Other options correspond to different intervals.
In G major, what is the harmonic function of the chord D7?
Dominant
Tonic
Subdominant
Leading-tone
D7 is the V7 chord in G major, functioning as the dominant that resolves to the tonic G. The tonic is G, the subdominant is C, and the leading-tone chord is F♯ diminished.
What is the relative minor of C major?
A minor
E minor
D minor
G minor
The relative minor for any major key is based on its sixth scale degree; C major's sixth is A, so A minor is the relative minor. Other minor keys relate to different majors.
What is the interval between F and C?
Perfect fifth
Perfect fourth
Major sixth
Minor third
F to C spans seven semitones, which defines a perfect fifth. A perfect fourth would be five semitones, a major sixth nine, and a minor third three.
In 6/8 time signature, how many beats are there per measure, and how are they typically grouped?
2 dotted-quarter beats
3 quarter beats
6 eighth-note beats
4 dotted-quarter beats
6/8 is a compound duple meter with two main beats per measure, each a dotted-quarter note equal to three eighths. While there are six eighth notes, they are grouped into two beats. Other groupings misrepresent the compound feel.
What musical form is characterized by an initial section (A), a contrasting section (B), and a return to the first section (A)?
Ternary form
Binary form
Rondo form
Sonata form
Ternary form follows an ABA structure: an opening section, a contrasting middle, and a repeat of the opening. Binary form is AB, rondo repeats A between new sections, and sonata form is more complex.
In G major, what is the scale degree of the note F♯?
7th
5th
2nd
4th
F♯ is the seventh scale degree (the leading tone) in G major. The fifth is D, the second is A, and the fourth is C. Identifying scale degrees is key for analysis.
What term describes the repetition of a melodic idea at a different pitch level?
Sequence
Inversion
Retrograde
Augmentation
A sequence repeats a motif at successive pitch levels. Inversion flips intervals, retrograde reverses the motif, and augmentation lengthens note values.
In C major, what is the secondary dominant chord V/V?
D7
G7
E7
A7
V/V is the dominant of the dominant; in C major the dominant is G, so its dominant is D7. G7 is the primary V7, E7 is V/vi, and A7 is V/ii.
Which key signature has four flats?
A♭ major
D♭ major
B♭ minor
G♭ major
A♭ major has B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭ - four flats. D♭ major has five flats, B♭ minor has five, and G♭ major has six.
To transpose a melody from C major up to E major, by what interval must each note be raised?
Major third
Minor third
Perfect fourth
Perfect fifth
C to E is a major third (four semitones). Transposing up a major third moves the melody into E major. Other intervals would not align the keys correctly.
What rhythmic device creates the effect of playing two measures of 3/4 time as if they were three measures of 2/4?
Hemiola
Syncopation
Polyrhythm
Cross-rhythm
A hemiola groups three beats of 3/4 into two beats of duple division over the span of two measures. Syncopation displaces accents, polyrhythm layers meters, and cross-rhythm overlaps them.
If a piece modulates from C minor to its relative major, which key does it move to?
E♭ major
G major
A♭ major
F major
The relative major of C minor is E♭ major, sharing the same key signature. G major, A♭ major, and F major have different signatures and relationships.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key scales, chords, and intervals in notation
  2. Analyze melodic and harmonic structures effectively
  3. Apply the circle of fifths to chord progressions
  4. Evaluate rhythmic patterns and time signatures accurately
  5. Master basic note reading and transposition skills
  6. Demonstrate understanding of musical form and key signatures

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master Major and Minor Scales - Scales are the building blocks of melodies and harmonies. Understanding whole-step and half-step patterns helps you spot key signatures and craft tunes. For example, C major is W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Circle of Fifths Guide
  2. Recognize Common Chord Progressions - Chord progressions like ii - V - I give songs their familiar flow. Practicing Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7 in C major will sharpen your harmonic ear and improvisation skills. ii - V - I Progression
  3. Understand Intervals and Their Qualities - Intervals are the distances between two notes, labeled by size and quality (major, minor, perfect). Spotting a C to E as a major third boosts your melody and harmony analysis. Interval (Music)
  4. Apply the Circle of Fifths - Spin the circle to see how keys relate: clockwise adds sharps, counterclockwise adds flats. This tool streamlines key changes and reveals chord relationships on the fly. Circle of Fifths
  5. Analyze Melodic Structures - Break down motifs and phrases to see how composers build melodies. Recognizing patterns, repetition, and variation will strengthen both your analysis and songwriting chops. Melodic Structure
  6. Evaluate Rhythmic Patterns and Time Signatures - Clap and count rhythms in 4/4, 6/8, and beyond to internalize pulse and groove. Mastering these patterns will keep you and your band locked in during performances. Time Signatures
  7. Develop Note Reading Skills - Reading notes on treble and bass clefs is like learning a new language. Mnemonics like "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge" make the lines on the treble clef a breeze. Staff and Clefs
  8. Practice Transposition - Shift melodies and chords up or down to suit different instruments and vocal ranges. This flexibility is a must-have skill for any arranger or accompanist. Transposition
  9. Understand Musical Forms - Familiarize yourself with structures like binary, ternary, and sonata form to see the big picture of a composition. Knowing the form helps you anticipate turns and transitions. Musical Form
  10. Identify Key Signatures Quickly - Memorize the order of sharps (F, C, G…) and flats (B, E, A…). Recognizing G major's single sharp or F major's single flat can dramatically speed up sight-reading. Key Signatures
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