Music Theory Intermediate Quiz

Grade 9 · Music · Quiz

Test your command of intermediate music theory including scales, intervals, chords, and harmonic function.

Questions

1. How many sharps are in the key signature of A major?

   1. 1
   2. 2
   3. 3
   4. 4
   Show answer

   Answer: 3

   A major has 3 sharps: F#, C#, and G#. The order of sharps follows the circle of fifths (F# C# G# D# A# E# B#).

2. Which interval is considered the most dissonant in Western music theory?

   1. Perfect fifth
   2. Major third
   3. Tritone
   4. Minor second
   Show answer

   Answer: Tritone

   The tritone (augmented fourth / diminished fifth) is the most dissonant interval; historically called 'diabolus in musica' (the devil in music).

3. A chord built on the I (first) scale degree is called the:

   1. Dominant
   2. Subdominant
   3. Tonic
   4. Leading tone
   Show answer

   Answer: Tonic

   The tonic chord (I) is the home chord of a key—the point of rest and resolution to which all other harmonic motion gravitates.

4. An augmented triad consists of a root, major third, and augmented fifth.

   Show answer

   Answer: True

   An augmented triad = root + major third (4 half steps) + augmented fifth (8 half steps). It sounds unstable and tense compared to a major triad.

5. Which of the following correctly identifies the interval from C up to G?

   1. Major sixth
   2. Perfect fourth
   3. Perfect fifth
   4. Minor seventh
   Show answer

   Answer: Perfect fifth

   C to G spans 5 letter names (C-D-E-F-G) and 7 half steps, making it a perfect fifth—one of the most consonant intervals in Western music.

6. In a minor key, what is the term for the note that is raised a half step to create a leading tone?

   1. Subtonic
   2. Supertonic
   3. Raised seventh degree
   4. Flat sixth
   Show answer

   Answer: Raised seventh degree

   In natural minor, the 7th scale degree is a whole step below the tonic (subtonic). Raising it a half step creates the leading tone, which pulls strongly to the tonic and is used in harmonic and melodic minor.

7. The Roman numeral for the chord built on the fourth scale degree is ________.

   Show answer

   Answer: iv

   The subdominant chord is built on the 4th scale degree and uses Roman numeral IV (major) or iv (minor); it moves away from tonic and often precedes the dominant.

8. Which chord progression is most associated with a perfect authentic cadence?

   1. IV - I
   2. I - IV - I
   3. V - I
   4. II - V
   Show answer

   Answer: V - I

   A perfect authentic cadence (PAC) is a V-I (or V7-I) progression where both chords are in root position and the tonic is in the soprano; it is the strongest, most conclusive cadence type.

Get a personalized course on Music Theory Intermediate built around your child.