Scales and Modes

Description: Test your knowledge about scales and modes, the fundamental building blocks of music.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: music theory scales modes
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What is the most common type of scale used in Western music?

  1. Major scale

  2. Minor scale

  3. Pentatonic scale

  4. Chromatic scale


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The major scale is the most commonly used scale in Western music, consisting of seven notes with a specific pattern of whole and half steps.

What is the difference between a scale and a mode?

  1. Scales have more notes than modes

  2. Modes are subsets of scales

  3. Scales are more complex than modes

  4. Modes have a different pattern of whole and half steps


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Modes are derived from scales by starting on a different note of the scale, resulting in a unique sound and character.

How many modes are there in a major scale?

  1. 5

  2. 7

  3. 9

  4. 12


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

There are seven modes in a major scale, each starting on a different note and having its own unique sound and characteristics.

What is the name of the mode that starts on the second note of the major scale?

  1. Dorian

  2. Phrygian

  3. Lydian

  4. Mixolydian


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Dorian mode starts on the second note of the major scale and has a minor sound with a lowered third.

Which mode is often used in blues music?

  1. Major scale

  2. Minor scale

  3. Mixolydian mode

  4. Dorian mode


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Mixolydian mode is commonly used in blues music, characterized by its major sound with a lowered seventh.

What is the name of the mode that starts on the fourth note of the major scale?

  1. Lydian

  2. Mixolydian

  3. Dorian

  4. Phrygian


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Lydian mode starts on the fourth note of the major scale and has a bright, uplifting sound with a raised fourth.

Which mode is often used in flamenco music?

  1. Phrygian mode

  2. Lydian mode

  3. Dorian mode

  4. Aeolian mode


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Phrygian mode is frequently used in flamenco music, known for its distinctive minor sound with a lowered second.

What is the name of the mode that starts on the seventh note of the major scale?

  1. Locrian

  2. Ionian

  3. Aeolian

  4. Dorian


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Locrian mode starts on the seventh note of the major scale and has a diminished sound with a lowered second and fifth.

Which mode is often used in jazz and fusion music?

  1. Dorian mode

  2. Lydian mode

  3. Mixolydian mode

  4. Locrian mode


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Dorian mode is frequently employed in jazz and fusion music, known for its minor sound with a raised sixth.

What is the name of the mode that starts on the third note of the major scale?

  1. Phrygian

  2. Lydian

  3. Aeolian

  4. Ionian


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Phrygian mode starts on the third note of the major scale and has a minor sound with a lowered second.

Which mode is often used in traditional Japanese music?

  1. Mixolydian mode

  2. Dorian mode

  3. Aeolian mode

  4. Pentatonic scale


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Pentatonic scale, a five-note scale, is commonly used in traditional Japanese music, known for its simple and distinct sound.

What is the name of the mode that starts on the sixth note of the major scale?

  1. Mixolydian

  2. Aeolian

  3. Dorian

  4. Ionian


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Aeolian mode starts on the sixth note of the major scale and has a minor sound with a lowered third and sixth.

Which mode is often used in classical music and film scores?

  1. Dorian mode

  2. Lydian mode

  3. Aeolian mode

  4. Ionian mode


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ionian mode, also known as the major scale, is frequently used in classical music and film scores for its bright and uplifting sound.

What is the name of the mode that starts on the fifth note of the major scale?

  1. Mixolydian

  2. Dorian

  3. Aeolian

  4. Ionian


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth note of the major scale and has a major sound with a lowered seventh.

Which mode is often used in rock and pop music?

  1. Dorian mode

  2. Lydian mode

  3. Mixolydian mode

  4. Aeolian mode


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Mixolydian mode is frequently employed in rock and pop music, known for its major sound with a lowered seventh, providing a distinctive and energetic feel.

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