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Chord Construction

Description: Chord Construction Quiz: Test Your Music Theory Knowledge
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: music theory chords chord construction harmony
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the root of a chord?

  1. The lowest note in the chord

  2. The highest note in the chord

  3. The middle note in the chord

  4. The note that gives the chord its name


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The root of a chord is the note that gives the chord its name. For example, the root of a C major chord is C.

What is the third of a chord?

  1. The second note in the chord

  2. The third note in the chord

  3. The fourth note in the chord

  4. The fifth note in the chord


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The third of a chord is the third note in the chord. It is typically either a major third (4 half steps) or a minor third (3 half steps) above the root.

What is the fifth of a chord?

  1. The second note in the chord

  2. The third note in the chord

  3. The fourth note in the chord

  4. The fifth note in the chord


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The fifth of a chord is the fifth note in the chord. It is typically either a perfect fifth (7 half steps) or a diminished fifth (6 half steps) above the root.

What is the difference between a major and a minor chord?

  1. The major chord has a wider interval between the root and the third

  2. The minor chord has a wider interval between the root and the third

  3. The major chord has a wider interval between the third and the fifth

  4. The minor chord has a wider interval between the third and the fifth


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The difference between a major and a minor chord is the interval between the root and the third. In a major chord, the interval is a major third (4 half steps), while in a minor chord, the interval is a minor third (3 half steps).

What is the difference between a diminished and an augmented chord?

  1. The diminished chord has a wider interval between the root and the third

  2. The augmented chord has a wider interval between the root and the third

  3. The diminished chord has a wider interval between the third and the fifth

  4. The augmented chord has a wider interval between the third and the fifth


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The difference between a diminished and an augmented chord is the interval between the third and the fifth. In a diminished chord, the interval is a diminished fifth (6 half steps), while in an augmented chord, the interval is an augmented fifth (8 half steps).

What is an inversion of a chord?

  1. When the root of the chord is moved to the top of the chord

  2. When the third of the chord is moved to the top of the chord

  3. When the fifth of the chord is moved to the top of the chord

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An inversion of a chord is when any note other than the root is moved to the top of the chord. There are three types of inversions: first inversion (when the third is moved to the top), second inversion (when the fifth is moved to the top), and third inversion (when the seventh is moved to the top).

What is a suspended chord?

  1. A chord that has a missing third

  2. A chord that has a missing fifth

  3. A chord that has a missing seventh

  4. A chord that has a missing ninth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A suspended chord is a chord that has a missing third. The most common suspended chords are the suspended second chord (which has a major second instead of a major third) and the suspended fourth chord (which has a perfect fourth instead of a major third).

What is an added chord?

  1. A chord that has an added sixth

  2. A chord that has an added seventh

  3. A chord that has an added ninth

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An added chord is a chord that has an added note that is not normally found in the chord. The most common added chords are the added sixth chord, the added seventh chord, and the added ninth chord.

What is an altered chord?

  1. A chord that has an altered third

  2. A chord that has an altered fifth

  3. A chord that has an altered seventh

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An altered chord is a chord that has an altered note that is normally found in the chord. The most common altered chords are the altered third chord, the altered fifth chord, and the altered seventh chord.

What is a polychord?

  1. A chord that is made up of two or more chords played simultaneously

  2. A chord that is made up of three or more chords played simultaneously

  3. A chord that is made up of four or more chords played simultaneously

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A polychord is a chord that is made up of two or more chords played simultaneously. Polychords can be used to create complex and interesting harmonies.

What is a cluster chord?

  1. A chord that is made up of a group of notes that are close together on the piano keyboard

  2. A chord that is made up of a group of notes that are far apart on the piano keyboard

  3. A chord that is made up of a group of notes that are randomly chosen

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A cluster chord is a chord that is made up of a group of notes that are close together on the piano keyboard. Cluster chords can be used to create dissonant and atonal harmonies.

What is a quartal chord?

  1. A chord that is made up of fourths

  2. A chord that is made up of fifths

  3. A chord that is made up of sixths

  4. A chord that is made up of sevenths


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A quartal chord is a chord that is made up of fourths. Quartal chords can be used to create open and airy harmonies.

What is a modal chord?

  1. A chord that is based on a scale other than the major or minor scale

  2. A chord that is based on the major scale

  3. A chord that is based on the minor scale

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A modal chord is a chord that is based on a scale other than the major or minor scale. Modal chords can be used to create exotic and interesting harmonies.

What is a chromatic chord?

  1. A chord that contains one or more chromatic notes

  2. A chord that contains no chromatic notes

  3. A chord that contains only chromatic notes

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A chromatic chord is a chord that contains one or more chromatic notes. Chromatic chords can be used to create tension and release in a piece of music.

What is a secondary dominant chord?

  1. A chord that is built on the fifth degree of the scale

  2. A chord that is built on the fourth degree of the scale

  3. A chord that is built on the third degree of the scale

  4. A chord that is built on the second degree of the scale


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A secondary dominant chord is a chord that is built on the fifth degree of the scale. Secondary dominant chords can be used to create tension and release in a piece of music.

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