Passing Tones

Description: Passing Tones Quiz
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: music theory passing tones
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What is a passing tone?

  1. A non-chord tone that occurs between two chord tones

  2. A chord tone that occurs between two non-chord tones

  3. A non-chord tone that occurs before a chord tone

  4. A chord tone that occurs after a non-chord tone


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A passing tone is a non-chord tone that occurs between two chord tones. It is usually approached and left by step.

What is the function of a passing tone?

  1. To add melodic interest

  2. To create tension

  3. To resolve tension

  4. To change the harmony


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary function of a passing tone is to add melodic interest. It can also be used to create tension or resolve tension, but this is not its primary function.

What are the two types of passing tones?

  1. Upper and lower

  2. Major and minor

  3. Diatonic and chromatic

  4. Consonant and dissonant


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

There are two types of passing tones: upper and lower. An upper passing tone is a non-chord tone that occurs above the previous chord tone, while a lower passing tone is a non-chord tone that occurs below the previous chord tone.

How are passing tones approached and left?

  1. By step

  2. By leap

  3. By either step or leap

  4. It doesn't matter


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Passing tones are usually approached and left by step. This means that they move from one chord tone to the next by the interval of a second.

What is the difference between a passing tone and a neighbor tone?

  1. Passing tones are approached and left by step, while neighbor tones are approached and left by leap

  2. Passing tones are non-chord tones, while neighbor tones are chord tones

  3. Passing tones occur between two chord tones, while neighbor tones occur before or after a chord tone

  4. Passing tones are usually diatonic, while neighbor tones are usually chromatic


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main difference between a passing tone and a neighbor tone is that passing tones are approached and left by step, while neighbor tones are approached and left by leap.

What is a common example of a passing tone?

  1. The note C in the melody of the song "Happy Birthday to You"

  2. The note D in the melody of the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

  3. The note E in the melody of the song "Jingle Bells"

  4. The note F in the melody of the song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm"


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A common example of a passing tone is the note C in the melody of the song "Happy Birthday to You". This note occurs between the chord tones G and D.

What is a common example of a neighbor tone?

  1. The note C in the melody of the song "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

  2. The note D in the melody of the song "Yankee Doodle Dandy"

  3. The note E in the melody of the song "The Star-Spangled Banner"

  4. The note F in the melody of the song "America the Beautiful"


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A common example of a neighbor tone is the note C in the melody of the song "Mary Had a Little Lamb". This note occurs before the chord tone D.

Passing tones can be used in all musical styles?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Passing tones can be used in all musical styles. They are a common melodic device that can be found in music from all over the world.

Passing tones are always dissonant?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Passing tones are not always dissonant. They can be consonant or dissonant, depending on the context in which they are used.

Passing tones can be used to create tension?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Passing tones can be used to create tension. This is because they are non-chord tones, and they can therefore create a sense of instability.

Passing tones can be used to resolve tension?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Passing tones can be used to resolve tension. This is because they can move to a chord tone, which can create a sense of stability.

Passing tones are always approached and left by step?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Passing tones are not always approached and left by step. They can also be approached and left by leap.

Passing tones are always diatonic?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Passing tones are not always diatonic. They can also be chromatic.

Passing tones are always used in pairs?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Passing tones are not always used in pairs. They can also be used singly.

Passing tones are always found in the melody?

  1. Yes

  2. No


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Passing tones are not always found in the melody. They can also be found in the harmony.

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