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Music Theory for Dummies Trivia Quiz

This is a quiz to test your knowledge of basic music theory.

A multiple-choice quiz by bwaybabe42ndst. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
bwaybabe42ndst

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
181,083

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
1645

Last 3 plays: Guest 123 (4/10), Guest 70 (7/10), Guest 204 (6/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is it called when a meter sounds duple but is notated in triple? Hint

simple meter

compound meter

hemiola

syncoption

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Question 2 of 10

2. The process by which a new tonal center or key is achieved is called what? Hint

tonicization

cadence

secondary dominance

modulation

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Question 3 of 10

3. The second section of a binary form in a major key usually modulates to what? Hint

parallel minor

subdominant

relative minor

dominant

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Question 4 of 10

4. What is extensive use of chromaticism is called? Hint

atonality

none of the above

pelog

hyper-chromaticism

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Question 5 of 10

5. What type of canon does not give the entry of the second part and must be discovered by the performers? Hint

retrograde canon

enigmatic canon

invertible canon

perpetual canon

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Question 6 of 10

6. If a rondo is in a major key and it modulates, what key will it modulate to after the first refrain? Hint

dominant

relative minor

subdominant

parallel minor

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Question 7 of 10

7. What is usually the last dance in a Baroque suite? Hint

Courante

Allemande

Sarabande

Gigue

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Question 8 of 10

8. Can Augmented Sixth chords have enharmonic spellings?

Yes

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Question 9 of 10

9. What is a five tone scale called? Hint

Major scale

Pelog scale

Pentatonic scale

Selendro scale

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Question 10 of 10

10. How many accidentals can be found in the C major concert scale? Hint

3 Flats

2 Flats

1 Sharp

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 16 2024 : Guest 123: 4/10
Dec 09 2024 : Guest 70: 7/10
Dec 03 2024 : Guest 204: 6/10
Dec 03 2024 : Guest 174: 8/10
Nov 07 2024 : MacaroniTree: 6/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is it called when a meter sounds duple but is notated in triple?

Answer: hemiola

Handel is noted for using the hemiola throughout his music.

2. The process by which a new tonal center or key is achieved is called what?

Answer: modulation

There are three types of modulations: Pivot Chord, Direct, and Sequence.

3. The second section of a binary form in a major key usually modulates to what?

Answer: dominant

Binary form is usually AB form while ternary is ABA form.

4. What is extensive use of chromaticism is called?

Answer: hyper-chromaticism

Chromaticism was used during the Common Practice Period to increase the expressiveness of the piece.

5. What type of canon does not give the entry of the second part and must be discovered by the performers?

Answer: enigmatic canon

A canon is a piece for two or more voices that basically mimic each other as the piece progresses.

6. If a rondo is in a major key and it modulates, what key will it modulate to after the first refrain?

Answer: dominant

A rondo does not always have to modulate, but most of the time it does.

7. What is usually the last dance in a Baroque suite?

Answer: Gigue

The Gigue is a dance that comes from Ireland.

8. Can Augmented Sixth chords have enharmonic spellings?

Answer: yes

The enharmonic spelling is called a Doubly-Augmented Fourth Chord.

9. What is a five tone scale called?

Answer: Pentatonic scale

Two other types of scales are used by Javanese orchestras, the Pelog and the Slendro. The Slendro is a 5 note scale while the Pelog is a 7 note scale.

10. How many accidentals can be found in the C major concert scale?

Answer: 0

C major is simply C, D, E, F, G, A, B and back to C with no sharps or flats.

Source: Author bwaybabe42ndst

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ralzzz before going online.
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