Fundamentals of Music Theory: W1

Question 1

Define an octave in terms of frequency.

Answer 1

The interval between and including two notes, one having twice or half the frequency of vibration of the other.

Question 2

Give a mnemonic to remember the right notes on a stave

Answer 2

On the lines: E G B D F (every good boy deserves food)

Between the lines: F A C E

Question 3

What is a scale?

Answer 3

A pathway through an octave.

Question 4

What is a diatonic scale?

Answer 4

(dia = between two tonics) A scale that consists of seven notes, some pattern of five tones and two semi-tones. e.g. C Major.

Question 5

What is the tone pattern of a major scale?

Answer 5

TTSTTTS

Question 6

What is aeolian mode?

Answer 6

The natural minor scale (e.g. A minor of C major). It is a diatonic scale (because 5 tones and 2 semi-tones), but with a different sequence then the major scale.

Question 7

What is the dorian mode?

Answer 7

In c major, starting on the the D note. (TSTTTST)

Question 8

What is the Ionian mode?

Answer 8

In c major, starting on the tonic (C)

Question 9

What is the Phrygian mode?

Answer 9

In c major, starting on the third note, the E. (STTTSTT)

Question 10

What is the Lydian mode?

Answer 10

In c major, starting on the fourth (F)

Question 11

What is the Mixolydian mode?

Answer 11

In c major, starting on the fifth (G)

Question 12

What is the Locrian mode?

Answer 12

In c major, starting on the 7th note (B)

Question 13

How many semi-tones are in a perfect fifth chord (major and minor)

Answer 13

always 7 semi-tones between first and fifth note, no matter if it is a major or minor scale

Question 14

How is a minor chord noted (e.g. A) in a lead sheet?

Answer 14

Amin Am A-

Question 15

How is a major chord noted (e.g. C) in a lead sheet?

Answer 15

C Cmaj CM

Question 16

When do we talk about a major triad?

Answer 16

A triad that has a major third and a perfect fifth

Question 17

When do we talk about a minor triad?

Answer 17

A triad that has a minor third and a perfect fifth

Question 18

What is a diminished fifth?

Answer 18

Only 6 semitones between and including the tonic and fifth

Question 19

How is a diminished fifth (e.g. B) noted on a lead sheet?

Answer 19

Bo

B dim

Question 20

What are all the triads derived from a C major scale?

Answer 20

C maj
D min
E min
F maj
G maj
A min
B dim

Question 21

What are the primary chords?

Answer 21

The tonic triad,
The dominant (5th)
The subdominant (4th)

Question 22

In a C major scale, how can a c note be harmonized?

Answer 22

By a Tonic triad (Cmaj) and the subdominant (Fmaj)

Question 23

What are the major modes?

Answer 23

Ionian, Lydian, MixoLydian

Question 24

What are the minor modes?

Answer 24

Dorian Pryghian aeolean

Question 25

What are the dominant modes?

Answer 25

Mixolydian