Quick Study

Question 1

How many half steps is an octave?

Answer 1

12

Question 2

How many half steps is a fifth?

Answer 2

7

Question 3

What key signature do modes take?

Answer 3

Their relative Ionian (i.e. B Locrian = C Ionian, no flats/no sharps).

(Remember that the letter name indicates the FIRST NOTE, not the key)

Question 4

What kind of 7 do unaltered chord symbols (i.e. C7) use?

Answer 4

Flat 7

Question 5

Spell C7

Answer 5

C E G B♭

Question 6

Spell CMaj7

Answer 6

C E G B

Question 7

Spell Cmin7

Answer 7

C E♭ G B♭

Question 8

Spell C add9

Answer 8

C E G D

Question 9

Spell C9

Answer 9

C E G B♭ D

(also called dominant 9th)

Question 10

Name the Primary Triads

Answer 10

I, IV, V

Question 10

What is another way to indicate half-diminished?

Answer 10

min7(♭5)

Question 11

Name the Secondary Triads

Answer 11

ii, iii, vi, vii°

Question 12

What determines closed vs. open voicing?

Answer 12

The distance ( closed < octave or open > octave) between the Soprano and Tenor voices

Question 13

Define Contrary motion

Answer 13

Opposite directions

Question 14

Define Parallel motion

Answer 14

Same direction, same INTERVAL

Question 15

Define Similar motion

Answer 15

Same direction, different INTERVAL

Question 16

Define Oblique motion

Answer 16

One voice moves, one voice remains

Question 17

What voices should not cross?

Answer 17

Soprano and Alto

Question 18

Which voices may cross briefly?

Answer 18

Inner voices

Question 19

What is Super Locrian?

Answer 19

The locrian mode of the melodic minor
(i.e. A melodic minor: A B C D E F# G# A
Super Locrian: G# A B C D E F# G#

Question 20

What does the word “add” omit in chords?

Answer 20

Other extensions unless specified
(i.e. C add9 omits the 7th)

Question 21

What is the function of “sus”?

Answer 21

Omits the 3 and adds the 4 to a chord unless sus2 is specified.
(Csus4 = C F G)
(Csus2 = C D G)