Title: Music Theory — LearnCoachAssist

Q: What is a major scale?
A: A major scale is a diatonic scale consisting of seven notes following the interval pattern: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half (W-W-H-W-W-W-H). It is the most commonly used scale in Western music and serves as the foundation for understanding keys, chords, and harmony.

Q: What notes make up the C major scale?
A: The C major scale consists of C, D, E, F, G, A, B. It is the only major scale that uses no sharps or flats, making it the simplest major scale to play on a piano using only white keys.

Q: What is a natural minor scale and how does its pattern differ from the major scale?
A: A natural minor scale follows the interval pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W. Compared to the major scale, it has a lowered 3rd, 6th, and 7th degree, which gives it a darker, more melancholic sound.

Q: What distinguishes a harmonic minor scale from a natural minor scale?
A: The harmonic minor scale raises the 7th degree of the natural minor scale by a half step. This creates an augmented second interval between the 6th and 7th degrees and provides a leading tone that resolves strongly to the tonic.

Q: What is a melodic minor scale and how does it differ ascending vs. descending?
A: The ascending melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees of the natural minor scale by a half step. In classical theory, the descending form reverts to the natural minor. This eliminates the awkward augmented second found in the harmonic minor.

Q: What is a pentatonic scale?
A: A pentatonic scale contains five notes per octave. The major pentatonic uses scale degrees 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, while the minor pentatonic uses 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7. Pentatonic scales are found in music traditions worldwide.

Q: What notes make up the A minor pentatonic scale?
A: The A minor pentatonic scale consists of A, C, D, E, G. It is one of the most widely used scales in rock, blues, and pop guitar playing.

Q: What is the blues scale?
A: The blues scale is a minor pentatonic scale with an added ♭5 (blue note). In the key of A, the notes are A, C, D, E♭, E, G. The chromatic passing tone gives it the characteristic "bluesy" sound.

Q: What is a whole tone scale?
A: A whole tone scale consists of six notes, each separated by a whole step (e.g., C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯). It has a dreamy, ambiguous quality because it lacks half steps and has no strong pull toward a tonal center. There are only two unique whole tone scales.

Q: What is a chromatic scale?
A: A chromatic scale includes all twelve pitches within an octave, each a half step apart. It is not associated with any particular key and is used for chromatic runs, ornamentation, and atonal music.

Q: How many sharps does the G major scale have and what are they?
A: The G major scale has one sharp: F♯. Its notes are G, A, B, C, D, E, F♯. It is the first scale in the order of sharps on the circle of fifths.

Q: What is the interval pattern for any major pentatonic scale?
A: The major pentatonic scale follows the interval pattern W-W-m3-W-m3 (whole, whole, minor 3rd, whole, minor 3rd). It omits the 4th and 7th degrees of the major scale, removing all half steps and creating a consonant, open sound.

Q: What is an interval in music?
A: An interval is the distance in pitch between two notes. It is described by a number (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, 5th) indicating the number of letter names spanned, and a quality (perfect, major, minor, augmented, or diminished) indicating the exact number of half steps.

Q: What are the perfect intervals?
A: The perfect intervals are the unison (P1), fourth (P4), fifth (P5), and octave (P8). They are called "perfect" because of their strong consonance and because they do not have major/minor variants—they are either perfect, augmented, or diminished.

Q: What is the difference between a major and minor interval?
A: A minor interval is one half step smaller than its corresponding major interval. For example, a major 3rd spans 4 half steps (C to E), while a minor 3rd spans 3 half steps (C to E♭).

Q: What is an augmented interval?
A: An augmented interval is one half step larger than a perfect or major interval. For example, a perfect 5th (7 half steps) becomes an augmented 5th (8 half steps). Augmented intervals are indicated with a "+" or "Aug" symbol.

Q: What is a diminished interval?
A: A diminished interval is one half step smaller than a perfect or minor interval. For example, a perfect 5th (7 half steps) becomes a diminished 5th (6 half steps), also known as a tritone.

Q: What is a tritone and why is it significant?
A: A tritone is an interval of three whole steps (6 half steps), such as C to F♯. It divides the octave exactly in half, creating maximum dissonance. In tonal music, the tritone in a dominant 7th chord creates tension that resolves to the tonic.

Q: What is a compound interval?
A: A compound interval is any interval larger than an octave. For example, a 9th is a compound 2nd (octave + 2nd), a 10th is a compound 3rd, and an 11th is a compound 4th. They share the same quality as their simple counterparts.

Q: How many half steps are in a major 6th interval?
A: A major 6th interval spans 9 half steps. For example, C up to A is a major 6th. It is commonly heard in melodies and is the inversion of a minor 3rd.

Q: What is an enharmonic interval?
A: An enharmonic interval is when two intervals sound the same but are spelled differently. For example, an augmented 4th (C to F♯) and a diminished 5th (C to G♭) both span 6 half steps but have different notation and theoretical functions.

Q: How do you invert an interval?
A: To invert an interval, move the lower note up an octave (or the upper note down). The numeric sizes add up to 9 (e.g., a 3rd inverts to a 6th). The quality also inverts: major↔minor, augmented↔diminished, and perfect stays perfect.

Q: What is a major triad?
A: A major triad consists of a root, major 3rd, and perfect 5th. For example, a C major triad contains C, E, G. It has 4 half steps between the root and 3rd, and 3 half steps between the 3rd and 5th.

Q: What is a minor triad?
A: A minor triad consists of a root, minor 3rd, and perfect 5th. For example, an A minor triad contains A, C, E. It has 3 half steps between the root and 3rd, and 4 half steps between the 3rd and 5th.

Q: What is an augmented triad?
A: An augmented triad consists of a root, major 3rd, and augmented 5th. For example, C augmented contains C, E, G♯. It is built from two stacked major 3rds and has a tense, unresolved quality.

Q: What is a diminished triad?
A: A diminished triad consists of a root, minor 3rd, and diminished 5th. For example, B diminished contains B, D, F. It is built from two stacked minor 3rds and sounds unstable, often resolving to a more consonant chord.

Q: What is a dominant 7th chord?
A: A dominant 7th chord is a major triad with an added minor 7th above the root. For example, G7 contains G, B, D, F. It contains a tritone (between the 3rd and ♭7th) that creates tension resolving to the tonic chord.

Q: What is a major 7th chord?
A: A major 7th chord is a major triad with an added major 7th above the root. For example, Cmaj7 contains C, E, G, B. It has a smooth, jazzy, and lush sound commonly used in jazz, bossa nova, and R&B.

Q: What is a minor 7th chord?
A: A minor 7th chord is a minor triad with an added minor 7th above the root. For example, Am7 contains A, C, E, G. It is the most common chord built on the ii, iii, and vi degrees of a major key.

Q: What is a diminished 7th chord?
A: A diminished 7th chord is a diminished triad with an added diminished 7th (enharmonically a major 6th) above the root. For example, B°7 contains B, D, F, A♭. All intervals between adjacent notes are minor 3rds, making it symmetrical.

Q: What is a half-diminished 7th chord?
A: A half-diminished 7th chord (also written ø7) is a diminished triad with an added minor 7th above the root. For example, Bø7 contains B, D, F, A. It commonly functions as a ii chord in minor keys (iiø7–V7–i).

Q: What is a 9th chord?
A: A 9th chord is a 7th chord with an added 9th (the note a major or minor 2nd above the octave). For example, a C9 (dominant 9th) contains C, E, G, B♭, D. Extended chords like 9ths add color and richness, especially in jazz and funk.

Q: What are 11th and 13th chords?
A: An 11th chord adds the 11th (a 4th above the octave) to a 9th chord, and a 13th chord adds the 13th (a 6th above the octave) to an 11th chord. In practice, some chord tones are often omitted to avoid muddy voicings—especially the root's 5th and sometimes the 11th.

Q: What is a suspended chord (sus)?
A: A suspended chord replaces the 3rd with either the 2nd (sus2) or 4th (sus4). For example, Csus4 = C, F, G and Csus2 = C, D, G. They create an open, ambiguous sound because the absence of a 3rd removes the major/minor quality.

Q: What is a power chord?
A: A power chord consists of only the root and perfect 5th (sometimes doubled at the octave). Written as C5, it contains no 3rd and is therefore neither major nor minor. Power chords are heavily used in rock and metal music.

Q: What is chord inversion?
A: A chord inversion occurs when a note other than the root is the lowest (bass) note. A triad in first inversion has the 3rd in the bass; second inversion has the 5th in the bass. Inversions are notated with slash chords (e.g., C/E for first inversion C major).

Q: What are the diatonic triads in C major?
A: The diatonic triads in C major are: C (I), Dm (ii), Em (iii), F (IV), G (V), Am (vi), B° (vii°). The pattern of major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished applies to every major key.

Q: What is a I-IV-V-I chord progression?
A: The I-IV-V-I progression uses the tonic, subdominant, dominant, and tonic chords. In C major this is C–F–G–C. It is one of the most fundamental progressions in Western music, forming the basis of countless songs across genres.

Q: What is a ii-V-I chord progression?
A: The ii-V-I progression is the most important progression in jazz harmony. In C major it is Dm7–G7–Cmaj7. The ii chord provides smooth voice leading to the dominant V7, which then resolves to the tonic.

Q: What is the 12-bar blues chord progression?
A: The standard 12-bar blues follows: I-I-I-I / IV-IV-I-I / V-IV-I-I (or V for the turnaround). In the key of A, this uses A7, D7, and E7. It is the foundational form of blues, rock and roll, and early jazz.

Q: What is the I-V-vi-IV progression?
A: The I-V-vi-IV progression (e.g., C–G–Am–F) is one of the most common pop progressions. It has been used in hundreds of hit songs and is sometimes called the "four-chord song" or "Axis of Awesome" progression due to its ubiquity.

Q: What is the Nashville Number System?
A: The Nashville Number System represents chords as numbers based on their scale degree rather than letter names. For example, in any key, "1-4-5" represents the I-IV-V progression. It allows musicians to transpose songs instantly and is widely used in Nashville studio sessions.

Q: What is a deceptive cadence?
A: A deceptive cadence occurs when the dominant chord (V) resolves to a chord other than the expected tonic, most commonly to the vi chord (e.g., G7 to Am in C major). It creates a sense of surprise while still providing harmonic resolution.

Q: What is a secondary dominant chord?
A: A secondary dominant is a dominant 7th chord that temporarily tonicizes a chord other than the tonic. For example, in C major, D7 is V7/V because it is the dominant of G (the V chord). It adds chromatic color and forward motion.

Q: What does a 4/4 time signature mean?
A: A 4/4 time signature means there are 4 beats per measure and the quarter note gets one beat. Also called "common time" (often shown as a C symbol), it is the most frequently used time signature in Western music.

Q: What is the difference between simple and compound time?
A: In simple time, each beat divides naturally into two equal parts (e.g., 4/4, 3/4). In compound time, each beat divides into three equal parts (e.g., 6/8, 9/8). The top number in compound time is divisible by 3.

Q: What does a 6/8 time signature mean?
A: A 6/8 time signature means there are 6 eighth notes per measure grouped into 2 beats of 3 eighth notes each. It is a compound duple meter, creating a lilting, swaying feel common in jigs, marches, and ballads.

Q: What is 3/4 time commonly known as?
A: 3/4 time is commonly known as waltz time. It has 3 beats per measure with the quarter note receiving one beat, creating a strong-weak-weak pattern (ONE-two-three). It is the signature meter of waltzes, minuets, and many classical pieces.

Q: What does 5/4 time sound like and where is it used?
A: 5/4 is an asymmetric or irregular meter with 5 beats per measure, often grouped as 3+2 or 2+3. Famous examples include Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" (grouped 3+2) and the "Mission: Impossible" theme. It creates an uneven, driving feel.

Q: What is a dotted note?
A: A dotted note increases the note's duration by half its original value. For example, a dotted half note equals 3 beats in 4/4 time (2 + 1), and a dotted quarter note equals 1.5 beats. Double dots add half of the dot's value again.

Q: What is syncopation?
A: Syncopation is the emphasis of weak beats or off-beats, disrupting the regular expected pattern of accents. It creates rhythmic tension and forward momentum and is a defining feature of jazz, funk, reggae, and Latin music.

Q: What is a tuplet?
A: A tuplet divides a beat into a number of equal parts different from the standard division. The most common is a triplet, which divides a beat into 3 equal parts instead of the usual 2 in simple time. Quintuplets (5) and septuplets (7) are also used.

Q: What is the difference between a tie and a slur?
A: A tie connects two notes of the same pitch, combining their durations into one sustained note. A slur connects two or more notes of different pitches, indicating they should be played smoothly (legato) without separation.

Q: What is a hemiola?
A: A hemiola is a rhythmic device where two groups of three beats are reinterpreted as three groups of two beats, or vice versa. For example, in 3/4 time, two measures of three quarter notes may be felt as three groups of two. It is common in Baroque and Latin music.

Q: What order do sharps appear in key signatures?
A: Sharps appear in the order F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯, B♯. A common mnemonic is "Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle." Each new sharp is added a perfect 5th above the previous one.

Q: What order do flats appear in key signatures?
A: Flats appear in the order B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭. A common mnemonic is "Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father"—the reverse of the sharps order. Each new flat is added a perfect 4th above the previous one.

Q: How do you determine the major key from a sharp key signature?
A: For sharp key signatures, the major key is one half step above the last sharp. For example, if the last sharp is F♯, the key is G major. If the last sharp is C♯, the key is D major.

Q: How do you determine the major key from a flat key signature?
A: For flat key signatures with two or more flats, the major key is the second-to-last flat. For example, with B♭ and E♭, the key is B♭ major. The exception is one flat (B♭), which indicates F major.

Q: What are enharmonic keys?
A: Enharmonic keys sound identical but are spelled differently. For example, F♯ major (6 sharps) and G♭ major (6 flats) contain the same pitches. Other enharmonic pairs include B major/C♭ major and D♭ major/C♯ major.

Q: How do you find the relative minor of a major key?
A: The relative minor is found by going down a minor 3rd (3 half steps) from the major key's tonic, or equivalently to the 6th scale degree. For example, the relative minor of C major is A minor. Both keys share the same key signature.

Q: How many sharps or flats does D major have?
A: D major has 2 sharps: F♯ and C♯. Its notes are D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯. On the circle of fifths, D major sits two positions clockwise from C major.

Q: What is the key signature of E♭ major?
A: E♭ major has 3 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭. Its notes are E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D. It is a popular key for brass instruments and is widely used in jazz, classical, and wind ensemble music.

Q: What is a treble clef and what note does it indicate?
A: The treble clef (also called the G clef) curls around the second line of the staff, indicating that line is G4. It is used for higher-pitched instruments and voices, as well as the right hand in piano music.

Q: What is a bass clef and what note does it indicate?
A: The bass clef (also called the F clef) has two dots surrounding the fourth line of the staff, indicating that line is F3. It is used for lower-pitched instruments and voices, as well as the left hand in piano music.

Q: What do the different types of rests represent?
A: A whole rest (hangs from a line) = 4 beats, a half rest (sits on a line) = 2 beats, a quarter rest = 1 beat, an eighth rest = ½ beat, and a sixteenth rest = ¼ beat (in 4/4 time). Rests indicate measured silence.

Q: What are accidentals in music notation?
A: Accidentals are symbols that alter a note's pitch: a sharp (♯) raises it by a half step, a flat (♭) lowers it by a half step, and a natural (♮) cancels a previous accidental or key signature alteration. Double sharps (𝄪) and double flats (𝄫) alter by a whole step.

Q: What does a fermata indicate?
A: A fermata (𝄐) is a symbol placed over a note or rest indicating that it should be held longer than its written value, at the performer's or conductor's discretion. It creates a moment of pause or emphasis and is sometimes called a "bird's eye."

Q: What does staccato mean in musical notation?
A: Staccato is indicated by a dot placed above or below a note, directing the performer to play the note short and detached. The note is typically held for about half its written value, creating a crisp, separated articulation.

Q: What does legato mean?
A: Legato means to play notes smoothly and connected, with no gaps between successive notes. It is often indicated by a slur (curved line) over the notes. On string instruments this may mean playing in one bow stroke; on piano it means overlapping finger releases.

Q: What is a repeat sign in music notation?
A: Repeat signs are double barlines with two dots (𝄆 and 𝄇) that indicate a section should be played again. If only an end repeat appears, the performer returns to the beginning. First and second endings (1. and 2.) direct different passages on each repetition.

Q: What are D.C. and D.S. in music notation?
A: D.C. (Da Capo) means return to the very beginning of the piece. D.S. (Dal Segno) means return to the segno sign (𝄋). Both are often followed by "al Fine" (play to the Fine marking) or "al Coda" (play to the coda symbol, then jump to the coda section).

Q: What are the different note values from longest to shortest?
A: From longest to shortest: whole note (4 beats), half note (2 beats), quarter note (1 beat), eighth note (½ beat), sixteenth note (¼ beat), thirty-second note (⅛ beat). Each value is half the duration of the previous one (in 4/4 time).

Q: What does a key signature placed at the beginning of a staff indicate?
A: A key signature is a set of sharps or flats placed after the clef on the staff, indicating which notes are consistently raised or lowered throughout the piece. It establishes the key of the music and eliminates the need to write accidentals on every affected note.

Q: What is binary form (AB form)?
A: Binary form consists of two contrasting sections, A and B. Section A typically establishes the theme and modulates to a related key, while section B provides contrast and returns to the tonic. It was widely used in Baroque dances like gavottes and bourées.

Q: What is ternary form (ABA form)?
A: Ternary form has three sections: A-B-A, where the first and last sections are the same or similar, and the middle section provides contrast. The return of A creates a sense of symmetry and closure. Many da capo arias, minuets with trios, and pop songs use this form.

Q: What is rondo form?
A: Rondo form features a recurring main theme (A) that alternates with contrasting episodes: A-B-A-C-A or similar patterns. The familiar refrain provides unity while the episodes provide variety. It was a popular final movement form in Classical-era sonatas and concertos.

Q: What is sonata form?
A: Sonata form (also called sonata-allegro form) has three main sections: exposition (introduces two contrasting themes in different keys), development (transforms and explores the themes), and recapitulation (restates both themes in the home key). It is the most important form in Classical and Romantic instrumental music.

Q: What is theme and variations form?
A: In theme and variations form, a melody (theme) is presented and then repeated multiple times with modifications. Variations may alter the melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, key, or orchestration while maintaining recognizable elements of the original theme. Examples include Mozart's "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman" variations.

Q: What is the structure of 12-bar blues form?
A: The 12-bar blues form consists of three 4-bar phrases following the chord pattern: I-I-I-I / IV-IV-I-I / V-IV-I-I (with the last bar sometimes using V as a turnaround). The lyrical form typically uses an AAB pattern where the first line is repeated before a contrasting third line.

Q: What is the Ionian mode?
A: The Ionian mode is identical to the major scale (W-W-H-W-W-W-H). Starting on C, the notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B. It is the first of the seven diatonic modes and has a bright, happy quality.

Q: What is the Dorian mode?
A: The Dorian mode is built on the 2nd degree of the major scale, with the pattern W-H-W-W-W-H-W. Starting on D (using C major notes): D, E, F, G, A, B, C. It sounds like natural minor but with a raised 6th, giving it a slightly brighter quality. It is widely used in jazz and funk.

Q: What is the Phrygian mode?
A: The Phrygian mode is built on the 3rd degree of the major scale, with the pattern H-W-W-W-H-W-W. Starting on E: E, F, G, A, B, C, D. Its distinctive half step between the 1st and 2nd degrees gives it a Spanish or Middle Eastern flavor.

Q: What is the Lydian mode?
A: The Lydian mode is built on the 4th degree of the major scale, with the pattern W-W-W-H-W-W-H. Starting on F: F, G, A, B, C, D, E. Its raised 4th degree (compared to major) gives it a dreamy, floating, ethereal quality. It is used in film scores and jazz.

Q: What is the Mixolydian mode?
A: The Mixolydian mode is built on the 5th degree of the major scale, with the pattern W-W-H-W-W-H-W. Starting on G: G, A, B, C, D, E, F. It sounds like a major scale with a lowered 7th, giving it a bluesy, rock quality. It is the basis of dominant 7th chords.

Q: What is the Aeolian mode?
A: The Aeolian mode is identical to the natural minor scale, built on the 6th degree of the major scale (W-H-W-W-H-W-W). Starting on A: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. It has a dark, melancholic sound and is the most commonly used minor mode in Western music.

Q: What is the Locrian mode?
A: The Locrian mode is built on the 7th degree of the major scale, with the pattern H-W-W-H-W-W-W. Starting on B: B, C, D, E, F, G, A. Its diminished 5th above the tonic makes it the most unstable mode, and it is rarely used as a tonal center.

Q: What is piano (p) in dynamics?
A: The dynamic marking piano (p) means to play softly. It comes from the Italian word for "soft" or "quiet." When doubled as pianissimo (pp), it means very soft, and pianississimo (ppp) means extremely soft.

Q: What is forte (f) in dynamics?
A: The dynamic marking forte (f) means to play loudly. It comes from the Italian word for "strong" or "loud." Fortissimo (ff) means very loud, and fortississimo (fff) means extremely loud.

Q: What do mezzo piano (mp) and mezzo forte (mf) mean?
A: Mezzo piano (mp) means moderately soft, and mezzo forte (mf) means moderately loud. "Mezzo" is Italian for "half" or "medium." These are the two most commonly encountered dynamic levels in ensemble music.

Q: What is a crescendo?
A: A crescendo is a gradual increase in volume, indicated by an opening hairpin symbol (< ) or the abbreviation "cresc." It directs the performer to smoothly get louder over the marked passage, building intensity and musical tension.

Q: What is a decrescendo (diminuendo)?
A: A decrescendo (also called diminuendo) is a gradual decrease in volume, indicated by a closing hairpin symbol (> ) or the abbreviation "decresc." or "dim." It directs the performer to smoothly get softer, often creating a sense of resolution or fading away.

Q: What tempo does Largo indicate?
A: Largo indicates a very slow and broad tempo, typically around 40–60 BPM. The word comes from Italian meaning "wide" or "broad." It is one of the slowest standard tempo markings and evokes a stately, solemn character.

Q: What tempo does Adagio indicate?
A: Adagio indicates a slow and expressive tempo, typically around 66–76 BPM. It is slightly faster than Largo and is commonly used for lyrical slow movements in symphonies and concertos. The Italian word means "at ease."

Q: What tempo does Andante indicate?
A: Andante indicates a moderately slow, walking pace, typically around 76–108 BPM. The Italian word means "walking." It suggests a relaxed, flowing tempo that is neither fast nor slow.

Q: What tempo does Allegro indicate?
A: Allegro indicates a fast and lively tempo, typically around 120–156 BPM. It is one of the most common tempo markings, frequently used for energetic first and final movements. The Italian word means "cheerful" or "lively."

Q: What tempo does Presto indicate?
A: Presto indicates a very fast tempo, typically around 168–200 BPM. It is faster than Allegro and demands high technical skill. Prestissimo is even faster, representing the extreme upper limit of performance tempo.

Q: What is the circle of fifths?
A: The circle of fifths is a visual diagram arranging all 12 keys in a circle, with each key a perfect 5th apart clockwise (C→G→D→A→E→B→F♯/G♭→D♭→A♭→E♭→B♭→F→C). Moving clockwise adds one sharp; counterclockwise adds one flat. It is essential for understanding key relationships and modulation.

Q: What is transposition in music?
A: Transposition is the process of shifting all notes in a piece up or down by a constant interval, changing the key while preserving the melody, harmony, and intervallic relationships. It is commonly done to accommodate a singer's vocal range or to write parts for transposing instruments.

Q: What is a transposing instrument?
A: A transposing instrument is one where the written pitch differs from the sounding pitch. For example, when a B♭ clarinet plays a written C, it sounds as B♭. Transposing instruments include B♭ trumpet, F horn, E♭ alto saxophone, and B♭ tenor saxophone.

Q: What is modulation in music?
A: Modulation is the process of changing from one key to another within a piece. Common techniques include pivot chord modulation (using a chord common to both keys), direct modulation (abrupt key change), and chromatic modulation. It adds variety and emotional depth to compositions.