Question 1: Define a major chord. What is its characteristic sound compared to a minor chord?

Answer: A major chord consists of a root note, a major third interval above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root. Its characteristic sound is bright and happy compared to the sad, somber sound of a minor chord.

Question 2: Listen carefully to a chord that sounds 'happy' and 'bright.' Is this most likely a major or minor chord? Explain your choice.

Answer: It is most likely a major chord because major chords tend to sound bright and happy.

Question 3: Identify the three notes in a C major chord. Write them down.

Answer: The notes are C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth).

Question 4: Describe the difference in sound between a major chord and a minor chord.

Answer: A major chord sounds bright and happy, while a minor chord sounds sad or somber.

Question 5: Sketch a diagram of a simple major triad chord on a keyboard, labeling the root, third, and fifth notes. Use the note C as the root.

Answer: A sketch showing three keys: C (root), E (major third above C), G (fifth above C). The notes should be aligned vertically with labels.

Question 6: List the notes that make up an A minor chord.

Answer: A (root), C (minor third), E (perfect fifth).

Question 7: Identify whether the following description refers to a major or minor chord: 'The third interval is lowered by a semitone from the major third.'

Answer: Minor chord.

Question 8: Write a short explanation of what a 'diminished' chord is and how it differs from a major or minor chord.

Answer: A diminished chord is built from a root, a minor third, and a diminished fifth. It sounds tense and unstable, unlike the stable sound of major or minor chords.

Question 9: Listen carefully to a chord that sounds tense and unstable. Is this likely a diminished, minor, or major chord? Justify your answer.

Answer: It is likely a diminished chord because it sounds tense and unstable.

Question 10: Draw a simple representation of a chord progression that moves from a C major chord to an F major chord. Label each chord.

Answer: A progression with two blocks or sections: one labeled 'C major' (notes C, E, G) and the next labeled 'F major' (notes F, A, C). The drawing should show a smooth transition between the two chords.

Question 11: Explain what a 'seventh' chord is and give an example with notes.

Answer: A seventh chord adds a seventh interval above the root to a triad. For example, a C major seventh includes the notes C, E, G, and B.