Question 1: Define what a major chord is and describe how it typically sounds compared to a minor chord.

Answer: A major chord consists of the root note, a major third above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root. It generally sounds bright, happy, and consonant.

Question 2: List the three notes that make up a C major chord.

Answer: C, E, G

Question 3: List the three notes that make up an A minor chord.

Answer: A, C, E

Question 4: Explain how a minor chord differs from a major chord in terms of its intervals.

Answer: A minor chord has a root, a minor third (one semitone lower than a major third), and a perfect fifth. The minor third gives it a sadder or more somber sound compared to the bright sound of a major chord.

Question 5: Describe what a dominant seventh chord is and how it sounds compared to a regular major chord.

Answer: A dominant seventh chord adds a minor seventh interval on top of a major triad. It sounds more tense or unresolved, often used to create a feeling of expectation before resolving to the tonic.

Question 6: Identify the chord quality (major, minor, or other) based on this description: The chord contains a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth.

Answer: Minor chord

Question 7: Listen carefully and imagine a chord that sounds bright and happy. Which type of chord is this likely to be? Is it major or minor?

Answer: It is likely to be a major chord.

Question 8: Draw a diagram representing a basic chord diagram for a C major chord on a guitar fretboard. Label the strings and indicate which are played and which are muted.

Answer: A correct sketch would show six strings with the following: the 6th string (E) open, 5th string (A) open, 4th string (D) open, 3rd string (G) open, 2nd string (B) open, and 1st string (high E) open. The diagram should clearly indicate which strings are played and which are muted.

Question 9: Write the chord symbols for the following: a) A minor seventh chord, b) G dominant seventh chord.

Answer: a) Am7, b) G7

Question 10: Describe how a listening activity could help you identify a chord as major or minor without seeing the sheet music.

Answer: By listening carefully, you can notice that major chords sound bright and happy, while minor chords sound sad or somber. Recognising these emotional qualities helps identify the chord type.