Music Theory and Analysis
This domain tests how confidently you read notation and explain how a piece is built. Expect key signatures, scales, intervals, triads, cadences, rhythmic values, texture and simple form. Answers must use the correct term, not just say that something sounds finished.
Notation and scales
- Treble clef lines are E-G-B-D-F; spaces are F-A-C-E. Bass clef lines are G-B-D-F-A; spaces are A-C-E-G.
- Order of sharps: F-C-G-D-A-E-B. Order of flats: B-E-A-D-G-C-F.
- Major scale pattern: T-T-S-T-T-T-S. Natural minor: T-S-T-T-S-T-T.
- The relative minor begins on the 6th degree. Harmonic minor raises the 7th.
Intervals and chords
Count letter names first, then semitones. A 5th from B to F sharp is perfect; B to F natural is diminished. A major triad is a major 3rd plus a minor 3rd; a minor triad reverses that. Primary chords in a major key are I, IV and V.
Cadences and form
Perfect: V-I, both chords in root position, melody ends on the tonic. Imperfect: any chord to V, or V-I with an inverted tonic. Plagal: IV-I. Interrupted: V-vi. Binary is AB; ternary is ABA.
Worked example
A melody in G major ends with D7 then G. The key signature has F sharp. D7 is D-F sharp-A-C; G is G-B-D. The bass moves D to G, and the leading note F sharp rises to G in the melody. This is a perfect cadence. If the final G chord had D in the bass, the cadence would be imperfect.
Traps
Do not call a plagal cadence perfect. Do not identify a key from the last note alone; check the signature and chords. Write major 3rd or minor 3rd, not just 3rd. Inverted chords are not root position.