Music Theory Lessons Online

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Last Updated on 2 June 2026 by Victoria Williams

Pass ABRSM & Trinity Music Theory (Grades 1–8)

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Take a short test to find out what Music Theory Grade you are.

Try not to guess - if you are not sure of an answer, just skip to the next question.

1 / 24

What is the name of this note?

note name

2 / 24

What key is this the tonic triad of?

triad

G major

C major

D major

F major

3 / 24

Which note would need an accidental in the key of F major?

4 / 24

Which of the following bars is grouped correctly?

5 / 24

Complete the sentence by typing a number.
This time signature means there are _______ minim (half note) beats per bar.

error

6 / 24

What is the key of this melody?
key

D minor

D major

A minor

C major

7 / 24

Which two notes are missing from this scale of A minor melodic?
scale

C and D#

C# and D

C and D

C# and D#

8 / 24

Which of the below notes is a major 7th higher than this note?
note

9 / 24

What does subito mean?

a little

suddenly

very

gradually

10 / 24

Look at these notes then choose the correct sentence.

1 and 2 are the same pitch

1 is higher than 2

2 is higher than 1

11 / 24

Which of the below notes is the correct enharmonic equivalent of this note?
note

12 / 24

What type of interval is this?

note note

Diminished

Augmented

Minor

Perfect

Major

13 / 24

Transpose this key signature up a major 2nd.

key sig

14 / 24

What type of cadence is this?
cadence

Perfect

Imperfect

Plagal

15 / 24

What is the name of this note? note

16 / 24

Select the true statement about 2nd inversion (c) chords:

Second inversion chords must always be major.

In a second inversion chord, you should always double the bass note.

Second inversion chords are the most common position (out of root, 1st and 2nd inversions).

Second inversions can only be used at a cadential 6/4 progression

17 / 24

What is another word for pauken?

Kettle drums

Gong

Cymbals

Xylophone

18 / 24

Which of these chord progression is not a typical cadence used in the Classical era?

V-VI

IV-V

VI-V

V-IV

19 / 24

What analytical term applies to the circled note?
note

Preparation

Resolution

Dissonance

Pre-cadence

20 / 24

Which figure would be most appropriate for the shaded chord?

chord

6/4

5/3 (blank)

21 / 24

What feature can not be seen in this music?
music

Appoggiatura

Ornament

Arpeggio 6/4

Alberti bass

22 / 24

What type of chord is this?

chord

Picardy 6th

German 6th

Italian 6th

French 6th

23 / 24

A symphonic score includes parts for contrabassoon, four tubas and six harps. Who is the likely composer?

Wagner

Handel

Debussy

Telemann

24 / 24

Which statement is normally associated with using a dominant pedal point?

Vibrato is used in the string section

A stringendo is applied

There is an increase in tension

The tessitura is low

Your score is

Take this short test for a rough and ready assessment of your music theory knowledge according to the British Grades system!

Grade 1 = beginner and Grade 8 = ready to study at university!

Grade 5 is the average/intermediate level of most musicians who are playing at grade 6 and above.

Find lots more quizzes here!

Lessons for:

ABRSM Grades 1-8
Trinity Grades 1-8
Trinity AMusTCL Diploma
GCSE & A Level
AMEB and AP

Victoria Williams:

BA (Hons) Music, Leeds UK 1995
AMusTCL (Distinction) & LMusTCL
LCM Grade 8 Composition (Distinction)
ARSM
MISM

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Grade 3 is a step up and I'm finding it a lot more challenging, but the videos are very good and easy to navigate and repeat to look again at the more difficult areas to learn. You have an excellent set up and it's good value. Ian

6. May, 2026.

I have just been looking over your modern song composition guide. This is really excellent. I like how it is so comprehensive yet succinct and giving so much useful detail. It demystifies modern song writing for me as I am currently only familiar with classical music theory. I look forward to getting this knowledge under my belt and using it in my compositions. Bernice

6. May, 2026.

I’ve bought the books at Grades 6, 7 and 8. Although I’m not taking the exams, I’m finding the books very useful, with their clarity, worked examples, etc. I have recommended them on the Tonebase website of which I am a member.

24. April, 2026.

Thank you so much. I am so grateful to have discovered your program! So much more informative than the other book series. I am learning the material much better and faster now, thanks to your program.

24. April, 2026.

Just a short email to say that I passed grade 8 theory. This has been a long road, but a very satisfying one – I started learning music theory almost exclusively with your website way back in 2011. There is no way I could have passed these exams without your help and teachings. Thank you so very much. Once I passed grade 5 theory, I decided to change careers to being a media composer (and I still am one to this day). You’re changing lives. Thank you so much.

24. April, 2026.