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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Entertainment

Basic Guitar Theory Quiz Challenge

Sharpen Your Guitar Knowledge with Fun Questions

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art displaying question marks and a guitar for Basic Guitar Theory Quiz

Ready to master the basics? This basic guitar theory quiz by Joanna Weib offers an interactive way to test fretboard notes, chord structures, and music terminology. Anyone looking to reinforce guitar fundamentals or dive into music theory will relish this engaging challenge. All questions can be freely modified in our editor to align with personal or classroom goals. Explore related assessments like the Guitar Knowledge Assessment Quiz and the Music Theory Quiz, then browse more quizzes for extra practice.

What is the open sixth string (lowest pitched string) on a standard tuned guitar?
A
D
E
G
Standard guitar tuning from the lowest to highest string is E-A-D-G-B-E. The sixth string refers to the lowest pitched string, which is tuned to E.
Which note is found at the 5th fret of the low E string?
D
A
F
G
On the low E string, each fret is a half step. The 5th fret raises E by five semitones, landing on A.
What interval is formed between the open G string and the note at the 2nd fret on the same string?
Perfect 5th
Major 2nd
Minor 2nd
Perfect 4th
The open G to the 2nd fret (A) spans two semitones, which defines a Major 2nd interval.
How many beats does a whole note receive in 4/4 time?
2 beats
8 beats
4 beats
1 beat
In common time (4/4), a whole note occupies the entire measure, which equals four beats.
Which chord is constructed from the notes C, E, and G?
C major
G major
A minor
E minor
The triad C-E-G forms a C major chord, with C as the root, E as the major third, and G as the perfect fifth.
What is the sequence of whole (W) and half (H) steps in a major scale?
W-H-W-W-H-W-W
W-W-W-H-W-H-W
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
H-W-W-H-W-W-W
The major scale follows the pattern whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. This pattern defines the tonal structure of major scales.
In the key of G major, what is the IV chord?
D major
E minor
C major
A minor
In any major key, the IV chord is built on the fourth scale degree. In G major, the fourth degree is C, making the IV chord C major.
Which mode is characterized by a flattened 3rd and flattened 7th compared to the major scale?
Phrygian
Dorian
Ionian
Mixolydian
The Dorian mode lowers both the third and seventh degrees of the major scale. This distinguishes it from other modes like Mixolydian, which only flattens the seventh.
What is the relative minor key of E major?
G# minor
C# minor
E minor
A minor
The relative minor shares the same key signature as its major. E major has four sharps, and its relative minor is C# minor.
How many beats are in a 3/4 time measure?
2 beats
6 beats
4 beats
3 beats
In 3/4 time, the top number indicates three quarter-note beats per measure, so each measure has three beats.
Which interval is equal to seven semitones above the root note?
Perfect 4th
Perfect 5th
Major 6th
Minor 6th
Seven semitones above a root note correspond to a Perfect 5th interval, a foundational consonant interval in Western music.
Which chord progression outlines a ii - V - I in the key of C major?
Dm - G - C
Am - D - G
Em - A - D
F - G - C
In C major, the ii chord is Dm, the V chord is G, and the I chord is C. The progression Dm - G - C creates the ii - V - I cadence.
On the guitar, which fret on the A string plays the note D?
7th fret
2nd fret
5th fret
3rd fret
The open A string is A; each fret is a half step. Five semitones above A is D, which is found at the 5th fret.
Which scale degree is referred to as the dominant?
1st
5th
3rd
7th
The dominant is the fifth scale degree in any diatonic scale. It plays a crucial role in harmony, leading back to the tonic.
What does a tie between two notes of the same pitch indicate in rhythmic notation?
Show a slide between notes
Combine their durations into one sustained note
Play the notes staccato
Indicate a trill
A tie connects two identical pitches and adds their rhythmic values together, resulting in a single sustained sound.
In Dorian mode compared to the natural minor scale, which scale degree is raised?
2nd degree
6th degree
7th degree
3rd degree
Dorian mode differs from the natural minor by raising the sixth scale degree while all other degrees remain the same as the minor scale.
In the progression Em7 - A7 - Dmaj7 in D major, what functional role does A7 serve?
Subdominant
Leading tone
Tonic
Dominant
A7 is the V7 chord in the key of D major, functioning as the dominant that creates tension resolving to the tonic (Dmaj7).
Which mode begins on the 5th degree of its parent major scale?
Aeolian
Mixolydian
Lydian
Phrygian
The Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth scale degree of its parent major scale, featuring a flattened seventh degree compared to Ionian.
In a 7/8 time signature, which subdivision grouping is most commonly used in rock and jazz fusion?
4+3
2+2+3
1+2+4
3+3+1
The 7/8 meter is frequently subdivided as 2+2+3 to create a balanced feel. This grouping is popular in fusion and progressive styles.
Which set of notes correctly represents a Cmaj9 chord?
C - D - E - G - A
C - E - G - B - D
C - E - G - A - B
C - E - G - B - F
A Cmaj9 chord includes the root (C), major third (E), perfect fifth (G), major seventh (B), and ninth (D).
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify notes and intervals along the guitar fretboard
  2. Analyse basic scale patterns and chord structures
  3. Apply key signatures and modes to guitar frameworks
  4. Demonstrate understanding of rhythm notation and timing
  5. Evaluate chord progressions within common guitar songs
  6. Master essential guitar theory vocabulary

Cheat Sheet

  1. Memorize the Guitar Fretboard - Start by learning all the natural notes on each string up to the 12th fret and transform your playing into a treasure hunt for melodic gold! Use the fun mnemonic "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie" to lock in the open strings E-A-D-G-B-E with ease. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  2. Practice Intervals - Treat whole steps (two frets) and half steps (one fret) like your new BFFs and train your ear to hear the musical distance between notes. Mastering intervals is the secret sauce for building power chords, solos, and imaginative melodies. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  3. Learn Major Scale Patterns - Dive into the major scale with its magical pattern of whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half to craft catchy tunes and soulful solos. Recognizing this shape all over your neck will make improvisation feel like a breeze in the park. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  4. Understand Chord Structures - Explore major and minor triads by piecing together root, third, and fifth notes; for example, C major is simply C, E, and G. These building blocks are your passport to strumming countless songs and writing your own chord progressions. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  5. Apply Key Signatures - Get comfortable spotting sharps and flats in any key so you know exactly which chords and scales will jive together. This roadmap ensures you're always in the right key and never accidentally hit a sour note. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  6. Explore Musical Modes - Take a sonic road trip through modes like Ionian (major) and Aeolian (natural minor) to unlock new vibes and creative textures. Each mode has its own flavor - think of them as your musical spice rack! Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  7. Develop Rhythm Skills - Clap out quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes before you even touch your guitar to cement perfect timing. Strong rhythm-reading chops will keep your groove tight and your bandmates smiling. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  8. Analyze Chord Progressions - Dissect classic progressions like I-IV-V-I (C-F-G-C in C major) to see how songs flow and build tension. Knowing these patterns helps you anticipate changes and craft your own memorable progressions. Chord Progression - Wikipedia
  9. Expand Your Guitar Vocabulary - Learn key terms like "arpeggio," "pentatonic," and "cadence" so you can talk the talk and understand lessons and tabs faster. A solid lexicon is your backstage pass to advanced theory. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
  10. Practice Ear Training - Train your ear by identifying intervals and chord qualities without looking at the fretboard - soon you'll be transcribing songs by ear like a pro! This skill supercharges your improvisation and songwriting toolkit. Guitar Chord - Wikipedia
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