AP Music Theory Flashcards: Other Scales: Chromatic, Whole-Tone, and Pentatonic
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Based on the provided text, which of the three 'additional' scales is mentioned but not defined by its structure?
The pentatonic scale is mentioned by name, but its specific structure (number of notes and intervals) is not defined in the text.
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Based on the provided text, which of the three 'additional' scales is mentioned but not defined by its structure?
The pentatonic scale is mentioned by name, but its specific structure (number of notes and intervals) is not defined in the text.
When analyzing a musical score, what characteristic would identify a melodic passage as chromatic?
A melodic passage where each consecutive note is a half-step apart would identify it as chromatic.
How many pitches are in a chromatic scale versus a whole-tone scale?
A chromatic scale contains twelve pitches, while a whole-tone scale contains six notes.
What is the defining interval between consecutive notes in a whole-tone scale?
The defining interval between consecutive notes in a whole-tone scale is a whole step.
What is a whole-tone scale?
A whole-tone scale has six notes, with each note being a whole step apart from the next.
What three 'additional' scales are identified in music theory besides major and minor?
The three additional scales identified are the chromatic, whole-tone, and pentatonic scales.
In what two contexts can chromatic, whole-tone, and pentatonic scales be identified?
These scales can be identified in both performed music through listening and in notated music through score analysis.
When listening to a piece, what intervallic sound would suggest the use of a whole-tone scale?
Hearing a melodic passage where every note is separated by a whole step would suggest the use of a whole-tone scale.
What is a chromatic scale?
A chromatic scale has twelve pitches, with each pitch being a half-step apart from the next.
What is the defining interval between consecutive notes in a chromatic scale?
The defining interval between consecutive notes in a chromatic scale is a half-step.