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AP Music Theory Practice Quiz: Harmonic Sequence

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 7 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 7

According to the provided text, what is the defining characteristic of a harmonic sequence?

All Questions (7)

According to the provided text, what is the defining characteristic of a harmonic sequence?

A) A segment of chords is followed by one or more transpositions of that segment.

B) A single chord is repeated with different inversions.

C) A melody is repeated by different instruments.

D) A rhythmic pattern is maintained while the chords change randomly.

Correct Answer: A

The text defines a harmonic sequence as occurring 'when a segment of chords is followed immediately by one or more transpositions of the same segment.' The other options describe different musical concepts.

In a harmonic sequence, what is a key feature of the interval of transposition?

A) It must always be a perfect fifth.

B) It changes randomly with each repetition.

C) It is usually held to a constant size.

D) It is always a dissonant interval.

Correct Answer: C

The text explicitly states, 'The interval of transposition is usually held to a constant size,' giving 'up a third' as an example, which means it is not limited to a specific interval like a perfect fifth.

A composer writes a passage where a two-chord progression (C major to G major) is immediately followed by the same progression transposed up a step (D major to A major). This is an example of:

A) A pedal point

B) A harmonic sequence

C) A cadential extension

D) An arpeggiation

Correct Answer: B

This scenario perfectly fits the definition of a harmonic sequence: a segment of chords (C-G) is followed immediately by a transposition of that same segment (D-A).

What is the relationship between a harmonic sequence and a melodic sequence as described in the text?

A) A harmonic sequence and a melodic sequence can never occur at the same time.

B) A harmonic sequence must always have a corresponding melodic sequence.

C) A harmonic sequence sometimes occurs with a corresponding melodic sequence.

D) A melodic sequence is a required component that defines a harmonic sequence.

Correct Answer: C

The text states, 'Harmonic sequence sometimes occurs with a corresponding melodic sequence,' indicating that they can happen together but it is not a requirement.

If a harmonic sequence begins with a segment of chords and is then transposed up a third, what would likely happen next if the sequence continues?

A) The original segment would be repeated at the original pitch.

B) The segment would be transposed down a third from the original pitch.

C) The segment would be transposed up another third from its new position.

D) A completely new harmonic progression would begin.

Correct Answer: C

The text explains that the interval of transposition is usually constant. Therefore, if a sequence transposing 'up a third' is continued, it 'will be followed by additional transpositions up a third.'

The process of repeating a segment of chords at different pitch levels is known as:

A) Inversion

B) Modulation

C) Transposition

D) Augmentation

Correct Answer: C

The definition of a harmonic sequence relies on the concept of 'transpositions of the same segment.' Transposition is the act of moving a collection of notes up or down in pitch by a constant interval.

When identifying a harmonic sequence in notated music, what should you look for?

A) A single bass note held for a long duration.

B) A repeating rhythmic pattern with different chords.

C) A specific pattern of chords that is immediately repeated at a higher or lower pitch.

D) A final-sounding two-chord progression at the end of a phrase.

Correct Answer: C

This option directly describes the visual evidence of a harmonic sequence on a musical score: a 'segment of chords' (a pattern) being 'followed immediately by one or more transpositions' (repeated at a higher or lower pitch).