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Exam practice
ABRSM Grade 4 music theory practice test
Timed practice for ABRSM Grade 4 Music Theory, set out in the board's own sections. Every answer comes with an explanation.
About the exam
Music Theory Grade 4 is a written theory exam from ABRSM, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
This practice test covers Grade 4: rhythm, clefs, intervals, minor keys, chords, ornaments and a piece in context.
The sections
- Section 1 · RhythmTime signatures, note values, triplets and grouping.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 2 · PitchClefs, ledger lines and transposing instruments.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 3 · Keys and ScalesKey signatures, scales and scale degrees.This section has 15 questions.
- Section 4 · IntervalsIdentifying intervals by number and quality.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 5 · ChordsTriads, inversions and chords at cadences.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 6 · Terms, Signs and InstrumentsItalian terms, signs and the orchestra.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 7 · Music in ContextQuestions on a short piece of music.This section has 10 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 2 hours for the whole practice test.
The full practice test holds 75 questions.
Study mode has no clock. It checks each answer as you go.
Grade bands as a guide
The board's paper has 75 marks. ABRSM sets Pass at 50 (67%), Merit at 60 (80%) and Distinction at 65 (87%).
Your practice score is a guide to these bands only.
Source: ABRSM Music Theory Grades Qualification Specification, version 1.2 (April 2023), checked October 17, 2026.
Sample questions
Sample 1
How many semiquavers equal the duration of one double-dotted crotchet? Enter a number.
The answer is 7.
A crotchet lasts four semiquavers. The first dot adds two and the second adds one. The total is 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 semiquavers.
Sample 2
In the alto clef, which note sits on the middle line of the stave?
- A
- E
- Middle C
- The C above middle C
The answer is C, Middle C.
The alto clef is a C clef. Its center points at the middle line, and that line is middle C.
Sample 3
When B melodic minor ascends, which two scale notes are raised compared with B natural minor?
- F♯ and G♯
- G♯ and A♯
- A♯ and B♯
- E♯ and F♯
The answer is B, G♯ and A♯.
Ascending melodic minor raises scale degrees six and seven. In B minor those notes are G and A, so they become G♯ and A♯.
Questions and answers
How long is the ABRSM Grade 4 Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 2 hours for the whole practice test. It holds 75 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the ABRSM Grade 4 Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order in seven sections, from Rhythm to Music in Context.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.
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