The Music Stem / Music theory practice tests / ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory
Exam practice
Timed practice for ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory, set out in the board's own sections. Every answer comes with an explanation.
Music Theory Grade 6 is a written theory exam from ABRSM, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
This practice test covers Grade 6: figured bass, harmonizing a melody, melody writing and reading scores for small groups and orchestra.
Exam mode runs a clock of 3 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.
The board's paper has 100 marks. ABRSM sets Pass at 66 (66%), Merit at 80 (80%) and Distinction at 90 (90%).
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.
A phrase in B♭ major ends with an F major chord moving to a G minor chord. Which cadence is this?
The answer is A, Interrupted.
In B♭ major, F major is chord V and G minor is chord vi. The progression V–vi is an interrupted cadence.
A melody in D major is to modulate to the dominant. Which note, foreign to D major, usually confirms the new key?
The answer is G♯.
The dominant key of D major is A major. A major has the same notes as D major apart from G♯. That G♯ is the leading note of A major and rises to A.
In C major, a turn is written over a minim E. Write out the notes of the turn in the order they are played.
The answer is F E D E.
A turn written over a note starts on the note above, falls to the written note, goes to the note below and returns. Over E in C major this gives F, E, D and E.
Exam mode gives 3 hours for the whole practice test. It holds 75 questions. Study mode has no clock.
It follows the board's order: Figured Bass, Harmonizing a Melody, Melody Writing, Score Reading and Orchestral Score.
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.
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