Section 1 · Figuring a BassFigures for sevenths, inversions and suspensions beneath a given melody and bass.This section has 15 questions.
Section 2 · Melodic DecorationSuspensions, passing notes, auxiliaries and other decorations in a chorale or piano piece.This section has 15 questions.
Section 3 · Melody WritingChords, keys and instruments for a melody over a given accompaniment or progression.This section has 15 questions.
Section 4 · Score ReadingSeventh chords, the Neapolitan sixth, intervals in C clefs and terms in a short extract.This section has 15 questions.
Section 5 · Orchestral ScoreTransposing instruments in D, E♭, E and G, with instrument names and playing techniques, read from a full score.This section has 15 questions.
Timing
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.
Grade bands as a guide
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.
Sample questions
Sample 1
In C major, the melody descends C, B, A. The C belongs to chord I. The B arrives on the next strong beat, over chord vi (A, C and E), and the A follows. What kind of note is the B?
Lower auxiliary note
Suspension
Accented passing note
Échappée
The answer is C, Accented passing note.
The B clashes with chord vi and sounds on the beat. It lies between C and A, reached and left by step in one direction. That makes it an accented passing note.
Sample 2
Give the meaning of colla parte.
Follow the solo part
Play with the wood of the bow
Play the part an octave higher
Return to the first speed
The answer is A, Follow the solo part.
Colla parte is Italian for with the part. It tells an accompanist to follow the soloist's tempo and rubato closely.
Sample 3
A German score shows the note H. Which note is this in English?
The answer is B.
In German, H is B natural. The German B stands for B♭, which is why Bach could spell his surname in notes: B♭, A, C, B natural.
Questions and answers
How long is the ABRSM Grade 7 Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 3 hours for the whole practice test. It holds 75 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the ABRSM Grade 7 Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order: Figuring a Bass, Melodic Decoration, Melody Writing, Score Reading and Orchestral Score.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.