Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) Practice Exam

Which type of scale on a keyboard consists only of black keys?

1. Aeolian

2. Ionian

3. Pentatonic

4. Lydian

The correct answer is: Pentatonic

The pentatonic scale is the correct answer as it consists of five notes, which can be constructed exclusively using the black keys on a keyboard. In the context of the keyboard, the pentatonic scale can be represented in two main forms: the major pentatonic and the minor pentatonic. For example, starting from the black key F♯ and following the pattern of a major pentatonic scale, you would play: F♯, G♯, A♯, C♯, and D♯, all of which are black keys. This scale is widely used in many musical traditions around the world, partly because it avoids half-step intervals that can create dissonance. This characteristic contributes to its sonorous quality, making it popular in folk music, blues, and much more. In contrast, the other types of scales mentioned do not consist solely of black keys. The Aeolian, Ionian, and Lydian scales, which are forms of the major/minor scale system, include both black and white keys. Therefore, when considering the structure and note selection of these scales, it becomes clear that the pentatonic scale is uniquely defined by its use of only black keys on the keyboard.