Upbeats
Some music starts with an upbeat (an anacrusis): a short first bar before the first strong beat. The last bar of the piece is usually short by the same amount, so the two together make one full bar.
Grade 3 Music Theory
Compound time, minor scales, intervals and more keys.
First lesson free, then Plus or Brainlag Music
9 units, 15 lessons
0 of 9 units done
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Practise
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Based on your answers on this device and your account. It shows where practice will help most, not a grade.
Mistakes
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What you’ll be able to do
- Group notes and rests in compound time
- Name notes up to three ledger lines above and below the stave
- Find the key of a melody
- Write a note a given interval above the tonic
- Recognise and complete a tonic triad
- Give the meaning of every Grade 1 to 3 term
Units and lessons
9 units, 15 lessons
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A look inside
Simple and compound time
Alongside the lessons
Music terms and the metronome
About this grade
Compound time, keys to four sharps or flats, both minor scales and intervals by type: Grade 3 theory, taught and practised.
Follows the ABRSM Music Theory syllabus. ABRSM is a trade mark of its owner; Brainlag is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABRSM. Every example and question is original. Results are Brainlag estimates, not exam results.
Questions
Which syllabus does it follow?
It follows the ABRSM Music Theory syllabus for Grade 3 (the syllabus from 2020, checked against ABRSM on 9 October 2026). Brainlag is independent and not affiliated with ABRSM.
What is free?
1 of the 15 lessons is free. Brainlag Plus (£14.99 a month) opens the rest of the lessons, the topic tests and the mock paper.
Do I need an account?
No. Progress saves in this browser; sign in to keep it on every device.
How long does it take?
About 3 hr 15 min of lessons in 9 units. Lessons take 10 to 16 minutes each.
Brainlag Music opens every lesson and topic test in this grade: £14.99 a month or £149 a year. See plans