Upbeats, recapped
A melody may start with an upbeat: a short first bar before the first strong beat. The last bar is short by the same amount, so the upbeat and the last bar together make one full bar.
Grade 4 Music Theory
The alto clef, every time signature and chords I, IV, V.
First lesson free, then Plus or Brainlag Music
9 units, 18 lessons
0 of 9 units done
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Practise
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Mistakes
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What you’ll be able to do
- Complete and group a bar in any Grade 4 time
- Name notes in the treble, alto and bass clefs
- Recognise a correctly written chromatic scale
- Write a note a given interval above another
- Name and write chords I, IV and V
- Name ornament signs and other signs
Units and lessons
9 units, 18 lessons
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A look inside
Every simple and compound time signature
Alongside the lessons
Music terms and the metronome
About this grade
The alto clef, every time signature, chords I, IV and V, ornaments and the orchestra: Grade 4 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 4 (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 18 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 60 min of lessons in 9 units. Lessons take 9 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