𝄞
Theory Practice
MUSIC THEORY · LEVEL UP
Log inStart free →
ABRSM · Grade 4 · Syllabus & study guide

ABRSM Grade 4 Music Theory — Complete Syllabus & Study Guide

6 topics44 questions105 min85 marks

The ABRSM Grade 4 music theory exam tests how confidently you read, write and understand notation at this level. A typical paper runs about 44 questions in 105 minutes for 85 marks, mixing identification, writing and matching tasks — the same shape as the real exam.

This guide lists every one of the 6 syllabus topics for Grade 4, each with a one-line summary and a suggested practice dose, plus the exact paper structure, a free full-length mock test, and a step-by-step study plan. Everything linked here is free to use.

Compared with ABRSM Grade 3, the genuinely new material at Grade 4 is: Time signatures — 3/8, 6/4, 9/4, Keys to 5 sharps / flats; chromatic scale, Inverted intervals, Triad inversions, Transposition at the octave, French & German terms. Everything else consolidates and extends earlier grades — so shore up old ground first, then attack the new topics.

What's in the exam

Our free mock paper mirrors the question-type distribution of a real ABRSM Grade 4 paper. Section by section:

  1. Note identification — 5 × 1 mark (5 marks)
  2. Rhythm tapping — 4 × 2 marks (8 marks)
  3. Bar division — 3 × 2 marks (6 marks)
  4. Key signatures — 5 × 2 marks (10 marks)
  5. Intervals — 6 × 2 marks (12 marks)
  6. Scale writing — 3 × 3 marks (9 marks)
  7. Triad identification — 5 × 2 marks (10 marks)
  8. Chord building — 3 × 3 marks (9 marks)
  9. Transposition — 2 × 4 marks (8 marks)
  10. Flashcards — 8 × 1 mark (8 marks)
85 marks total, 105 minutes. See the full mock paper →

Syllabus topics

Work through these in order — each topic builds on the one before it. The count in brackets is the practice dose we recommend per sitting.

  1. 1
    Time signatures — 3/8, 6/4, 9/4
    Less-common simple and compound time signatures. (~12 practice questions)
  2. 2
    Keys to 5 sharps / flats; chromatic scale
    B, Db major; F#, Bb minor. Chromatic scale construction. (~12 practice questions)
  3. 3
    Inverted intervals
    Inverting intervals; compound intervals above the octave. (~15 practice questions)
  4. 4
    Triad inversions
    First and second inversions of I, IV, V. (~12 practice questions)
  5. 5
    Transposition at the octave
    Rewriting a melody at the octave, either clef. (~10 practice questions)
  6. 6
    French & German terms
    Plus expanded Italian vocabulary. (~10 practice questions)

How to prepare

  1. Work through the topics in order — start at topic 1 and move down the list above in order. Pair each topic with the free reference pages on intervals, key signatures, scales and triads.
  2. Learn the vocabulary — Italian terms and signs are the easiest marks to lose. Keep the music theory glossary open and review a handful of terms a day until they all stick.
  3. Sit the free mock under timed conditions — once you have covered the topics, sit the free ABRSM Grade 4 mock test under timed conditions — 44 questions, 105 minutes, instant scoring, no signup.
  4. Review mistakes and re-sit — go back to the topics you dropped marks on, drill them, then re-sit from the ABRSM Grade 4 mock paper page. Aim for a stable 80%+ before exam day.

Frequently asked questions

What is in the ABRSM Grade 4 music theory exam?
The ABRSM Grade 4 theory paper covers 6 syllabus topics: Time signatures — 3/8, 6/4, 9/4, Keys to 5 sharps / flats; chromatic scale, Inverted intervals, Triad inversions and 2 more topics. A typical paper has around 44 questions and lasts 105 minutes.
How many questions is the ABRSM Grade 4 theory paper?
Around 44 questions, mixing identification, writing and matching tasks across the syllabus topics.
How long is the ABRSM Grade 4 theory exam?
105 minutes.
Is ABRSM Grade 4 music theory hard?
Manageable with steady practice. The grade covers 6 topics; the genuinely new material versus Grade 3 is Time signatures — 3/8, 6/4, 9/4, Keys to 5 sharps / flats; chromatic scale, Inverted intervals, Triad inversions, Transposition at the octave, French & German terms — everything else consolidates earlier grades.
Where can I take a free ABRSM Grade 4 theory mock test?
Theory Practice hosts a free ABRSM Grade 4 mock paper with instant scoring at https://theorypractice.app/mocks/ABRSM/4 — no signup required.

Ready to test yourself at ABRSM Grade 4?

Free mock with instant scoring. Sign up to save mistakes and get AI walkthroughs on every miss.

More grade guides