ABRSM Grade 5 Theory Exam
If you are preparing for your Grade 6 practical exam, there's one thing you can’t skip: Grade 5 Music Theory. ABRSM requires you to pass this written exam before you can move on to practical grades 6 and above. So, if you’re an instrumentalist or a singer, who’s aiming for Grade 6 soon, this guide is for you.
I have helped many students pass Grade 5 theory just in time for their Grade 6 practical. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare efficiently, stay confident, and get that theory certificate ticked off your list.
What Is ABRSM Grade 5 Theory?
Grade 5 Theory is an online exam that covers —notation, rhythm, scales, chords, and score reading. It’s a 2-hour paper, and you need 50 out of 75 to pass (60+ for a merit, 65+ for a distinction).
Here’s what the exam includes:
Notation and rhythm: Writing time signatures, correcting rhythms, and understanding clefs.
Scales and keys: Major and minor scales (up to 6 sharps/flats), key signatures, and technical terms like tonic or dominant.
Chords and harmony: Identifying chords (I, IV, V), inversions, and figuring out progressions.
Score analysis: Reading a short extract and answering questions about key, instrumentation, or transposition.
Composition: Completing a short melody or rhythmic phrase.
Musical terms: Italian, French, and German words you often see in sheet music.
It might sound like a lot, but it’s all stuff that supports your practical playing—and with the right approach, you can learn it quickly and effectively.
Why It Matters
You might be thinking, “I just want to play music—why do I need theory?” But knowing the “why” behind the notes makes a huge difference. Understanding chords, key changes, and rhythms helps you sight-read faster, play more expressively, and memorise music more easily. And of course, without this theory qualification, you won’t be allowed to sit the Grade 6 practical exam.
Smart Ways to Prepare (Even If You're in a Rush)
1. Check Your Basics First
If you’re jumping into theory now, make sure you’ve got the foundations from Grades 1–4 solid. Brush up on:
Major/minor scales
Time signatures
Intervals
Basic chords
I often give my students mini “diagnostic” quizzes to see what needs work. You can also try a past paper from the ABRSM site and see how you do.
2. Use the Right Books and Practice Papers
Start with the ABRSM Music Theory in Practice Grade 5 book—it’s clear, focused, and syllabus-based. Pair that with past papers, which you can buy or download from ABRSM. Practice under timed conditions to simulate the real exam.
I also create custom worksheets for my students—especially for harder topics like figured bass or transposing instruments like clarinet or horn.
3. Understand Figured Bass and Chord Progressions
Figured bass can seem weird at first, but it’s just a way of showing chords and inversions. Focus on:
I, IV, and V chords
1st and 2nd inversions
Common progressions (like I–IV–V–I)
A good trick? Harmonize a simple song like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star using these chords—it makes it stick.
4. Get Comfortable with Score Reading
In the score analysis section, you’ll read a short piece and answer questions. You might be asked about:
Key changes
Instrument transpositions (e.g. clarinet in B♭)
Intervals or clefs
Try using sheet music from your instrument practice and ask yourself theory questions as you play.
5. Drill Those Musical Terms
These often come up in multiple-choice questions. Use flashcards or an apps to memorise popular terms.
Cramming? Intensive Lessons Can Help
If you’re close to your Grade 6 practical and need to pass Grade 5 theory fast, I offer intensive crash courses in my South Hampstead studio or online. We’ll focus on exactly what you need—no fluff, just results. One of my students passed Grade 5 theory in just two months this way, and he was ready for his cello exam right on time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just starting or need a last-minute boost, I offer lessons tailored to students aiming for Grade 6 practical. In-person or on Zoom, we’ll work on:
Chords and harmony
Score reading
Composition practice
Past paper walkthroughs
If you’re about to take Grade 6 practical, Grade 5 Theory is your next step. It’s not just a requirement—it’s a chance to understand music better, play more confidently, and become a more well-rounded musician.
With the right help, resources, and a bit of focused practice, you’ll be holding that theory certificate before you know it.