4 Part Chorale Writing Notes

Voice Ranges

Rules

Note doubling

• Double root or 5th in root position chords.
• Double any note in first inversion chords.
• Double the 5th in second inversion chords.
• Double the 3rd in diminished chords.
• Double the 3rd only when absolutely necessary.

Counterpoint Rules

• Counterpoint should begin and end on a perfect consonance (perfect 4th, 5th or 8th) between soprano and bass.
• Perfect consonances must be approached by contrary motion or oblique motion.
• Use contrary motion whenever possible.
• Two parts should not be more than a 10th apart.
• No more than an octave between soprano and alto.
• Avoid crossing voices.
• Avoid parallel 5ths and 8ves.
• No hidden, direct 5ths or 8ves.
• Avoid moving in parallel 4ths, 3rds, and 6ths, for too long.
• Avoid leaping with two voices in the same direction simultaneously.
• No dissonant leaps
• Major 7ths, augmented, diminished intervals
• Choose small intervals.

Examples of Bad Parallel Motion

Parallel Fifths

Parallel Octaves

Nonharmonic Tones