Voice Leading Basics
Define "voice leading" in four-part harmony
The manner in which each of the four voices moves from one chord to the next; how notes/intervals move to form smooth melodic lines
Name the five basic types of motion between two voices
Contrary, Parallel, Similar, Oblique, Stationary
What is forbidden when approaching perfect intervals in two voices?
Approaching a perfect interval in parallel motion is forbidden
What is the leading tone in a major scale and which direction should it move?
The seventh scale degree (leading tone) and it must resolve upward to the tonic
What is the maximum interval a voice can jump?
No intervals greater than a 6th
In four-part writing, how many separate melodic lines are created and what are they commonly called?
(Hint: Think about choir)
Four voices: soprano, alto, tenor, bass
Give a short definition of oblique motion
One voice remains on the same note while the other moves up or down
What are "parallel octaves" and why are they considered poor voice leading?
Two voices moving in parallel to octaves; they weaken independence between parts
What is the rule for chordal sevenths' resolution?
Chordal sevenths always resolve downwards
What type of intervals do we avoid in voice leading? (Major, minor, Augmented or Diminished)
Augmented intervals should be avoided!
List two rules for the three upper voices when it comes to moving between chords?
(Where can my voices go?)
Usually stay on the same note or move by a step or third; never use leaps greater than a sixth
What is the difference between parallel and similar motion?
Parallel motion: voices move same direction and same interval size
Similar motion: same direction but different interval sizes
In the key of C major what are the notes in a V7 chord in root position and indicate which note is the chordal seventh and its typical resolution
a V7 chord in C is G, B, D, F and the chordal 7th is F
What other type motion should we avoid with octaves?
Similar motion should be avoided with octaves!
What melodic leaps should be avoided in the bass line?
Leaps greater than a seventh or an octave should be avoided
Why is contrary motion often preferred when approaching perfect intervals between outer voices?
It avoids creating perfect octaves or fifths and preserves independent voice-leading
In the key of Db minor name the notes for the V7 (DOMINANTE) chord and identify the chordal 7th
(Dont forget you have to think about the minor key and what we do to the 7th in a minor key!)
Ab, C, Eb, Gb
What are the two most important rules in voice leading?
1. DO NOT HAVE PARALLE OCTAVES OR FIFTHS
2. TREATMENT OF TENDENCY TONE, Leading tones go up and Chordal sevenths go down!
Explain what a "chord skip" is?
When a chord repeats or is sustained and there are melodic leaps in one or more upper voices
Describe stationary motion
Both voices remain on the same note
In the key of G minor name the notes in the V7 (DOMANINT) chord and name the leading tone for G minor.
(Dont forget you have to think about the minor key and what we do to the 7th in a minor key!)
Leading tone - F#
V7 chord is - D, F#, A, C
Provide a short checklist (4 items) you should follow when writing four-part harmony to avoid common voice-leading errors?
1) Avoid parallel octaves/fifths/unisons between any two voices
2) Resolve leading tones up to tonic and chordal sevenths down by step
3) Keep upper voices moving primarily by step or small thirds (no leaps >6th)
4) Use contrary or oblique motion for outer voices when approaching perfect intervals; avoid hidden perfects