Harmony Rules Flashcards
When starting harmonisation you ŕeinforce the….
Which position do you use?
Tonic chord
Root position or 1st inversion
When harmonising what should the bass line do?
What should you avoid?
The bass line should move with the same rhythmic value as the sop. line.
Each note should have its own harmony
You should avoid using the same chord in the same position for successive soprano notes
What is important for the bass line?
The bass line should be melodic unto itself. In the main use steps, avoid too many bass line leaps
What does repeating bass notes do?
It slow down the harmonic movement & breaks the melodic flow.
If you must repeat a bass note, it is recommended that you displace it by leaping an octave
What musts you do if you use the same chord twice?
When do you do this?
You must change the inversion.
When moving from a strong to a weaker beat.
What must you do with chords when harmonising?
Use a variety of chords both in root position and first invèrsion
What must you always check for when writing harmonies?
You must check forconsequective 5ths and octaves.
How do you minimise the potential for consequetive 5ths or octàves
Use contrary motion
What are the guidelines for writing chords in 4 part vocal style?
Vocal range
Spacing
Doubling
As you complete each chord what must you do?
Aim to minimise part movement.
Introduce leaps only when necessary
What do you do if two chords have a note in common?
It is customary for the note to be retained in the same part, S long as that note is not in the bass line
In a major key, what must you never do with a leading note?
What does this avoid?
You must never move to or from the subdominant.
This avoids a tritone as a melodic interval
Why are first inversions useful?
They are useful for avoiding consecutive because of the choice of what can be doubled.
What should you avoid doubling in root position chords?
Avoid doubling the thirds in chords 1 and IV & most importantly never double the third in chord V
In G4 what should you never do when harmonising minor keys?
What does the motion b/ŵ scale degrees 2 & 6, the supertonic & sub mediant, cause ?
Don’t use chords II or IIb
It causes a tritonenwhen in a minor key
