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Beginning a third-species counterpoint A third-species line can begin with four quarter notes in the first bar, or a quarter rest followed by three quarter notes. Regardless of rhythm, the first pitch in the counterpoint should follow the intervallic rules above.
- What is 3rd species counterpoint?
- What are the rules of counterpoint?
- What intervals are not allowed in first species counterpoint?
- What are the two most common types of counterpoint?
What is 3rd species counterpoint?
Third Species counterpoint is when you have four counterpoint notes against one cantus firmus note. So if the cantus firmus is composed of semibreves, then the counterpoint voice is composed of crotchets (or quarter notes).
What are the rules of counterpoint?
Counterpoint Rules
- The interval between the given note and the note in your counter-melody should be consonant (major/minor 3rd or 6th, perfect unison, 5th, or octave, or a compound form).
- If the counter-melody is above the given melody, then the last note of the counter-melody should be in the tonic chord.
What intervals are not allowed in first species counterpoint?
Dissonances (2nds, 4ths, 7ths) are not allowed in first species counterpoint. “Perfect” consonances (unisons, 5ths, 8ves, 12ths) may only be approached in contrary motion in order to avoid direct 5ths and direct 8ves (you may wish to review the Types of Motion).
What are the two most common types of counterpoint?
The first species is note-against-note counterpoint. The second species is two notes against one in the cantus firmus. The third species is four notes against one in the cantus firmus.
