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In the language of music theory, counterpoint is a compositional technique in which two or more melodic lines (or "voices") complement one another but act independently. The term comes from the Latin punctus contra punctum, which means "point against point." Composers use counterpoint to create polyphonic music.
- What are the rules of counterpoint?
- What is an example of counterpoint in music?
- What are the 5 species of counterpoint?
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 is an example of counterpoint in music?
For example, "Frère Jacques" and "Three Blind Mice" combine euphoniously when sung together. A number of popular songs that share the same chord progression can also be sung together as counterpoint. A well-known pair of examples is "My Way" combined with "Life on Mars".
What are the 5 species of counterpoint?
In counterpoint, there are five species of counterpoint that you can learn which are:
- First species.
- Second species.
- Third species.
- Fourth species.
- Fifth species.
