Topmusicanswers
- Can you double the third in a major chord?
- Is it OK to double the third?
- What does doubling the third mean?
- When can you double the 3rd of a chord?
Can you double the third in a major chord?
In major triads, the root is most often the best choice to double, followed by the fifth. Avoid doubling the third of major triads particularly when in first inversion. (The overtones of the third of the chord work against the other notes. The lower the first inversion bass note of the chord is, the worse it sounds.)
Is it OK to double the third?
Answer: Certainly you can - though as a general principle it's better to double one of the other notes if the chord is major. Best choices for doubling in a major triad in order of desirability: root, 5th, 3rd.
What does doubling the third mean?
Dominant chords are always major chords (or at least based on them), and doubling the third of a dominant chord means doubling the leading tone. In common practice period voice leading, the leading tone should resolve to the tonic, so you get parallel octaves right there.
When can you double the 3rd of a chord?
Generally the 3rd is the least satisfactory note to double, but there are some exceptions. You may double the Root: In any 5-3 chord. In any 6-3 chord EXCEPT diminished chords (ii° or vii°)
