Should one double the thirds or the fifth in chords?

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. ... To help clarify which note is the root, you could double it, or, double a primary tone in the chord.

1. Can you double the 3rd in a chord?
2. Why is doubling the third bad?
3. Should you double the leading tone?
4. Are chords built on thirds?

Can you double the 3rd in a chord?

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.

Why is doubling the third bad?

As mentioned in Dekkadeci's answer, doubling the third can lead to using parallel octaves (neither of which sound bad) and it can sound like a voice dropped out. This is a problem with the dominant chord; the third is note 7 of the scale and it strongly leads to the tonic.

Should you double the leading tone?

Never double the leading tone, so don't double the root if the root is the leading tone. Don't double the third, except if the chord is diminished, in which case it's good to double the third. ... Don't double the fifth of a chord, except if it is a second inversion triad, then you should double the fifth.

Are chords built on thirds?

A chord does not have to be made up of thirds. A chord is by definition two or more notes heard as if sounded simultaneously. Not all chords have three notes either. There are dyads (two notes), triads (three), tetrachords (four), pentachords (five), and hexachords (six).