Four Part Writing and Voice Leading Microlesson

Introduction to Four Part Writing and Voice Leading

This section will review four-part voicing for a bass line, and for a soprano line, and the rules to complete these concepts.

Lesson Key Terms

Natural Minor Scales: This scale uses the same tonic as the major scale. To create a natural minor scale, use lowered third; lowered sixth; and lowered seventh degrees from the major scale.
Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale has two lowered scale degrees, the 3rd degree and 6th degree. Using the major scale as a foundation, lower the 3rd and 6th degrees of the major scale. The result is the Harmonic Minor Scale.
Melodic Minor Scale: This is the most unusual minor scale because it has distinct parts for ascending and descending. When ascending, the Melodic Minor Scale only lowers the 3^rd scale degree; but when descending, the 3^rd, 6^th, and 7^th degrees are lowered, which is technically using the Natural Minor Scale.

Explore

Watch the following video to learn more about Four Part Writing and Voice Leading. Watch the video presentation below to learn more. Prepare to take notes and use the navigational buttons at the bottom of the video to pause, rewind, or move forward. Move forward to the challenge section to review your understanding.

Click here to download a printable copy of the presentation video.

Challenge

Self-Assessment Challenge

Use the below template to practice writing four part harmony and voice-leading for a bass line in the exercise below. Do this a few times by voicing the first chord in open and then closed positions.

Use the below template to practice writing four part harmony and voice-leading for a soprano line in the exercise below. Do this a few times by voicing the first chord in open and then closed positions. Also, try using figured bass and inversions, as you creatively write 4-part harmony from a soprano line!

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