4.3 Voice Leading Basics (SATB)

Four voices

Chorale-style writing uses four voices: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass (SATB). Keep upper voices close, resolve tendency tones, and move each voice smoothly.

Forbidden parallels

Avoid parallel fifths and parallel octaves between any two voices — they weaken the independence of the parts, a core voice-leading rule.

Tendency tones

The leading tone (scale degree 7) should resolve up to the tonic; the seventh of a chord should resolve down by step. Smooth, stepwise motion is preferred over large leaps.

Key terms

SATB

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass

Parallel 5ths/8ves

forbidden — they weaken voice independence

Leading tone

scale degree 7, resolves up to the tonic

Chord seventh

resolves down by step

Preferred motion

smooth, stepwise, independent voices

Try an AP-style question

Parallel fifths are avoided because they…

1. change the key
2. sound too dissonant
3. reduce voice independence
4. are impossible to sing