First species counterpoint

First species counterpoint, note against note: every interval consonant, no parallel fifths or octaves, and the cadence. Rules and examples, then practise online.

1 : 1

First species

One whole note against each note of the cantus. With no rhythm to hide behind, every interval counts. All the basics apply, plus two rules.

Practise first species

5 3 3 6 8: consonant throughout, closing with the 6 → 8 cadence.

Every interval is consonant

No dissonances at all: each bar is a unison, 3rd, 5th, 6th or octave, or a compound of these.

B against F is a tritone. In first species every bar must be consonant.

Avoid repeated notes

With one note per bar, a repeated note stalls the line. Move on, by step if you can.

A is struck twice and the line stalls. Move on instead, by step if you can.

Practise it now

Write first species counterpoint exercises in your browser. Every rule is checked as you write, and you can hear your lines.

Open in Parnasso