Second species counterpoint

Second species counterpoint, two notes against one: consonant downbeats, passing tones on the weak beat, and fifths on successive downbeats. Rules and examples.

2 : 1

Second species

Two half notes against each cantus note. The line opens with a half rest and ends on a whole note. The second half of a bar can now carry a dissonance, if it passes.

Practise second species

E is a 2nd against the cantus, passing by step from F down to D.

Downbeats are consonant

The first half note of every bar follows the first-species rules for harmony.

D against E on the downbeat of bar 2 is a 7th: the first half note must be consonant.

Weak beats may pass

The second half may be dissonant only as a passing tone: reached by step and left by step in the same direction, filling in a 3rd.

A passes from G up to B: fine. C goes up from B and turns back: a dissonance that does not pass.

Watch the downbeats

5ths or octaves on two downbeats in a row are heard as parallels, even with a note between them.

A over D, then B over E: 5ths on two downbeats in a row, heard as parallels.

Keep moving

No repeated notes. The cadence sits on the last half note: a major 6th above, or minor 3rd below, then the final.

The cadence on the last half note: C♯ a major 6th above E, opening to the octave.

Practise it now

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

Open in Parnasso