How to Write Counterpoint — A Beginner's Guide

Learn the fundamentals of counterpoint — note against note, two-part writing, consonance and dissonance rules, and how counterpoint underlies all Western harmony.

Counterpoint Is the Art of Combining Melodies

Counterpoint means 'note against note' — the technique of writing two or more independent melodies that sound harmonious when played together. It is the foundation of Western classical music, from Bach fugues to film scores. Understanding counterpoint transforms how you hear and write music.

First Species — Note Against Note

In first species counterpoint, every note in the added voice aligns with a note in the given voice (cantus firmus). Rules: Use only consonant intervals (unison, third, fifth, sixth, octave). No parallel fifths or octaves. Begin and end on the tonic (unison or octave). Move mostly by step; use leaps sparingly and follow them with stepwise motion in the opposite direction.

Second Species — Two Notes Against One

Two notes in the counterpoint for every one in the cantus firmus. The first note of each pair must be consonant; the second can be dissonant if it is a passing tone (approached and left by step in the same direction). This introduces controlled dissonance — the engine of musical tension and release.

Why Counterpoint Still Matters

Counterpoint is not just for classical composers. Every time you write a bass line under a melody, you are writing counterpoint. Every time you arrange background vocals, you are writing counterpoint. Every guitar duet, every string quartet, every horn arrangement — it is all counterpoint. Learning the rules makes your music sound better, regardless of genre.

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