Bach Chorale Rules

Bach Chorale Rules

1. Note Doubling

   • Root position double the root
   • 1st inversions double the root and 3rd
   • 2nd inversions double the 5th

2. Spacing

   • There should be a large gap between the bass and tenor
   • The gap between tenor and alto should be less than a 12th
   • There should never be more than an octave gap between SA or TB

3. Leaps

   • ATB-don't leap more than a 5th
   • AT-keep static
   • B-Try not to repeat notes consecutively

4. Accidentals

   • Remember to sharpen the 7th in a minor key
   • Remember to add accidentals when modulating

5. Parallels

   • Avoid parallel 8ves
   • Avoid parallel 5ths

6. Suspensions

   • Prepare-Sound-Resolve
   • 4-3 in V-V-I cadences
     • Do not add the 3rd in a V4 chord
   • the 7th in ii7b

7. Leading Notes

   • Never resolve to the 3rd

8. Awkward Intervals

   • Tritone
     • Occurs between the 4th and 7th in both scales
     • Occurs between the 2nd and 6th of minor scales
   • Augmented 2nd
     • Occurs between the 6th and 7th of minor scales

9. Passing 7th

   • Must be the 7th above the root of chord V
   • Do not add if the 3rd of the final chord is in the S