Part Writing Rules

Root position 4th or 5th apart (a)

Keep the common tone and move the remaining tones stepwise.

Root position 4th or 5th apart (b)

Move all three upper voices in similar motion to the nearest chord tone.

Roots lie a third apart

Keep both common tones and move the remaining voice stepwise.

Roots lie a second apart

Move three upper voices in contrary motion to the bass.

First Inversion

Double any factor that facilitates smooth voice leading.

Second Inversion

Double bass note and use only specific second inversion.