Counterpoint
Counterpoint is the combination of two or more melodic lines that sound together while retaining their own movement. A bass can answer a vocal melody instead of merely holding its root.
- two lines at once
- independent motion
- shared harmony
What makes two lines counterpoint?
Each line should make musical sense on its own and contribute to the combined sound. If a singer holds G for four beats while a bass walks C-D-E-F, you can follow both movements. Independence can come from contour, rhythm or register; the lines still need to meet in a workable harmony.
How do you write a simple second line?
Start with a short melody such as C-D-E-G over four beats. Give the second line a contrasting shape: G-F-E-C, one note per beat. Play each alone, then together. On the third beat both lines meet on E; you can change the second line to G there if you want to avoid unison and hear a different interval. Make one decision at a time and listen.
Is counterpoint only for fugues?
No. A bass riff under a vocal, a guitar answer between sung phrases and a countermelody in a chorus can all work contrapuntally. A fugue uses more formal imitation, but the underlying listening question is the same: can you hear more than one purposeful line?
How does it differ from block chords?
A block chord gives several notes the same attack and usually the same rhythm. In counterpoint, the parts can enter, rest and change direction at different times. Try playing C-E-G together on every beat, then let the upper G move to A while the bass moves C-B. The second version has lines you can follow.