Unit 34 · Upper Intermediate

Counterpoint and Independent Lines

Compose interacting melodies.

Lesson
Write lines that agree without merging
Estimated time
150 minutes
Status
Previewing
Preview available

Complete the required prior unit before this unit can be marked complete. You may still read and try every activity.

What you will learn

Compose two independent guitar lines with clear contour, controlled consonance and dissonance, contrary motion, and a readable relationship to harmony.

Why this matters: Counterpoint strengthens arranging, chord melody, and improvisation because it teaches each line to be singable while still fitting the whole.

Before you begin

Intervals · Chord tones · Voice leading · Motif development · Arrangement roles

Independence and agreement are both required

Two lines should be individually singable and rhythmically clear. They also need enough consonance, prepared dissonance, and harmonic agreement to sound planned.

Contrary motion often clarifies independence. Parallel motion can work, but too much of it makes two lines collapse into one block.

Progression · Key C · 4/4

Two-line study framework

StartCI · 1
MoveDmii · 2m
TensionGV · 5
ArrivalCI · 1

Use simple harmony so the independence of the two lines can be heard.

Read and play

Contrary-motion two-line model

Two-line tab with upper C D E F E C and lower E D C B C E.
String123413
1--010-
213---1
3------
420---2
5--323-
6------

The upper line rises C-D-E-F then resolves; the lower line moves E-D-C-B-C-E. Sing each line separately before playing both. Start at 64 BPM.

1 · Model

Observe: independent two-line writing

Observe stage for independent two-line writing, with instructions and success criteria stated in text.

  1. Hear each line alone.
  2. Observe contrary motion and arrival points.
  3. Compare consonance with prepared dissonance.

Help you can use: Complete written model · Audible comparison target

  • Each line is singable alone.
  • Motion types are named.
  • Dissonances are prepared or resolved.
2 · Guided attempt

Try with prompts: independent two-line writing

Try with prompts stage for independent two-line writing, with instructions and success criteria stated in text.

  1. Write the upper line first.
  2. Add a lower line with mostly contrary or oblique motion.
  3. Check vertical intervals against the chord.

Help you can use: Numbered decisions · One-variable revision

  • Each line is singable alone.
  • Motion types are named.
  • Dissonances are prepared or resolved.
3 · Fade support

Use fewer prompts: independent two-line writing

Use fewer prompts stage for independent two-line writing, with instructions and success criteria stated in text.

  1. Remove interval prompts and sing both lines separately.
  2. Revise one parallel passage.
  3. Prepare and resolve one dissonance.

Help you can use: Check the model only after the attempt

  • Each line is singable alone.
  • Motion types are named.
  • Dissonances are prepared or resolved.
4 · Independent attempt

Perform independently: independent two-line writing

Perform independently stage for independent two-line writing, with instructions and success criteria stated in text.

  1. Compose and perform an eight-bar two-line study.
  2. Explain motion types and dissonance treatment.
  3. Show how both lines imply harmony.

Help: Complete without prompts or a model.

  • Each line is singable alone.
  • Motion types are named.
  • Dissonances are prepared or resolved.

Reflect

Audit line independence

Write both lines, mark contrary, oblique, and parallel motion, identify one consonance and one prepared dissonance, and explain the implied harmony.

Guided practice

Build the skill in manageable steps

Exercise 1

Singable line first

Keep melody ahead of vertical interval math.

  1. Write one four-bar melody.
  2. Sing it without guitar.
  3. Add a lower line mostly in contrary motion.
  4. Check the vertical sound on strong beats.
Success sounds or feels like
  • Each line can be sung alone.
  • Strong beats match the harmony.
  • Contrary motion appears in the study.
Make it smaller when
  • Use half notes.
Increase difficulty when
  • Add one prepared suspension.
Exercise 2

Fix one collision

Make counterpoint revision concrete.

  1. Find one awkward vertical interval or parallel passage.
  2. Change only one line.
  3. Replay both lines.
  4. Document why the revision works better.
Success sounds or feels like
  • One issue is identified.
  • The revision preserves both melodies.
  • The harmony remains clear.
Make it smaller when
  • Revise two measures only.
Increase difficulty when
  • Apply the revision to a chord-melody passage.

Common mistakes

Match the problem to a better next try

The two lines sound like block chords only.

Likely cause: Vertical harmony was prioritized over melodic independence.

Try: Sing each line alone and add contrary motion.

Dissonances sound accidental.

Likely cause: They were not prepared or resolved.

Try: Approach and leave the dissonance by step.

The lines cross and become hard to hear.

Likely cause: Registers were not assigned.

Try: Keep upper and lower ranges distinct for the first study.

Knowledge check

Explain the practice decision

1. What is contrary motion?
2. What should happen to most dissonances in this study?
3. Why sing each line separately?

Check your work

Write lines that agree without merging assessment

Complete every required criterion and record the requested reflection or value.

You check off guitar-playing tasks yourself. FretGarden only grades tasks where you tap, click, or choose an answer on screen.

Review plan

Return before the idea fades

Now

Sing each line separately and name one motion type.

Next session

Revise one two-line passage to improve independence.

One week

Add one prepared dissonance and explain its resolution.

Long term

Use line independence to strengthen chord melody and arrangement work.

Optional extension: Turn the two-line study into a chord-melody arrangement by adding selected inner voices.