First-Species Counterpoint

Lesson 12

February 3rd, 2021

Lesson 12

Lecture notes:
  • The first-species counterpoint consists of note-to-note intervals or 1:1. There is a corresponding whole note in the counterpoint line for every whole note in the Cantus Firmus.
  • There are only strong beats in the first-species counterpoint, which require consonant intervals.
  • Repeated fifths and octaves are only approached using contrary motion in the first-species counterpoint.
  • Repeating notes or Oblique motion is not allowed to be used in the first-species counterpoint.
  • The consonant intervals available to use in the first-species counterpoint are the PU (Perfect Unison), M/m 3rd (Major or minor third), P5 (Perfect fifth), M/m 6th, (Major or minor sixth), and P8 (Perfect eighth).
  • Dissonant intervals are not allowed in strict first-species counterpoints, which are the 2nds, 7ths, tritones, and 4ths.

The above photo shows an eight-bar first-species counterpoint starting on a P8 (perfect eighth).


The above photo shows a first-species counterpoint with the fundamental rule of one-to-one note placement.


The above video describes what a counterpoint is.


The above video explains the rules governing the first-species counterpoint.


The above photo consists of a first-species counterpoint I composed over a given Cantus Firmus.


This is a video of me playing the first-species counterpoint line from the photo above.

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