1. Resolve all tendency tones.
- [[ti → do]]
- Except when using a [[free resolution of the leading tone]].
- Except when frustrating the leading-tone in sequences.
- [[fa → mi (me)]]
- Except when using a free resolution.
- [[le → sol]]
2. Avoid parallel perfect consonances (e.g., P1, P5, and P8) in all voices, including P5s or P8s by contrary motion.
1. [[parallel fifths]]
2. [[parallel octaves]]
3. [[fifths by contrary motion]]
4. [[octaves by contrary motion]]
3. Perfect consonances in the outer voices (soprano and bass) must be approached through oblique or contrary motion. Breaking this rule creates [[hidden fifths]] or [[hidden octaves]].
- Except when soprano moves by step.
4. No more than an octave between:
- Soprano and alto.
- Alto and tenor.
5. Avoid crossed and overlapped voices.
6. In three-note chords, double the most logical chord member. Never double tendency tones as this will require you to break either rule 1 or 2. From most to least common, the doubling preferences are:
- Root
- Fifth
- Third
See [[voice-leading errors]].