I am aiming to take Grade 6 theory in November + am currently struggling to remember all the rules about parallel octaves, which notes to double and not to double etc. Does anyone know where I might find a clear + concise guide to such things?

Thanks

Here are some rules:

-Parallel octaves should be avoided in all parts such as soprano and bass, tenor and alto etc.
-parallel 5ths should be avoided in all parts
-normally double the root if not then the 5th
-never double the leading note (leading notes will normally rise to the tonic so if you double it then you'll have parallel ocataves)
-double the third in chord viib
-use contrary motion when chords run parallel e.g I-II or IVb-Vb
-in second inversion chord double the bass note (i.e the 5th)
-dissonances will be approached and fall by step

don't add melodic decoration yet till your comfortable and have lots of practice with all these rules. You've got till november so plenty of time to get used to them.

Good books to get are the theory workbook which is a white book with i think a green 6 on it. Another good book to get is the AB guide part two gives you a lot of extra information. When your checking for parralel octaves and fifths a quick way to check is first to check the direction of movement if the two parts are moving in different directions you know there can't be consecutives, then check the intervals between all the notes in the chord if none of the intervals are a fifth or an octave then there can't be consecutives and then you only need to check for consectutives between one part as oposed to having to go through all the parts seperately.

pretty much what jason siad, my rules for doubling specifically were:
- no parallel 8ves
- no parallel 5ths
- no 5th-8ve
- no 8ve to fifth

^ this is within one part obv, its fine to have 5th between B and S, and then B and T for example.

- never double the leading note. ever.

parkere,

I agree with the other posts, regarding which noyes to double, and which parallel intervals to avoid.

I think the rules about how to go about cheking for consecutives are great, but you have to remember also to look out for the added problem of 'exposed' fifths / octaves. These crop up where, even though the parts are moving in contrary motion (i.e. not parallel), then consecutive fifths / octaves can still be created if you are not careful. Sadly these still count as consecutives, and, I believe, are to be avoided.

Look up 'exposed fifths / octaves' in the AB Guide part 2 (blue book), for more details.

Best of luck

denmark

corrections...
'noyes' = notes
'cheking' = checking

I thought exposed fifths were only when the outer parts moved in similar motion. Oh well - you learn something new everyday!

you have to check EVERY pair of parts.
So that's SA ST SB AT AB TB

Yes I know you do for ordinary consecutives but for exposed fifths its only the outer parts.

Oboecop (brilliant name byt the way...)

I agree with you there, it's outer parts that are most at risk from exposed fifths / octaves,
d

I agree Oboecop. It may be called something else these days. Denmark, if consecutive 5ths occur as you describe then they are just consecutive 5ths in my book.

Similar motion - as taught to me 30 years ago - is when any two parts which can start any interval apart (3rd, 4th 5th 6th), BOTH leap IN THE SAME DIRECTION to a 5th or an octave; exposed 5th is if they are in outer parts. Also in the latter case, when the outer parts are involved, then two parts moving in the same direction ONE of them jumping (t'other by step) to a 5th or octave then the heavens will open and you will be struck by lightening!!!!!

I had a very strict teacher! University brought a sense of normality and we used JSB as a model - so long as HE behaved. Yes sbhoa, check all the pairs of parts.

If there is an AB book in print and it explains all this then for the sake of AB exams, do what they ask, might be a way forward.