2nd Species

Second species is "two notes against one" - i.e. you write two notes for every one in the cantus firmus.

Rules

• The first note in each bar must be consonant

• You may use dissonant passing notes on the second beat (i.e. the dissonant note must be part of a stepwise movement between two consonances)

• Try to avoid "interpolated" octaves and 5ths - in other words octaves or 5ths on the first beat of two bars in succession, even if there is another interval in between.  These are not quite as bad as consecutives, but still not good!

The general principles of good voice leading apply as in all the other species.

Here is a completed 2nd species exercise.  Click on it to hear it.

Now print out these two species exercises and complete them yourself

1.  Add an upper part

2.  Add a lower part

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