Music Theory

Unit #19

Smooth Voice Leading
Voice Leading Example

Smooth Voice Leading Exercises

We know that chords can contain three (triad) and four (V7) different notes.

We also know that those notes can be arranged in different orders. (Inversions)

We also know that moving from one chord to another is called a Chord Progression.

An important part of "arranging" music is deciding which instrument (voice) will play which note in a chord.

Having each instrument (voice) move to the closest note in the next chord in a chord progression is called "Smooth Voice Leading."

In the following examples of the same chord progression notice the movement of the 3 voices. (1, 2, 3)

In this example the chords move in root position.

Notice how each voice moves up 4, then up 1, then down 5.

Those large interval jumps of 4 and 5 are difficult to play or sing and create very angular music.

In this example inversions are used to create Smooth Voice Leading.

"Voice 1" moves to unison, up 1, and up 1.

"Voice 2" moves up 1, up 1, and to unison.

"Voice 3" moves up 1, up 1, and up 1.

These interval jumps are much easier to play or sing, and sound much "smoother."

®tnt musical services. used by permission only