8729 / 18210 · Workshop 71 — Countermelody and Inner-Line Arranging: Writing a Second Voice That Supports the Tune Without Fighting It← prev⊞ allnext →
71.1First rule — do not write against active melody
If the main melody is busy:
the countermelody should usually simplify.
If the main melody holds a long note:
the countermelody has room to move.
This is the first practical law.