When most people think of music, they think of a melody on top of some chords. But there is another way to think: Counterpoint. Counterpoint is the art of writing multiple independent melodies that sound beautiful on their own *and* create harmony when played together.

What is Counterpoint?

The word comes from "punctus contra punctum"—point against point (or note against note). It’s about the relationship between two or more voices. Instead of one voice leading and the others following, all voices are equally important.

The Four Types of Motion

To master counterpoint, you have to understand how voices move relative to each other:

• Parallel Motion: Both voices move in the same direction by the same interval.
• Contrary Motion: Voices move in opposite directions (one up, one down). This is often considered the "gold standard" of counterpoint.
• Oblique Motion: One voice stays on the same note while the other moves.
• Similar Motion: Both voices move in the same direction but by different intervals.

First Species Counterpoint

This is where every student starts. You are given a fixed melody (the Cantus Firmus) and you write one note for every one of its notes. You focus strictly on vertical intervals (consonances) and independence of motion.

Why Study Counterpoint Today?

You don't have to write like Bach to benefit from counterpoint. Modern producers use it to write better basslines that dance around the vocal, or to create interesting vocal harmonies. It teaches you to think horizontally, not just vertically.