Parallel fifths

How it is used

Often checked in traditional four-part harmony exercises to preserve independent voices. They are used freely in some other musical styles.

Example sentences

1. These parallel fifths between the bass and tenor need revision in this harmony exercise.

   The exercise follows a style that avoids two voices moving together in perfect fifths.

2. The arranger kept the parallel fifths to give the guitar passage a strong, open sound.

   Here the same motion is a deliberate sound choice rather than an exercise error.

Common collocations

• avoid parallel fifths
• check for parallel fifths
• parallel fifths between voices

Related terms

• counterpointThe technique of combining two or more independent musical lines so they sound connected and balanced together.
• harmonyThe sound of different notes heard together, and the way chords are built and connected. It also means a second vocal line sung above or below the melody.
• intervalThe distance in pitch between two notes, named by counting letter names and checking the number of semitones, such as a major third or a perfect fifth.

More terms: Music Theory and Harmony

• scale
• chord
• key
• pitch
• major
• minor
• octave
• chord progression
• arpeggio
• triad
• cadence
• transpose