help help help?

Question

i have to write consonant harmonies, but i can't seem to make it not sound so bland. one's in C major and the other's one's in D major. how do i make it sound aethetically pleasing? any tips? any general rules?

Answer 1

Contrary motion. As the melody line moves up and down the scale, the bass line moves in the opposite direction, even crossing on occasion.

Avoid parallel thirds and fifths.

Make use of first and second inversions of any chords played with the melody.

Try modulating to the relative keys of C major and D major for a few measures, then returning to the original key, or modulate for the end of the piece being written.

These should make for a pleasing piece of music.

Good luck.