Parallel fifths
Definition
Parallel fifths occur when two voices move in perfect fifths (or octaves) in the same direction. This creates a harmonic progression that is considered undesirable in traditional voice leading.
Related terms
Voice Leading: The way individual melodic lines (voices) move and interact with each other within a musical composition.
Perfect Fifths: An interval of five whole steps between two pitches.
Octaves: An interval of eight whole steps between two pitches.
"Parallel fifths" appears in:
Study guides (5)
AP Music Theory - 4.1 Harmony and Voice Leading I
AP Music Theory - 4.2 SATB Voice Leading
AP Music Theory - 4.4 Voice Leading with Seventh Chords
AP Music Theory - 4.5 Voice Leading with Seventh Chords in Inversions
AP Music Theory - 5.1 Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (ii0) to a Melodic Phrase
Additional resources (4)
AP Music Theory - AP Music Theory Free Response Help - FRQ/LEQ
AP Music Theory - Unit 4 Overview: Harmony and Voice Leading I (Chord Function, Cadence, and Phrase)
AP Music Theory - Unit 5 Overview: Harmony and Voice Leading II (Chord Progressions and Predominant Function)
AP Music Theory - 6.7 Harmonic Sequences
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About Fiveable
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Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
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Glossary
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Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.