Errors in Four-Part Writing

a. Avoid parallel perfect fifths and octaves

Exceptions: acceptable parallel fifths due to the strength of the voice leading:

b. Avoid crossing or overlapping voices

c. Avoid all four voices leaping in the same direction

d. Avoid leaping in the outer voices (S and B) in similar motion to perfect fifths and perfect octaves

These are known as hidden fifths and hidden octaves.

e. Avoid the augmented second (A2) melodically