General Guideline for Contrapuntal

[MEKer]

What would you all say are solid, general guidelines to playing counterpoint or, as some say, contrapuntally? I mean, I've heard some say, just play 3rds and 5ths with a root resolvement at the appropriate time, play in between some beats(usually referring to lead-in notes) , etc etc.
I am sure we all have our own methods but can we generalize here and come up with a mini-lesson and offer some practicing tips?
Thanks. And maybe some "never do's" also.

[uethanian]

well it really depends on the music. baroque counterpoint is super specific when it comes to note choice. things like, no parallel fifths (C-G to D-A) but in general, the best rule to follow is to never double octaves.

if you're talking modern counterpoint, its really just about coming up with a line that supports harmony and can stand on its own melodically. hmm...play moving lines when the melody is still, and stay simple when the melody is moving...resolve the 3rd (or 7th) of one chord to the 7th (or 3rd) of the next...end phrases with suspensions (4th or 2nd resolving into 3rd)...thats all i can think of.

[MEKer]

Thanks for some interesting comments using the suspensions.

[HaVIC5]

General guidelines for counterpoint, regardless of style, are -

1. Consonances on the downbeat (whatever your definition of consonance is, traditionally the "imperfect" consonances were prefered, 3rds/6ths)
2. Resolve dissonance by a step.
3. Avoid rhythmic dissonance (flams, incongruous syncopation)
4. Don't worry about chord progression - just focus on intervallic dissonance/consonance between the two lines.