Contrapuntal motion is the movement of two or more melodic lines with respect to each other. In traditional four-part harmony, it is important that lines maintain their independence, an effect which can be achieved by the judicious use of the four types of contrapuntal motion: similar motion, parallel motion, contrary motion, and oblique motion.


This is a Bach fragment I am remembering incompletely. It demonstrates all four types of contrapuntal motion.



Similar Motion

Similar motion is motion in the same direction, but with the interval between them changing. In other words, both lines move up, or both lines move down, but the interval between them is different in the first chord and the second chord.

Parallel Motion

Parallel motion is motion in the same direction, keeping the same interval between them.

Contrary Motion

Contrary motion is motion in opposite directions. When one of the lines moves up, the other line moves down (that is, in inversion)).

Oblique Motion

Oblique motion is motion of one melodic line while the other remains at the same pitch).