Identifying Double Major Thirds - Music Composition

[@MusicMattersGB]

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[@carlstenger5893]

Excellent video (as always). I distinctly remember (eons ago) my harmony professor announcing (early in the semester) that doubling major thirds was verboten; but neither he (nor anyone else) took the time to explain the reasoning nor provide instructive examples as to why it was such a sin. Having sung many pieces prior to that time that included (nay, featured) double major thirds, I was more than a tad puzzled by this edict. Thank you for taking the few minutes necessary to explain and illustrate the concept.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. I agree that the double major issue can be a moot point

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I found two doubled thirds in Bachs Do Major Prélude, but it doesn't sound bad at all. Reading the comments helps understand further. An excellent video.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Bach frequently does it often to preserve scale runs

[@g.p616]

Brilliant communication, as always.

[@MusicMattersGB]

You’re most kind

[@markchapman6800]

Avoiding doubling the "root" of a VII chord, given that that is the leading note = 3rd of the dominant, is probably a good idea too. Doubling of the (diminished) fifth of the same chord, as an equally active note (see bar 5 of your example), is probably also worth avoiding. I once sang a piece which contained a dominant chord with both of those notes doubled, and I have never heard anything quite so blatant in all my life!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Absolutely

[@Dave-nm8uk]

Great explanation. I'll come back to this one later.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Excellent. Enjoy!

[@isaacshaw1596]

See I have played many hymn tunes from playing in a brass band so know many hymn tunes and this has definitely got that influence. Can definitely hear your experience of playing Organ in a church. I actually quite like that melody and harmony.

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@enterrupt]

Wonderful video, thank you for making it. My theory teacher, a trombone player, taught us that a doubled majot 3rd was intrinsically out of tune. Due to the harmonic series, having a doubled 3rd reenforces harmonics that rub because they are half steps away from chord tones. This is especially true when the 3rd is in the bass. C major voiced E C E G will have a significant amount of G# and B overtones that rub against G and C. An interesting take, but I can't find fault with it.

[@MusicMattersGB]

There’s certainly truth in that.

[@evelyneduval6441]

I did not know that rule!!! I'll try to spot double major thirds in my compositions and avoid them in the future! Thanks!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure.

[@eplumer]

are the double major 3rds “worse” if they are in the outer voices or does it not matter?

[@MusicMattersGB]

Generally that’s true because they’re more exposed.

[@jayducharme]

Once you pointed it out, it surprised me how "clunky" a double major third sounds. I previously hadn't paid that much attention.

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@bzeliotis]

I was taught specific rules as to when one can double the third (major or minor 3rd) or the fifth, in four part harmony.

[@MusicMattersGB]

It’s interesting how theorists put more or less emphasis on those rules. It’s a more flexible issue than consecutives, for example.

[@joebloe9901]

Don't forget that these rules came from writing holy choir music. Making a choir double the maj third can sound awful....most choirs are made up of Joe public, not professional singers. Obviously a tuned instrument has no problem doubling the 3rd. 4 part harmony for choir must be written with the layman performer in mind. Another great lesson!

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@FrankMGarcía]

❤

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@delituskivike2471]

Great to see you Gareth,how can I be skilled composer ,and organist

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s kind. Keep working at it. We have many resources in our courses at www.mmcourses.co.uk that will help you. You could start with the keyword harmony course.

[@simf7563]

Another main reason for avoiding major thirds is that the chance of doubeling a leading tone increases. Especially when there are many secondary dominants.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Absolutely