I have the answer book for Harmony in Practice in front of me open on page 19 exercise 33. There are two examples of filled in SATB voices in the keys of G minor and G major. My question is - is it okay to double the root and the third of chord iv and IV as shown in the example answers?

In all my experience of writing harmony I have never ever doubled two notes in a chord for SATB. I have been taught to triple the root, add the third and omit the fifth but not to double the root and the third (so C C E E).

If the reasoning behind it is to avoid an alto G meeting up with the previous soprano G I can't see it is necessary - as far as I know that is not an overlap. Is it a misprint then?

I might be pernickity about detail but i find small doubts upset my confidence when trying to write harmony!

Thanks for any help

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Perhaps that's the best thing to do with the chords and move on!

I did this once I think... Realized as soon as I got to the piano that it sounded awful!! Have you tried playing it?

Hi Rosemary,

It sounds o-kay in the examples given The one in G major is the best as the soprano line has a nicer contour - a leap from G to E returning to a note D inbetween. I suppose the doubled root and third helps preserve the alto line.

Even so - its confusing when you're trying to review the basics. Perhaps I shouldn't have the answer book anyway

I guess if your in doubt, don't do it. Theres bound to be an alternative!

Thanks Rosemary