Who this is for
Players who can name chords and play them in root position and now want them to flow. Already voice chords smoothly with inversions? Test out on Day 5.
Best done after: Triads & Inversions, Chord Progressions. It is advice, not a rule: every lesson has short "rusty on…?" boxes for anything you skipped.
Why learn this
Playing a chord progression in root position means your hand jumps from chord to chord. It works, but it sounds blocky. Playing the same progression with **voice leading** makes each chord grow out of the last, so the music sounds connected and professional.
The idea is simple: **keep what is shared, move the rest the shortest way**. This program trains the habit with the voice-leading drill and the inversions trainer.
What you will be able to do
- Common tones between chords
- Moving to the nearest chord tone
- Using inversions to stay close
- Parallel, similar, contrary and oblique motion
- Parallel fifths and octaves
- Voice leading with seventh chords
The 5-day plan
- Common tones. Find the notes two chords share and keep them still.
- Smallest steps. Move every other voice to the nearest chord tone.
- Inversions as a tool. Use inversions to play a progression with the hand staying in one place.
- Types of motion. Name parallel, similar, contrary and oblique motion, and avoid parallel fifths.
- Seventh chords and ii–V–I. Voice a ii–V–I with seventh chords so every voice moves by step.
How each session works
Every day follows the shape of a workout. It starts with a warm-up that reviews earlier days, then technique: a short, plain explanation with a small interactive tool to try it on. Then come the working sets, drills with instant feedback, and a finisher, a short test with a pass mark so you only build on things you can do. A cool-down recaps the day and previews the next.
Choose your split
The daily split is a session a day: done in a week. The easy split is a session every other day, with rest days between: two weeks, and a gentler pace. On your own pace there is no schedule. Nothing is ever locked, and you can change split at any time.
What comes next
Counterpoint Basics: The 5-Day Program. See the whole training plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is voice leading?
How each note (voice) of one chord moves to a note of the next chord. Good voice leading moves each voice as little as possible, so chords connect smoothly.
Why are parallel fifths forbidden?
In classical harmony, two voices moving in parallel perfect fifths blur into one line and lose their independence. The rule keeps four-part writing sounding like four voices. Rock power chords break it on purpose.
Do I need four voices?
No. Voice leading works with two notes or twenty. A guitarist moving between chord shapes is voice-leading too.
How does this help me play piano?
It lets you play a progression with your hand staying in one place, which is easier, more fluent and sounds better.