- Counter point should begin and end on a perfect consonance (perfect 4th, perfect 5th, perfect 8th)
- Perfect consonances must be approached by contrary motion or oblique motion
- Use contrary motion whenever possible
- Two parts should not be more than a 10th apart
- Avoid crossing voices whenever possible
- Avoid parallel 5ths and 8ths between parts
- Avoid moving in parallel 4ths, 3rds, 6ths for too long
- Avoid leaping with two voices in the same direction simultaneously
- No parallel 5ths
- No parallel octaves
- No hidden, direct 5ths or octaves
- No dissonant leaps like major 7ths, augmented or diminished intervals (choose small intervals like leading tone to tonic for eg.)
- Double root or 5th in root position chords, double any note in first inversion chords, double the 5th in second inversion chords, double the 3rd in diminished chords.
- Double the 3rd only when absolutely necessary to maintain proper voice leading.
- No voice crossing
- Stay in the accepted vocal ranges; dont put more than an octave between upper ranges (alto, sop)
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuSKULck394