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Section 26.12 Summary of Doubling Rules for Triads

To generalize, here are the doubling rules for voice leading triads in root position, first inversion, and second inversion:
  • Root Position Chords: DOUBLE THE BASS
  • First-Inversion Chords: DO NOT DOUBLE THE BASS
    • Exception: \(\left.\text{vii}^{\circ}{}^{6}\right.\)and \(\left.\text{ii}^{\circ}{}^{6}\right.\): DOUBLE THE BASS
    • Exception: Consecutive first inversion chords—alternate between DOUBLE THE BASS and DO NOT DOUBLE THE BASS
  • Second-Inversion Chords: DOUBLE THE BASS