Four-Part Writing: Doubling Leading-Tone

[timothyvanwing]

If I double the 7th scale degree in a Minor key, would that be considered doubling the leading-tone? In a minor key the leading-tone needs to be manually inserted. So if it isn't raised a half step, would it be alright to double it?

[andreslr6]

It can't be a leading-tone if it isn't raised half a step and doesn't rest on the tonic. If for example you're doing a progression, let's say descending 5ths, and the goal is the VII or you pass by it, then you'll most probably need to double it because it's the root of a 3 note chord, or if you're going to modulate to VII, etc. It depends, just as long as it's not functioning as the leading-tone (raised half a step and then moving to the tonic) there should be no problem with doubling it.

The problem with doubling the leading tone is that it needs to rest on the tonic, thus, creating parallel octaves. Same goes with doubling the 3rd of a dominant chord V7, which is the leading-tone of the chord/tonal region you'll be modulating to.

[dcstudio]

if it isn't raised --most likely, it is the root of the VII chord or the -- 5th of the III chord...and--as stated... is not the leading tone.  depending on which semester of theory you are in...I am guessing 1st...the part writing ex. are usually set up to have an easy solution.. 

Don't cross voices or use parallel 5ths at this stage and you are usually good to go.

it will get easier to do these...try not to overthink them.  Save your energy for harmonic dictation...lol