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→Origins and Purpose of Voice Leading
While counterpoint and voice leading are separate topics, classical voice leading rules mirror counterpoint. In counterpoint, each melodic line is considered independent. Voice leading comes from a similar line of thought, taking each note of a chord as an independent voice. As chords change, each voice must rise, fall, or hold pitch. Using rules consistent with counterpoint, the specific note of the chord each voice would move to depends on the current notes and possible selections for the other voices.
The ultimate effect of following these rules is, in my opinion, a smooth transition between chords that maximizes the discernability of the change in harmony, while minimizing noticeable changes in pitch.
== Rules ==