The only allowable melodic motion is generally by diatonic intervals of an octave or less:

  • m2 - minor second
  • M2 - major second
  • m3 - minor third
  • M3 - major third
  • P4 - perfect fourth
  • P5 - perfect fifth
  • m6 - minor sixth (ascending only)
  • P8 - perfect octave

Leaps of a fifth or larger must resolve by step in the opposite direction.