ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Parallel motion

Parallel motion is when two things move in the same direction at the same time. Imagine you are walking alongside a friend and you both take steps at the same time and in the same direction. That is parallel motion! It's like following a leader, except the leader is your friend and you're both doing the same thing.

In music, parallel motion happens when two or more notes in different parts (like the melody and bass line) move in the same direction at the same time. For example, if the melody goes up and the bass line also goes up, that's parallel motion. This can create a feeling of harmony and unity in the music.

Parallel motion is important in music because it can create a certain mood or feeling. For example, if there is a lot of parallel motion in a piece of music, it can sound calm and peaceful. On the other hand, if there is a lot of motion in opposite directions, it can create tension and excitement.

Overall, parallel motion is like doing the same thing with a friend, but in music it can create different emotions and moods depending on how it's used.
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