Writing Counterpoint Over Chords

Hi

So I was wondering if there were any rules or something about doing some counterpoint over a chord so that they mix?

For example, if the strings where playing a wide substained C chord that covered most of the note range; could I write 3 part counterpoint with winds over the top of that without the worrying about how they work with the C strings, in terms of counterpoint, that's setting the rhythm? As long as those rhythm notes aren't trying to stand out on there own/have individual melodies does it matter if they form 7ths and 2nds with the counterpoint melodies?

Thanks for your time

Ok let me word this differently, I don't know how to use counterpoint within a larger composition.

At the moment I am able to manage relatively simple counterpoint in 3 parts. I only know how to actually use it if I were to write for 3 instruments, and not if there where other things going on in the composition. Let's say I was writing a song and all the instruments playing had landed on Cmaj7 chord like this; C - G* - B - C* - E - G*, I then want 3 of those notes (the ones with *)to go into 3 part counterpoint. What can I do with the other 3 notes instead of just stopping? Would I have to treat it as 6-part counterpoint or can they provide rhythm without without being a part of it?

Basically; how can I put my knowledge of 3-part counterpoint into use in a section that has more than 3 things going on?

You should post up as much of a score as you have, here, including an attempt at what you think might be the solution: so much of this is context-dependent.