A harmony is a series of notes that blend with a song's melody to add character.It is difficult to harmonize from figuring out the best combination of notes to singing without straying from your part.Sing along as you play notes on the piano, then practice with apps, recordings, and other singers.You can learn how to harmonize by ear with the right techniques and practices.
Step 1: Get a feel for intervals by singing a C major triad.
The C major is made of the notes C-E-G.Sing or hum along as you play the notes on a piano.If you notice how the notes blend and agree with each other, then play all 3 notes on the piano at the same time.Intervals are the distances between C and the other notes in the chord.Intervals create harmony with different tones.E and G are both perfect fifths in relation to C.The intervals blend well with the root note.
Step 2: The root note has a third.
The C key is on the keyboard.You will land on E if you count the black and white keys to the right.A half-step is the distance between the keys that are closest to each other.The black key counts as a half-step if it's next to a white key.White keys like E and F are not separated by a black key.As you play the keyboard, sing or hum along.If you want to play that note, count 4 half-steps.You can learn how to find a good harmony note when you sing a root note and third.
Step 3: After getting a feel for the major chords, move onto minor intervals.
C-E-G is the black key to the left of E and can be used to create a C minor chord.As you play each note one at a time, sing or hum along with it.A minor interval sounds more unstable than a major.To find a root note's minor third, count 3 half-steps.Sing or hum along as you play a root note.In Western music, composers often use minor thirds to evoke feelings of sadness and happiness.It's important to understand major and minor thirds if you want to write harmony or sing harmony by ear.
Step 4: As the melody note changes, try to hold the harmony note.
As the notes in a melody change, you don't have to move the harmony note with it.As you play a melody on the keyboard, keep the harmony note the same.The note combinations blend, convey feelings, or clash with each other.The harmony note doesn't need to be changed to maintain a third interval.It may stay the same until the melody moves to a different note.Try out different note combinations to see if you can come up with your own harmony.Try moving the harmony note the same number of steps as the melody.
Step 5: Continue practicing with an instrument.
Children's songs like "Row, Row,Row Your Boat" and contemporary pop hits can be played on the piano and practiced singing along.To focus on hitting the right notes, hum or sing "La" instead of singing a song's lyrics.You can use a piano or virtual keyboard app to see the relationships between notes.
Step 6: Listen for the harmony in your favorite songs.
Listen to your favorite songs now that you know how to create harmony.You might be able to identify relationships between melodies and harmonies.As you listen, ask yourself what kind of intervals a harmony uses, if it blends with the melody, and if there are dissonant, or tense, note combinations.You should memorize the harmony when you listen to a song.You can find harmony-only tracks of the song online.
Step 7: You can practice with the app.
Sing harmony and harmony voices are useful apps.When you download an app, learn a song's harmony, then practice singing your part as you play the melody.The volume of the melody should be lowered when you first practice singing the harmony.
Step 8: Have recordings of yourself singing.
You can record a song and play it while you sing the harmony.Each time you practice, increase the volume of the recording.This will teach you how to stay on top of your game.When listening to recordings of yourself singing, note any rough spots.If you have to, practice those sections of the song to improve your timing and pitch.
Step 9: Sing a song with 1 to 2 people.
You can use a piano or virtual keyboard app to start practicing.When singing the note C, have one person sing three at E and the other two hold the C.Try other combinations after practicing C-E-G.If you are practicing with someone else, work on 2-part harmony.
Step 10: Understand your part.
It is easy to get distracted by other singers.Learning your part inside and out is the key to sticking to the harmony.Measure by measure to commit your notes to memory.Don't rely on others in your section to stay on track if you're in a choir.You should not assume that you will always be surrounded by other members of your section.Practice singing with a recording of the melody if you have trouble sticking to your part.First, play it softly, then increase the volume.
Step 11: Put your skills to the test by singing in a choir.
Singing in a group is the best way to learn how to harmonize.You can find a choir or chorus group at your school or place of worship, or online.You can join a choir if you want to harmonize better.Sopranos usually sing the melody.
Step 12: A voice teacher can give you lessons.
Nothing beats working one-on-one with an experienced voice teacher.A voice teacher can help you with other singing techniques, such as breath control and vocal health.If you want to learn more about how harmonize works, take classes in music theory.