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D.I.Y. Harmony Notes

Singing is possibly the most natural and universal human activity. It is NOT a special gift or a specialised skill.

Singing in harmony is just as natural, since some of our voices are naturally higher, some lower. We all know how uncomfortable it feels to sing the tune, when a song has been arranged for four parts (in church, for example). This is because the tune has been given to the top part (the sopranos), leaving room for three other parts underneath! No wonder the rest of us struggle - and end up singing an octave lower, or making something up that goes (harmonising).

If you find yourself in this situation again, try one of the following:

  • find a low note that seems to go well with the tune, and drone on it till you need to move - one step up or down will usually do, and if you keep listening carefully, your ear will tell you which to do, and when to come 'home' again.

  • try shadowing the tune, below or (easier, if you can reach) above. The magic interval is a 'third' - i.e. two steps down or up from the tune. See if you can get the note at the start of a phrase or line, and just follow the shape of the tune, as long as it feels/sounds right. Keep listening, and your ear will do the rest.

©Yvonne Burgess, 2006