harmony tips

[nochancenine]

I'm okay at song structure and melodies, but often get stuck trying to come up with harmonies for the backup vocals. Sometimes they stand out naturally, other times I know there's a harmony to go along, but can't quite find it. Any tips?

[Roger the Shrubber]

it really depends on what the song is, and what style its in. but for any song, there are limitations with how you can harmonize. the 3 most obvious to me, are either a third above, or to fill in another note in the triad of that chord, for example. if the chord is C major, and you're singing C, then the harmony could sing and E (which is the third). or if you're singing E, the harmony could sing G (which is the 5th in that chord).

 

the other two ways are pretty much the same. singing a 5th above or a 4th below (which is usually the 5th in the chord, depends on the melody) or possible a 6th below, which is the same as the third above... if you know what I mean... sorry if this is making no sense.

 

if all else fails, just try anything and as long as it sounds good then go with it. I've heard some really strange but good-sounding harmonies. one example would be 'flowing' by 311. I think there are some 9ths used there.. hmm.. oh well... I hope my help is of some use.