Edit: The free ebook ‘How to Hamonize’ is now available. Click here!
‘How to Harmonise’ is by far the most popular search item for this site.
Taking inspiration from this, and knowing this is the topic that interests you most, I’ve begun putting together a little ebook together.
Yes, like Worksheets for the Songwriting Guitarist, it won’t cost a thing except an entirely no obligation you-can-leave-any-time sign-up to the Songwright mailing list.
The Ebook will be called ‘How to Harmonise – a Songwriter’s Guide’.
Before I start off though, I thought I’d ask you for your harmonising questions. What don’t you get about this subject? What could you do with more information on? Not sure which chords to fit with your melody? Not sure how to work out your vocal harmonies? Not sure how to use more complex chords (7ths, 9ths etc.)?
Let me know, either in the comments or be email tomslattermusic AT gmail.com
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How important is avoiding parallel motion and following other counterpoint rules in a vocal harmony line? In classical music theory you’re not supposed to do this, but does it work/is it okay in pop songwriting?
Thanks for the comment Matt.
I used to hate those lessons at college! Yes, you’re told in classical choral writing not to have parallel motion, not to cross parts and all the rest.
I think it can be helpful to be aware of them. Parallel fifths for example have a specific sound and you need to be aware of it if you’re going to use that sound. But rock music is based on parallel fifths, so it’s certainly an option.
Similarly, if one singer has been at the top of the harmony and suddenly another crosses into the higher part of the harmony, that higher voice will sound more prominent. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
Generally speaking, I’d regard classical counterpoint ‘rules’ as a style guide. Even modern choral writers have moved beyond them: Like in this
The only one that maybe matters is the idea of keeping larger intervals between the bass note and the higher parts. Lots of low notes together can sound muddy.. but then, you might want a muddy sound…