UD#117 Hear the Harmony
UD#117 Hear the Harmony!
from Ukulele in the Dark with Guido Heistek
I like to find musically compelling ways to practice scales with students.
Here is an example using a C major scale. Have a listen!
The bottom part starts on C and and top part starts on E, a third above. I usually begin with both the student and I playing the scale starting on C a few times. Then, we try it again with me playing the top part along with them. Harmony! When they are ready we switch parts.
What is a Third?
A third is kind of interval, which is the distance between two notes. The distance between the note C and E is a third, so is the distance between G and B. The third is the most common interval to be found in harmony singing. We’ll talk a little bit about that later.
Of course, you can use any interval you like to add a second part! You can play the scale in fifths (starting on C and G respectively). This way it sounds like Medieval music! The fifth interval was favoured in that period.
CHALLENGE: Here is a recording of me playing a C major scale starting on C. Try playing along with me in either thirds or fifths.
Harmony Singing
One of the big challenges in harmony singing is being able to hold your own note while someone else is sings a different note. This is a really valuable skill to practice. You can practice that using scales as well.
For example you can sing the C scale starting on C but pick along starting on E. Like this:
That’s all for today.
I’d like to take more of a look at harmony singing! How about we do a lesson on the Everly Brothers or something like that in a future newsletter? Look for that coming up.
All for now!
Guido