How to WRITE Harmonies! [Vocal Harmony Tutorial]

How to write beautiful vocal harmony parts using a modernized and refined version of a technique from the 1500s.
Private lessons: www.galtmusic....
Become a patron of this channel: / sahergalt
Facebook: / sahergalt
Twitter: / galtmusic
My other Vocal Harmony tutorials: • how to sing VOCAL HARM...
How to name intervals: • How to Identify Musica...
Deploying the awesome power of counterpoint to create deeply satisfying relationships between lines, we've dropped many of the quibbling contrapuntal rules that've become antiquated to the modern ear. What's left are a short set of easy-to-follow guidelines for how to write harmonies that are gorgeous, effective and modern sounding. Works for writing vocal harmonies but also harmonizing any instrumental line too--guitar riffs, string lines and synth leads.
In the process, learn the mechanics of how melodies interact and get a window into how you can develop your own individual sound for your harmony writing and composing in general.
Recommended to SING the harmonies and types of motion to get the feel for them!
If you've been wondering how to harmonize, this is a technique to compose your own harmonies! Singing vocal harmony is such a transcendent experience, this video reveals a technique I've hewn from counterpoint to create gorgeous sounding harmonizing lines.
I've refined many of the principle constraints to update the concepts for the modern ear and free us from many of the rigid, nit-picky rules of traditional species counterpoint. The result is a straightforward set of concepts to guide your hand toward effective harmony parts while allowing for quite a lot of creative freedom at the same time.

[@sunnyholcomb4158]

I was starting to give up on KZbin as a place to learn. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. In less than 15 minutes I learned so much. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you!!

[@DHM91]

Great video. One can never stop learning the endless nuances of counterpoint writing. I love hearing different musicians explain their take on counterpoint. Every musician is different in how he or she verbally articulates the workings behind the craft. Your perspective is very enriching! I like what you said about applying the conventions of counterpoint to fit your desired affect of your music; not necessary just following the rules and avoiding perfect intervals at all costs (for example). One should learn the rules of counterpoint and how to creatively thrive within their limitations before they break them. Then again, not knowing the rules didn't stop some of us for a while! Looking forward to more from you!

[@jefframras5829]

What about what's happening with the underlying harmony? This tutorial is about the vocal harmony itself. But how do the choices made about the vocal harmony affect the chord progression underneath? For example, might some choices you made not work with some chords in the underlying progression depending on what those chords are?

[@charlesparsons6071]

This is some of the best mic quality I've ever encountered in a tutorial video. Damn good job

[@kerryobrien6110]

Sounds like I'm watching in Imax movie...

[@sammysabbah6118]

This guy really knows his stuff!!!! I just found his channel yesterday! will definitely be spending some time with these videos.

[@0piumaeternum]

Someone get this man a voice acting job👏🏼👏🏼

[@marshallkohlhaas80]

this is his job :)

[@thejebdude3241]

this is so helpful dude thank you so much!

[@burpo]

Gotta tell you . . . not only do I really enjoy the content of your videos, but I TRULY appreciate that you speak well. I'm so sick of these "Hey, guys. What's up?" people with their awful, awful grammar. Love your work. Take care. And thanks.

[@marksinger5954]

Absolutely right. Specific, important, clear information taught but someone who can teach! And yes, extra points for no "What's up?"

[@hmubusin7977]

damn y'all judgemental as hell

[@niyahgree2756]

HMU Busin 😂

[@danegoodwin3057]

Go back to academia you fucking pussy

[@cameron9177]

"gotta tell you" i'm cackling 😂

[@elharrop]

I can't say I really understand it to the point of practical application, but I can tell that the lesson is excellent...I wish I was smart enough to actually use this!

[@Anna-vj5hp]

Harmonies are less like a set of rules and more like a set of tools

[@nicmuddmusic]

lol "accidentally" 3:00

[@Caramelhorse1]

I've recently started making music with synth software, and I was wondering how I would use this approach in chiptune music? I'm finding it hard to make harmonies for faster tempo music for some reason

[@SaherGalt]

Two things: At fast tempi it can be easy to wind up with a bunch of crunchy dissonances flying by without much being accomplished by them. Try to focus on the phrasing so that even though quite a lot of notes are happening, the gesture is always clear. The sweep of the arm versus a series of spasms. Also, focus on the arranging. The buzzy sounds common in chiptune are rich in harmonics so approach contrapuntal lines against thick or densely voiced chords with caution--and use only the notes you need.

[@Lutemann]

This is a great video. Our duo plays music from 1900-1920. I write out a lot of our harmony parts (we fake some also). I use almost all 3rds and 6ths with some unisons at some phrase endings and pickup notes. In a pop style, what should be the use of 4th and 5ths. You seem to imply that you can use them if you don't have two in row, like and octave to a 5th which makes sense. I've been a bit reluctant to use them at all when writing a line with all 3rds and 6ths. Do you think the more open interval of say a 5th would stick out noticeably among a butch of 3rds and 6ths? Some advice? I can't seem to think objectively about this.

[@nora-fm7he]

when I'm trying to pick up a song by ear and the singer's melody is double-tracked, I can never figure out the counterpoint. although I now understand the relations thanks to your video, I can't seem to put the concepts into use. any advice? and thanks for the great videos, always helpful!

[@Trumpet_Will6]

I am arranging my own version of a song, can't help falling in love, and I have all parts finished, other than the backing vocals, I want them to be independent but also a little reliant on the lead vocals and the other instruments. However, I don't want them to be completely identical to the original or any other covers. This video has helped a lot. Do you have any tips on how to stay within the key so that it doesn't sound like trash?

[@jacob.olmos713]

I struggle with writing background vocals as well...it's tough finding a melody that accompanies the main nicely.

[@MANNY100123]

Wonderful Saher~! Thanks as always, Man! ;)

[@adrianshout9051]

AMAZING, JUST AMAZING, THANK YOU FOR SUCH A EXPERIENCE, TOTALLY SUBSCRIBED.

[@100GRAND]

yo you're a genius real talk

[@possumnewsnetwork1191]

Your deep understanding of this subject, music theory and your teaching ability are very impressive. Thanks taking the time to make this!

[@MrBecker666]

How about breakdown of known popular song dissecting these intervals would b like icing on the cake...i see a few videos showing the parts of say bohemiam rapsody but rather than just giving the fish would b nicer if we see how to fish

[@kithkangi6141]

Wow man ,The audio sounds like some intro to a big budget series haha. Thank you for taking you time to make this.

[@user-lm3pf3yv4w]

amazing video as always from saher. the knowledge, the music, the voice, the vocal delivery. at some point in the video, one feels they are floating in deep space, in 'harmony' with oneself. a most beautiful youtube experience. thank you saher.

[@iamsachiiin]

okay so...we have to keep jumbling and experimenting in between dissonances,perfect and imperct consonances to get the harmony. or there are certain rules of..dont do this or do that to get the perfect harmony?

[@2HimTru]

Thank you! I just stumbled onto your Channel today. Will be watching your channel and will consider donating! Would like to see you include your own comments "how bass guitarist Chris Squire of Yes" composed what he did as his bass guitar playing was creative and unique.

[@DepressedCapitalist]

Hi. I have a lead vocal melody in a slow pink floydian song whereas there is a line over a Bb-Gm-F-A progression. How should I deal with the process of harmony writing? Creating the counter harmony line to the main line by following counterpoint rules? Create a counter line by using different notes paying attention to the harmony? Thanks .

[@Timliu92]

This is very helpful mate! I am a hobbyist acapella arranger and currently am doing my best to enhance my arrangements with less gimmicks and more surprises. I also realise that these are just guidelines, and it is ok to not take many of these rules too rigidly as well - if it sounds good, just do it. Thanks for this video!

[@lachinita_esa1086]

Hi! Really enjoy your content. However I got a question. 9:58 isn't it a direct fifth??🤔

[@kaff567]

what a great video. So well explained, and exactly what I was looking for! Thank-you.

[@apchan]

You are a great teacher

[@carmeladams9566]

I entirely agree with the previous poster 'burpo'. Your manner of explanation with no 'hype' is so appreciated. Greetings from Australia.

[@iserrebel666vish9]

as a guitar player, i can't tell you how many notions i've seen in here and how many times i've seen them, but did not have a fucking clue where they are coming from, and why is that happening.. thank you, sir!

[@neviagee123]

THIS is the video I've been looking for for so long. I'm so glad I've finally found it.

[@stratoincendus3869]

Awesome! I admit I was rather expecting harmonisation for four voices when I saw the title (bass/tenor/alto/soprano), but this one definitely provided some valuable insight as well! Especially that bit about the "emptiness" of perfect consonances.

[@MD-bc3wb]

great...thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@cuttingedge1987]

Finally someone who knows how to explain it clearly! Thank’you

[@devingrubbs]

I've been waiting my entire adult life for someone to explain harmonies to me like this! Especially the parts about using too many imperfects or perfects in a row. Your descriptions of the effects such as "losing independence" or "hollow patch" were on point and helped put words to something I only understood on a vague, instinctual level. The distinction between similar motion and parallel was helpful as well. I kinda lumped everything as being parallel if it wasn't contrary. Many thanks!

[@abdela9818]

I've been watching your videos for a year now but I haven't figured out how your voice sounds so good in these videos when you speak, no noise, clear and so pushed to the front. what's the catch? :p

[@SaherGalt]

Thanks. :) In addition to working with singers, I do vocal coaching for public speakers, actors and various professionals. Makes a BIG difference. If interested, book here: www.galtmusic.com/lessons/skype-singing/ On my recording chain, I use a Shure KSM42 mic which has very low self-noise (8.5dB) into a Universal Audio Apollo which has exceptionally clean preamps. I've also taken a lot of care to acoustically treat my studio so there's very little reverberation. Hope that helps.

[@ianmclean5541]

Thanks so much Saher. Btw, you have one of the coolest names I`ve ever heard.

[@Halas70]

Great video :) informative and enjoyable, thanks again for the hard work

[@rdake4542]

Who needs harmonies when you sound as bassy like this guy? (If bassy is a word)

[@smaklilu90]

This mostly works in classical music. In modern songs you have a chord progression already given. how do you create vocal harmonies using this principle. I am interested to learn that.

[@Dr.Jekyll]

So..... chord progressions don’t exist in classical music? You have no idea what you’re talking about and are making statements like you’re an expert: “This mostly works in classical music.” Counterpoint and 3-4 part harmonies ARE chords. Linking chords together is a chord progression. There are 12 notes in Western music. 12. That’s it. Those same 12 are used in classical, heavy metal, rock & roll, disco, pop, hip-hip, funk, country, blue grass, new age, new wave, etc. The. Same. Twelve. Notes. Get a music theory book and learn it, since you said you want to learn it. You’re not going to learn music theory in a 12-minute video. If you’re not good at learning on your own, take a course at a local school. But don’t watch a 12-minute video about something you’re uneducated on and declare to the world what it’s good for whether it applies to modern music. Just a word of common sense advice: refrain from comments until you know what you’re talking about. Then, have at it and enrich the discussion.

[@sapitron]

@@Dr.Jekyll no it''s no the same. despite having the same 12 notes and whatever it's not the same. I've worked several years in classical music and to my surprise I'm useless in writing pop songs. that's the reason I'm watching this video

[@peterbruin4104]

Super awesome quality. Thanks. Trying to better my song writing this helps a lot.

[@denisaguirre9904]

"Accidental discovery" thanks a lot

[@cooldaze57]

Wonderful! It’s unusual to find such professionalism on U-tube.

[@lalchhandami]

When i have questions...i turn to saher galt ...💕

[@Septumsempra8818]

great vid. how would you do three voices?

[@mbkbenz]

11:43 So beautiful.

[@marrowsband]

Dang that was awesome. I need to make a chart of the the intervals and there descriptors so I can use it as a cheat sheet

[@halo231halo]

omg you have clear my mind better than any other :-) deep, simple and awesome

[@antoniopadia3576]

You are the only person that learned a lot about singing. and every time the content gets better. thanks

[@alt3rnatywa]

wooooooow ufffffffff You are the first person how open my brein !!!

[@gracebian]

Quality beautiful work! Job well done! 👍

[@taliseen1111]

Thanks this is really good stuff. Question: can you tell me the chords you were playing in the very end when you played the completed harmony part with a music track behind it? I appreciate the specific abstraction and explanation of the tools used, but I feel that inherently so much is determined by the decisions made by the bass line as well as the synth / keys in the backing track. If you can reveal those chords it would help me to complete the concept of that line.

[@kathyrhodes759]

F G G C G G G G

[@NoviNivoTV]

What a calm voice!

[@luisgaruvalcaba96]

your voice is incredibly smooth!

[@CODENAMECRISISOFFICIAL]

Joe Goldberg? Is that you?

[@kadecataldo]

Thanks so much, you just earned a subscriber!

[@SirVictorJohn]

You are doing a grt job.....I just love your lessons

[@juliepokela506]

Fantastic video! Thanks!

[@yesitsme2143]

God your voice is sooo soothhiinnggg

[@uamurphy]

Wow. Thank you.

[@orgelnam08]

Unfortunately, i know less about music. But listening to music of different sounds,styles sometimes make me crazily crazy!🤣

[@PsoGnar]

this really helped

[@steve2275]

thanks saher

[@HydirIdris]

Love your videos and explanations are all easy to understand. You channel will be one of the few i look for to educate and grlw my vocal musicianship. Thank you very much for the awesome content Saher!

[@revivalinstinct3668]

really deep theory message conveyed

[@xbot247]

Doesn't get much clearer than that. Excellent explanation and good balance of clarity and depth. Also appreciate the reminder not to be mechanical about this, but to use it as a creative tool. Many thanks! Also, who down votes a quality, free, music education video?

[@thelifeofcamila]

I'm so in love with your voice

[@jagmasters7392]

Great video! Excellent tutorial thank you. Sub'd to this channel as a result 👍🏽

[@drukenfu]

great video as always! i loved it, thank you

[@Simon-ww8pe]

How would the beatles write melodies compared to this method, especially something like "This Boy", a 3 part harmony

[@alexxx7754]

Great video! Very helpful!

[@SaherGalt]

thank you :)

[@rys61se78]

Good explanation on two part harmony and perfect/imperfect consonances! Have you considered making a video on pop music harmonization where you have several melody notes for each chord? Like how Paul McCartney added the chords after he wrote the melody to Yesterday. I am terrible at this and is always looking for new videos on melody harmonization.

[@rowliv]

Looks like exactly what I have been looking for. I have dropped a like even before watching!

[@vasanth5268]

hey really no words.... your videos are awesome it helps a lot....you are the man with music science...i would like thank you for everything you shared💙🇮🇳

[@josephonguitars]

Thank you so much for posting the video.It was very informative and useful.I really appreciate your efforts.

[@colinschacherbauer2693]

You sound like Bob Ross if he did music instead of painting. Great video!

[@rosariogonzalezboyle6289]

Your explanations are so clear. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with such clarity. Musical hugs from Argentina xp

[@joseferro1432]

Wow! Excellent video! It really open my eyes to creating harmony. Thank you

[@korkenknopfus]

In KZbin there are a few jewels. This video is one of them. I revisit this video from time to time to remember the details. There is another one for three voices, too.

[@MSahinGuvercin]

No one else explained this subject so well. Thank you so much.

[@jesselopez3542]

Thanks heaps. Really great and informative. What i dont understand though is how to write counterpoint like this with a chord progression playing at the same time. I would love to see a video from you on that.

[@yoso_o2685]

I just found the video i've been looking for the simplicity and the calmness of his voice just makes the whole video easier to understand compared to those guys with background music so loud you cant even understand them

[@evangelionrazorback]

This is quality, beautiful, interesting, well made with care in every detail and the best of all, USEFULL!

[@RennyJackson]

Great tutorial thanks a lot

[@sempopo]

anything on how to memorize tonic solfa? rly need help

[@astro_manta9733]

My god that was calming, and very helpful

[@steveskidmore849]

Hi. I want to do a three part harmony on a rock n roll song - like the Jordanaires for Elvis. Are there rough guidelines to do this please? I’m really struggling to get an authentic sound. Many thanks

[@MickPosch]

Excellent...thanks.

[@geezeressa]

Great video! Wish I had you for a teacher when I took harmony and counterpoint in the 1970s!

[@josephmaniccia1413]

honestly i think it be a lot more comforting if you stood back from the mic a bit and annunciated less, but overall awesome video!

[@jamesaustin7324]

So.well.explained. Thank you!

[@lilyachty8753]

Really great video! Just not a fun of you whispering in my ear

[@அடிமைத்தமிழன்]

What a great explanation. I am so much happy after hearing the slightly musical version of the melodies at the end. Even though I cannot support you financially, i can indirectly support by viewing your videos and liking them. Thanks you

[@tbrowntracyj]

mr galt not only are you a very handsome man you know your stuff soooo well that i know what you are trying to teach and that is the hard part for teachers and students thank you so much

[@ParulSMusic]

thank you very much for sharing 💓

[@robertgreen3702]

Great lesson, Saher. Thank you!!

[@silvydb]

You sound like a documentary, I love it XD

[@MarilynFinland]

Great video! Can you recommend any books on harmony and counterpoint?

[@Mofidshima]

Thank you 👌