Ringing Chords (Intro to Barbershop Part 3)

[@barbershopjohn]

Yikes, y'all are still watching this video? Like if you want me to make a better version.

[@nid1600]

yeah!!

[@JustakorGaming]

Yes please!

[@fivetimesyo]

Yes!!!!! Teach! There's nothing on KZbin that teaches actual technical arrangement for barbershop. Voice leading and harmonic progression. Please do it!! It would be awesome.

[@JennyEverywhere]

Dude, I really liked it. I've loved barbershop my whole life. I remember when the Barbershop Harmony Society was still called "S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A.", and "Keep the whole world singing" was still "Keep America Singing". "We Sing That They Shall Speak" is unchanged, though. Still chokes me up. For those who don't know, "S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A." stood for "Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America". "Barbershop Harmony Society" is a great improvement, frankly. I see you have a video on tags. Have you tried using MuseScore, or another score editor? MuseScore has the added benefit of being FREE. It's a quite mature piece of kit and worth a look.

[@Aleedis226]

This version is great, but definitely would love MORE videos teaching about barbershop PLEASE??

[@JennyEverywhere]

Beautiful ring at the end! Brought tears to my eyes! Both my parents sang in barbershop choruses when I was young, and I'd sing with whichever group was singing at the time. Nothing was quite as moving as the sound of a Century Chorus, ringing the tag of "Keep America Singing." And, of course, "We Sing That They Shall Speak". The most amazing arrangement I ever heard was by the Chords Unlimited, singing their arrangement of "My Wild Irish Rose"...with 57 key changes.

[@SepiaSepiaKR]

As a guitar player without any kind of formal training my ear is below-average, so I often find it hard to recognize the elements used to explain this kind of concept in the actual example music. This was NOT one of those cases. What brutally clear and full overtone you sang there, John. Joy to watch and easy to understand, given the control you have over that fifth "ghost" voice.

[@winstonsallet9541]

So basically it’s the barbershop equivalent of the Gregorian chant voice of god

[@barbershopjohn]

Exactly!! Chant and Barbershop are surprisingly similar. ;)

[@rambomambo]

thank you for these. i just got back into barbershop, so i appreciate finding these nuggets!

[@KyleHottel]

I would amend your statement about ringing only major chords and dominant 7ths to say those are the easiest to ring, but ringing minor chords and major and minor 7ths, major 6th and 9th/add 9 chords is also possible. Depending on the context, a minor 6th chord will also ring well when treated like a rootless dominant 9th. Pretty much the only two barbershop chords you can't ring are augmented and fully-diminished chords. Due to their symmetrical nature they both have multiple possible roots, a.k.a. no undertone. For the purposes of this video you are correct. Just thought I'd give the extra information to whoever wants it. Keep up the good work, John.

[@barbershopjohn]

You’re absolutely right, Kyle! As long as you lock into a certain harmonic series, the chord will ring. As much as I love ringing major 7ths, I wanted to make this video as simple as possible for those new to this complex style. Thanks for the comment!

[@frfrchopin]

Hmm it has to do with the harmonic series since major chords and HARMONIC seventh chords are exclusively resonating, so those are the common ones to harmonize in terms of science and nature.

[@josephtattum6365]

I am trying to learn to sing in this style so videos like these are helpful. I come from a more rock and theater background so it is difficult for me to sing straight and not slide into notes or sing with vibrato, since i am used to singing alone. It has been a fun challenge so far. When i am free from quarantine i will have to connect with a group.

[@danielcappiello5241]

Hey! I just found your channel and I love it! I'm trying to learn how to write barbershop music but I have no idea where to start. I understand the need for 7th chords and the use of dissonance for passing chords, but I just have no clue how to arrange them. Could you make a video teaching how to build the harmonies (chords) out of the lead's melody? I'm pretty sure you'd be the first KZbin channel to do it as far as I can find

[@barbershopjohn]

Hey Daniel! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my content. I think that’s a great idea! I’ll put it on the list :D

[@janepage3608]

@@barbershopjohn Yes please, I want that too!

[@coolman035]

Any tips on improving tenor? My lead and bass sound fine but, my voice is shaky and uncontrollable when i get in tenor range.

[@hustonnagy3332]

Could you do when I leave the world behind for your next tag time video?

[@thomasoa]

There's one other important chord a quartet can ring - a minor chord with a major sixth, or potentially an inversion, but that version is the easiest to ring. Example: D, F, A, and B. This can be thought of as a G major chord with the 7th and the 9th, but without the root G. When this chord sings, it rings low and dark. Chords ring if they sound like the overtone sequence of one note, and this chord's one note is lower, because of the ninth. It is harder to ring this chord, because you don't have that root G, but when it rings, it rings with a warmth unlike the other chords.

[@kevinnguyen552]

3:06 I feel like the sound quality has gone up on this part for some reason It just feels so “vibrant”

[@JBergmansson]

Nice video!

[@barbershopjohn]

Hey thanks friend!

[@timsteryt]

Hey John - when did you sing with Winston Salem, and do you still? I sang with them until the early 2000s, and still know a good amount of the guys. Cool vids. 😊

[@zeyy84]

Ok tell me why I felt something when he sang the tag at the end

[@rossoliver8624]

it was very in tune, the third was slightly flatter than it would be on the piano in short

[@JennyEverywhere]

The notes generated additional harmonics that interacted with your nervous system synergistically, creating a chord that was greater than the sum of the parts. When done right, it can cause deep emotions to churn up or of nowhere. It's incredibly powerful when done right.

[@zeyy84]

@@JennyEverywhere I didn't expect someone to explain, but thanks

[@mrosskne]

so what are we supposed to be hearing at the end?

[@joedoe3688]

impressive, and not yet a single negative ... ;-) (disclaimer: miles will varige ...)

[@barbershopjohn]

Thanks!! We like to keep it positive over here ;) so glad you enjoyed :D

[@alecmelosini312]

I would give it a thumbs up, but it's at 69 and I couldn't bring myself to do it

[@barbershopjohn]

Wise choice

[@austinbellamy6920]

73 up 4 down, still at 69.

[@hustonnagy3332]

@@barbershopjohn huh? I don’t get it.

[@ReeseTVMusic]

I LiEk to SinG EM, i likE to *RinG* EM, I lOve Those BarbErshOp *ChoRdZ* It all -MeyKz- makes sense now.

[@MadHatta212]

2:54

[@gordol66]

That's the same tag as for Lily Marlene.

[@barbershopjohn]

Pretty close! 😃

[@nathanritter541]

Did something happen to your nose? It looks kinda slanted

[@henrykwieniawski7233]

Thanks, now I can’t unsee it, lmao

[@barbershopjohn]

Yeah so most people go years without ever realizing that my nose is crooked. But once you know, you can't ever un-know. I was actually born with it like that haha