The above vocal exercise starts with the notes of the top four strings of the fine-tuned open D guitar tuning.
- The sopranos match their note to the first string, the altos to the second string, the tenors to the third string, and the basses to the fourth string.
- The exercise fits the vocal range of each voice type fairly well. Nevertheless, the basses will probably need to drop out on the last three bars.
- Once the singers have the exercise down, switch to the popular vocal warm-ups. For example, one warm-up has singers changing the vowels (Mee, Meh, Mah, Moh, Moo) while singing the same notes.
- The guitarist can play a selected string to bring out one part if the vocal section in question needs help with their part.
Alternately, singers working by themselves can work on singing different parts of the chord by switching which string they are singing with. Also, it is good ear training for flexible pitch instrumentalists as well.