Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you have a hard time singing minor keys in tune? According to Hagerman and Sundberg, minor thirds are almost as hard to tune by ear as major seconds, and much harder than major thirds. However, sing-along song tracks can help! Read more to learn how to harmonize in minor keys.
Singers commonly find minor chords harder to sing than major chords. The sing-along song tracks act like the vocal equivalent of a flight simulator, allowing focused practice in the most effective way:
The sing-along tracks use synth voices rather than actual voices. Science has shown that this helps you, the singer, to identify and sing absolute pitch information. For more info, see Why Use a Synth Voice Instead of Real Voices.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Example of the Ensemble Sound Model:
How to Harmonize in Minor Keys: The Basics of Singing (Review)
Before we start learning how to harmonize in minor keys, there are basic aspects of singing we should review. We’ve already discussed many of them in other posts:
- 10 Elements that Impact Singing in Tune: the name says it all
- Sight Singing with Solfege: shows how to get power into your singing
- Harmonize with Sing-Along Songs: discusses vowel production
- Shape Note Singing Lesson: talks about breath phrasing
- Shape Note Sight Singing Success: talks about how shape notes work
- Ear Training Exercises for Harmonizing in Tune: shows how to get an open and free tone in your singing voice
Remember to:
Begin by singing with the synth vocal parts using the vowel ah. When you have mastered that, try the other vowels: ay, oh, ee, and oo one by one. When you have learned a part, try singing the example to the solo organ track.
Take a breath before each note even though there is no break in the synth vocal parts. If you run out of breath, your note will drop, pushing you out of tune.
The Vocal Parts and How to Harmonize in Minor Keys
The sound tracks below function as harmonic sound models that demonstrate how to harmonize in minor keys. In other words, the specially tuned sound tracks train your ear to hear how well tuned minor chords should sound. Important: pay attention to all of the things mentioned in the last section.
The first track combines the soprano part with the organ. Sing using the vowel oh. Always listen to the tone of the voice part when working on tuning up your chords.
Specifically, listen to the buzz between notes. Also, listen for any beating (the wah-wah-wah sound) and adjust your pitch until it fades away.
The range of each part is not big. Thus, each voice type will be able to sing more than one part. Also, kids should be able to sing the soprano, alto, or tenor parts. As you sing, listen to how the shifting harmonies effect the sound of the melody.
In addition, you need to sing the examples without vibrato. This is especially true when singing each part with the organ.
Once you’ve learned a voice part, try singing it with the solo organ track. Then, try singing with the ensemble track in the next section.
Mobile users: for best results reading the score, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Soprano:
Alto:
Tenor:
Bass:
Solo Organ:
The Ensemble and How to Harmonize in Minor Keys
Ensemble Score for How to Harmonize in Minor Keys:
Concluding Thoughts to How to Harmonize in Minor Keys
The above ear training exercises help you to hear how well-tuned chords should sound when harmonizing in minor keys. Hearing how the harmonies should sound is half the battle.
Daily practice with the sing-along tracks helps train your brain’s mental pitch schemata, which will enable you to sing in tune. Have fun and keep at it!
© 2021 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Glossary
What’s the Deal with These i-VII-VI-V and iv-V-VII Chords and Stuff? (Part 4)
Do your eyes cross when you try to figure out Roman Numeral analysis? Roman numerals are broadly used to analyze chords in songs. However, you’ll use some Roman numerals to specifically describe harmonies in minor keys. Read more to find out the answer to, “What's the deal with these i-VII-VI-V and iv-V-VII chords and stuff?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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A Note Contains Many Pitches: Singing in Tune
Want to sing in tune? Knowledge is power. The following post talks about how singers group pitches as they perform. Read more to find out how the fact that a note contains many pitches can impact singing in tune. Estimated reading time 7 minutes.
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What Are Some Elegant Examples of Polyphony?
Are you confused about what polyphony is? Do you want to know how to write counterpoint? Elegant can mean tasteful, but it can also mean well-designed, which these example pieces are. Counterpoint and polyphony appear in arrangements in many different styles and will enhance your writing skills no matter what type of music you write. Keep reading “What Are Some Elegant Examples of Polyphony” to learn what it is and how it works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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How to Tune the Blues Rock Open D Sound Using Harmonics
Frustrated that the guitar's chords don't sound in tune? Learn to tune the blues rock open D tuning using harmonics so you can play chords in tune. You will also learn the song "Jumping Jack Flash." Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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