Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
“What makes a barbershop quartet a special a cappella group?” It’s more than just the fun and camaraderie of four guys singing together. There are a number of stylistic elements that contribute to this music’s special, distinctive sound. Keep reading to learn more.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
What Makes a Barbershop Quartet a Special A Cappella Group #1: What Do the Words “A Cappella” and “Barbershop” Mean?
“What does the word a cappella mean?”
- These types of singing ensembles perform harmonies without instrumental accompaniment.
- Singing without instrumental accompaniment allows the vocalists to really tune up their harmonies.
- This in turn makes their ensemble’s tone sound stronger and more vivid.
Barbershop music constitutes one of many styles you see a cappella groups sing.
Why are they called barbershop quartets?
- As you might guess, they got their start in barbershops.
- Back in the 1800s, these shops functioned as community centers.
- Besides getting haircuts, people would play games (i.e., checkers) and sing songs.
Thus, a style of chromatic four-part singing blossomed among these amateur groups.
According to The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians:
The melody is carried by the “lead” (second) tenor, while the first tenor harmonizes above; the bass provides the foundation, and the baritone completes the harmony, frequently crossing above the melody. (2:697)
![Requiem Meaning - Music, Memorial, and Mourning [Video] - Mozart Choral Music - Perfect Pitch: Discover the Truth [Plus Absolute Pitch Test] - Explore Mozart's Enchanting Music in Less Than Four Minutes - What Makes a Barbershop Quartet a Special A Cappella Group?](https://successmusicstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Requiem-Meaning-Music-Memorial-and-Mourning-Video-Mozart-Choral-Music-1024x675.jpg)
What Makes a Barbershop Quartet a Special A Cappella Group #2: Close Harmonies
“What makes a barbershop quartet a special a cappella group?” The New Harvard Dictionary of Music states:
The melody is… harmonized in characteristically “close” part writing… (77)
What does “close part writing” mean? This is when all the voice parts’ intervals are spaced very closely together, contributing to the music’s special, distinctive sound.
What Makes a Barbershop Quartet a Special A Cappella Group #3: Distinctive Chord Progressions
“What makes a barbershop quartet a special a cappella group?” They have distinctive chord progressions:
…triads and seventh chords predominate, with frequent chromatic passing tones. (77)
What does this mean?
- The seventh chords help the music to change keys.
- Likewise, the chromatic passing tones also help with the key changes, making this a very chromatic style of music.
- In addition, the chromatic passing tones will have melodic implications as well.
What Makes a Barbershop Quartet a Special A Cappella Group #4: Precision Vocal Intonation
“What makes a barbershop quartet a special a cappella group?” Like all a cappella groups, barbershop music focuses on precise vocal intonation:
Performers attempt to cause individual chords to “ring” by singing acoustically pure rather than tempered intervals. (77)
Making the chords “ring” is a combination of the vocalists adjusting their pitch and their vowels coupled with breath control.
For more information on singing in tune and good vowel production:
For more information on just intonation vs equal temperament:
Video: Demo of Barbershop and Other A Cappella Styles
The above video shows several vocal styles with the barbershop music style being demonstrated at the beginning and end of the video.
Final Thoughts on “What Makes a Barbershop Quartet a Special A Cappella Group?”
Takeaway points:
- Making the chords “ring” is a combination of the vocalists adjusting their pitch and their vowels coupled with breath control.
- Triads and seventh chords predominate with frequent chromatic passing tones.
- Close harmony is when all the voice parts are spaced very closely together, contributing to barbershop music’s special, distinctive sound.
Have fun singing!
Related Posts:
- 10 Elements that Impact Singing in Tune
- What’re the Key Differences Between Contralto and Alto Voice?
- What’s the Key Difference Between Soprano and Mezzo Soprano?
© 2024 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.
Read More
![Prodigy Meaning (Examples of Special Talent in Music) [Video] - Children Playing Music - Sing the Charming Song London Bridge Is Falling Down](https://successmusicstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prodigy-Meaning-Examples-of-Special-Talent-in-Music-Video-Children-Playing-Music-300x200.jpg)
What Does Prodigy Mean and Do They Have Elite Musical Talent?
Do you have a musical prodigy on your hands? Do you need information about how your musical child or student learns? Musical giftedness can emerge as early as one to two years old and usually appears before age six. It’s characterized by a rage to learn. Keep reading “What Does Prodigy Mean and Do They Have Elite Musical Talent?” to get examples of this shocking musical ability. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Read More
Active Versus Passive Voice: How to Write Them
Are you confused about what’s the difference between active and passive voice? Do you need help writing them? You need to understand their advantages and disadvantages if you want your prose, poems, and songs to sound tight and be easy to listen to and read. Click “Active Versus Passive Voice: How to Write Them” to learn what they are and how they work. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Overcoming Writer’s Block in Songwriting
Have you ever looked at a blank sheet of paper and couldn’t think of a single lyric idea? Try these tips for overcoming writer’s block in songwriting. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More