How to Write Harmonies for Guitar / Piano / Vocals [MUSIC THEORY + SONGWRITING LESSON]

Writing harmonies can be HARD! Hopefully this video makes it easy. It's still just a launching pad, but it's pretty thorough. One quick thing I forgot to mention- You can get away with really weird/bad harmonies if they are on "weak beats", like in between the quarter notes or right before a downbeat. However, strong beats nearly REQUIRE a good solid harmony that matches the underlying chord.

If you were confused by anything in this video, you should check out these videos:

Sincere thanks to my wonderful Patreon Supporters. They've been very patient with me :)

00:00 Intro
00:59 Harmonized Thirds
03:42 Sixths
07:20 Fourths and Fifths
08:27 Parallel vs Contrary Motion
10:41 Why Parallel Fifths are Weird
12:24 Writing a Vocal Harmony
17:23 Final Thoughts

[SignalsMusicStudio]

The 6 seconds of System of a Downs music got this video flagged for copyright - if you DO get ads I'm the middle of this video please know it's out of my control!

[OneFatStatue]

I just wish Jake wouldn't take himself so seriously. Those lyrics, man. They speak to my soul. Damn!

[thebeamerdreamer]

I'll bring you taco Bell for the great content that you create .

[amistake]

I don't like bulgarian folk music that much, but as a bulgarian I am truly glad you referenced it

[aaronclift]

Jake, when I studied classical music in college, we had to practice the skills that you’re teaching in this video by harmonizing church chorales in the style of Bach. That was very challenging work, but I recommend that anyone interested in songwriting and arranging take a voice leading and harmony course.

[intertel_agent]

You’re an incredible instructor man. How succinctly and comprehensively you explain these concepts and apply them with examples. Appreciate all you do

[crimfan]

Resting is also a huge part of harmony vocals. Knowing what to harmonize and what to leave alone is a skill itself.

[wickedpenguin]

So crazy that you came out with this today because ive been messing with sus2 and sus4 lately and realized a Vsus4 is the same thing as a Isus2 (Gsus2=Dsus4) and then i came across a g6 is a em7. Very useful to know because right now im trying to find inversions in all their forms/patterns on the fretboard and finding little things like that helps me remember how it sounds and how it feels to my fingers.

[Souliest]

Great video, thanks! Small mistake in the graphics at 7:35: When demonstrating lowering the D a full octave to make a perfect fourth, you actually lowered it to C, making it still a perfect fifth.

[aaronclift]

Porcupine Tree has some incredible vocal harmonies - “In Absentia” and “Deadwing” are essential listening for anyone who wants to learn vocal arranging.

[gavinvonmeyer]

This is one of those Youtube recommendations that I can say changed my life for the better... This here video is eliminating so much self doubt I had to produce vocals especially. You just demystified a big hurdle that was standing in my way and in the process unlocked the door of confidence of my upcoming productions. Many Thanks!!

[ministry_of_mood]

You’re an excellent teacher, and your personality and way of explaining things are both top-notch.

[llwonder]

I really enjoy the vocal part of this lesson

[madnessbydesign]

Wow, mad props for referencing the Bulgarian Singers (the Trio Bulgarka)! Kate Bush had them on her amazing album "The Sensual World", and I fell in love with their insane harmonies. Brilliant!

[ellipsisYTB]

Oh how I've longed for a lesson on harmonies. Damn Jake, you always slay. Glad I kept notifications on for this channel.

[Thijscube]

A trick i always use is just playing the same riff higher on the neck.

If u want to harmonize something in 5ths, you can just play the same riff 7 frets higher

And the same goes for harmonizing in major thirds, just play it 4 frets higher.

I know it doesnt fit to the scales played but it often sounds great (for metal at least)

[SteveMeiers]

Stellar Jake, thank you!
I thought you or one of the followers here might mention Brian May, who's sort of the guitar master of harmony leads, but I also love the examples you provided. For vocal harmonies, I also like how R.E.M. does many of their songs, e.g. Man On The Moon, the ending has some great vocal harmonies in the alternative and folk rock genres.
As always, another excellent tutorial!

[AntoineFabri]

It was a revelation for me to realize the sound of silence had the low voice mostly stationary. Love your videos Jake. I didn't get the difference between parallel fifths and fourths since it depends on which line is considered the main line, and you didn't provide a way to identify it (other than it being the first one you come up with)

[CoinOpMilitia]

This is something I have been wanting to learn about for quite a while. Thanks for clearing up so many questions I had and making it seem a lot more approachable!

[nathanmarshallmusic]

The best explanation of harmony with the best examples of the basics of harmony. Musicians who understand vocal harmony are of the rarest breed. I find that this ability is lacking within most bands. Hell, that's why there are so many harmony pedals out there nowadays. I'm going to suggest this video to everyone I know. Keep fighting the good fight.