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Harmony is when you hear two or more different tones sounding at the same time. A chord makes harmony. A chord is when three tones are played at the same time. Here is what a chord looks like. Chords move in a vertical line (up and down). Click the chord to hear it:
Harmony is added to melodies to make them more interesting. In order to understand harmony, you need to understand melody. Melodies are groups of notes played one after the other. It's the tune. It's what we sing and whistle and hum. It's the first thing most of us think of when we think of music. It's the easiest part of music to remember. Can you recognize this melody?
If you remember that melodies move in a horizontal line (left to right) and harmonies move in a vertical line (up and down), you can understand anything in music. Harmony helps the melody. Harmony also provides texture and mood. To learn more about texture, click here. Let's hear how harmony can change the mood of a famous melody. You all know Yankee Doodle, don't you? Click the name to hear this famous melody all by itself, without any chords or harmony. Listen to Yankee Doodle in the major key. Did you hear the chords under the melody? These are the harmonies your ear is used to hearing. Listen to Yankee Doodle in the minor key. Did the chords sound different you? It had a different mood. It probably sounded strange to your ear. Did you hear how these two different harmonies can give Yankee Doodle a different mood? Let's look at three fun and easy ways to make harmony. The easiest way to make harmony is to add an Ostinato to a song. An Ostinato is a short musical phrase sung over and over. A Ram Sam Sam is a song with an Ostinato. A Ram Sam Sam + Ostinato = Harmony The second way to make harmony is to sing a round. A round is when everyone sings the same tune, but at different times. Are You Sleeping is a famous round that you probably know. Row, Row, Row Your Boat is another famous round. Sumer Is Icumen In is a very old round from the Medieval period. The third way to make harmony is to sing two different songs at the same time. Combining Home on the Range with My Home's In Montana makes harmony. Click here to hear these tunes played together. Let's say it another way: Now you are an expert on harmony. Congratulations! |
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Capistrano Elementary School |
Capistrano School
