If you’re looking to take your music production skills to the next level, check out my course, Spare Bedroom Studio! It’ll teach you everything you need to know to start recording your music at home. Join our community and start your journey today! www.sparebedroomstudio.com 🎤✨
Exactly! That was awesome! I usually skip everything and go right to the end to see the result BEFORE wasting time in some "beginner-teaching-beginner" tutorial. This guy KNOWS how to show his stuff. Only 38 sec of the first video I watch from this channel and instantly subscribed 👍
99% of the time I agree. It gives a more full and complete sound. That being said, having 2 mono harmonies panned 15 L and R can sound cool too, as you preserve the character of the individual performances a bit more. Early Beatles recordings are a great example of that!
True if there's just one harmony part. If you're doing 3 or 4 part harmonies, I give each pair a unique space in the field, always 180 degrees apart. 30% left and 70% right is a pair.
@@BrianHunsakerMusic I don't like in between panning for most of the elements, the exceptions being toms and strings and occasionally some guitars if there are already many elements hard panned. I like to have all the vocal layer except the lead vocal and harmonies double tracked and hard panned
1. Singing in thirds of the same melody 2. Singing counterpoint 3. Singing one note , usually holding the root note 4. Open harmony , increasing interval distance 5. Close harmony
Now I finally understood the concept of close harmony. Asked a music teacher once and she said: it ´ s Jazz harmonies. Alright, but did not help me. Would be great to see all this in a written score, just to have a sample visualising it. Great Job. Always loved the Four Freshmen.
This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen. Seriously Incredible job packaging what would take most people years to figure out for recording into just a few minutes.
@@wyattstevens8574 Parallel harmony is as far I go, generally. It's the easiest harmony to pick out; the sort of sound that the Everly Brothers excelled at. Carry On Wayward Son is more complex, I think.
I'd argue that most people who watched this value their time when it comes to receiving information... You sir, didn't waste a second of it. Thank You! Liked and Subscribed
I get confused with vocal harmonies because I tend to perceive the highest notes as the main melody. So in your first example when you add a third as a harmony it stands out to me above the main melody and I perceive the melody of that harmony such dominant that it seems to be the main melody. Thanks for the video, both your editing and your musical quality are incredible!
I appreciate the kind words! You raise an interesting point. If there are two melodies consistently going at once, which one is the main and which one is the harmony? Simon and Garfunkel is a prime example. Most people would say the high is the harmony but if that's the one you hum when you hum the song, then that's the main melody to you!
(Sorry I've jumped in to reply to this comment when the video has only just started... hopefully not just repeating some stuff that was already said 😆) As I've deliberately tried hearing and singing along to backing vocalist harmonies, I have found that - because of this intention - it then starts to feel like the main melody to me. Though there is truth to the high note grabbing our attention the most - there's also sometimes arguably an "objective" main melody: decided to us by the mixing. If a band or artist just has one vocalist, then the extra harmonies that are lower in the mix are perhaps "objectively" not the main melody. (counterargument: if 2 melodies have equal footing, as with counterpoint melodies. This is rare with rock bands, and one thing that I like about System of a Down, though they may not to be many people's taste, for multiple reasons😅). Also, if a band has a lead singer and then the other band members do harmonies, then arguably the person singing the lead vocals would have the main melody. I've found finding live versions of songs can help pick out the harmonies better, as they can be mixed quite differently to meticulous studio versions where only the lead singer with overdubs is present! (primarily thinking of Everything Everything and their songs 'Can't Do' and 'Distant Past', if looking for examples)
Dude, I haven't watched the video yet, and I don't even know what you're going to say in it, but 20 seconds of this was enough to hit the subscribe button!
Harmonies aside, can we just acknowledge the great voice this guy has!! absolutely beautiful TONE and stable pitch? gorgeous and silky ( Typos corrected. Reposted original comment AND SUBSCRIBED. )
I've started to do a lot of close harmonies by default, but now you've got me thinking of other ways to approach it. Thanks! It helps a lot to hear the examples so well done so we can think about the sound we want to achieve before just randomly trying things.
What an incredible video about vocal harmonies and recording! Not many channels on RUclips specializing on how to create and record vocal harmonies. Please create more content showcasing your knowledge on how and when to double track vocal harmonies. When to pan them and exercises on creating and layering vocals! ❤
That means a lot. It truly is my biggest passion. Each one of these videos takes me days to write, record, shoot, and edit. But I have the time of my life doing it.
Dude this just made it to my search for a certain tune and made my night. What an amazing didactic experience. I never heard harmonizing explained this neatly with examples. Quick and easy like and subscribe. I look forward to more of your work.
Great video. Succinct explanations with good visuals and your examples in use are great too. Of course, there are other issues to address here too - e.g. vowel/tone blend, matching phrasing and entries and cutoffs. (I really have to work on those.) Maybe you already have a video on those or will address those in the future. This is my first time here. I subscribed and will check out your content. Thank you for sharing this lesson!
Will you talk about chord structures. Chord extensions (6, 7,9, #4, etc.) that lend themselves well to close harmonies, or do you think that t is best to let one’s ear guide their choices, without getting bogged down with theory? Clearly, one way or another, you know what you are doing.
Brotha Spencer,.. that was a brilliant way to teach harmonies ! I never heard anyone make up original songs, to teach people how to sing original songs ! #Outstanding 😎👍🏽🎙🎶
This has the workings of being a great video, but if you’re trying to teach people how these harmonies work, I think it would be easier if you had use the same melody throughout. I also think that using the simple harmonies at the beginning would make it easier to understand for exampleafter the third harmony show the Fifth Harmony and then show the third and Fifth Harmony below otherwise this is a fantastic video.
being able to harmonize on the fly is a different skill altogether, that takes great ear training. I think this video is mainly talking about different kinds of harmonies you can utilize in your songwriting. If you have the melody, you should be able to work out what the thirds are and if you struggle, a reference track made with an instrument or your own voice pitch shifted up a third would help you get there
I would argue those are not musicians, but people who play music (or sometimes they even do that...). I do have 8 years of music theory and 14 (8one instrument, 6 another) on my belt. A long time a go (some remains, but most is long gone) I don't call myself a musician, nor I do that for a living. I think you're being nitpicky.
Hey! I absolutely love how your audience has grown. You are just great a what you do and one can feel your heart is fully in that. You also show a lot of technical insight. You are so cool!
Wow! You are simply amazing! Thanks very much for sharing, I’ve enjoyed it and learned so much! Liked and subscribed! Looking forward for more! Take care!
If you’re looking to take your music production skills to the next level, check out my course, Spare Bedroom Studio!
It’ll teach you everything you need to know to start recording your music at home. Join our community and start your journey today! www.sparebedroomstudio.com 🎤✨
You must have been great at singstar bro, very good
can you do an updated Video of this, but with examples of 1-3 popular songs that uses each kinda vocal harmonies used in this video .
What's the name of the app/software you use for the soundtrack?
They studied at Dixie Chicks university but couldn't pull the grade,.
Best intro ever for a RUclips video and I’m not even a singer.
I appreciate that!
Exactly! That was awesome! I usually skip everything and go right to the end to see the result BEFORE wasting time in some "beginner-teaching-beginner" tutorial. This guy KNOWS how to show his stuff.
Only 38 sec of the first video I watch from this channel and instantly subscribed 👍
😂❤lol
I can recommend the video on harmonies by signal studio
Literally ever.
That intro took away any question of your ability to teach. I’m 30 seconds in and very impressed
Glad you liked it!
@@songsbyspencer a microphone, anny dog can doo that..la la
I've been a natural harmonizer for my whole life, but I finally found the ultimate in close harmony when I became a barbershopper. Nothing beats it.
Wow I bet! That’s cool
It's only 0:34 and you already convinced me to subscribe. Man, that was fast!
It means a lot!
same
I must tell you, the same happened here....
😂
Agree, 0:25 was for me. I love YT recommendations.
Great video! I'd also add: ALWAYS double track your harmonies to pan them hard L and R. It sounds way better than a single mono harmony
99% of the time I agree. It gives a more full and complete sound. That being said, having 2 mono harmonies panned 15 L and R can sound cool too, as you preserve the character of the individual performances a bit more. Early Beatles recordings are a great example of that!
@@songsbyspencerAnd don’t forget fan-panning. Can sound just right in the correct context. (Oh- Subbed, by the way!!)
True if there's just one harmony part. If you're doing 3 or 4 part harmonies, I give each pair a unique space in the field, always 180 degrees apart. 30% left and 70% right is a pair.
@@songsbyspencer I stick to LCR panning without overthinking it
@@BrianHunsakerMusic I don't like in between panning for most of the elements, the exceptions being toms and strings and occasionally some guitars if there are already many elements hard panned. I like to have all the vocal layer except the lead vocal and harmonies double tracked and hard panned
1. Singing in thirds of the same melody
2. Singing counterpoint
3. Singing one note , usually holding the root note
4. Open harmony , increasing interval distance
5. Close harmony
Entertaining, educational, clear, and concise. This is peak content!
PS I just did a video on lyrics you might enjoy.
You’re the guy I wish I was sitting next to on a plane. Great stuff.
Thanks for watching and the kind word!
Now I finally understood the concept of close harmony. Asked a music teacher once and she said: it ´ s Jazz harmonies. Alright, but did not help me. Would be great to see all this in a written score, just to have a sample visualising it. Great Job. Always loved the Four Freshmen.
@@herbbartleby2817 Or check out Gas House Gang- or anything in barbershop style in general!
Wow, not only are these great techniques, but each of those example songs are bangers!
I appreciate that!!
This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen. Seriously Incredible job packaging what would take most people years to figure out for recording into just a few minutes.
@@NateTheMeh so glad you think so. Thanks for watching!
Excellent! The open harmony sounded like prog rock, while the close harmony reminded me of bands like the Eagles and America.
@@1man1guitarletsgo And now I think of it, the parallel harmony sounds almost like Kansas ("Carry On Wayward Son" specifically)
@@wyattstevens8574 Parallel harmony is as far I go, generally. It's the easiest harmony to pick out; the sort of sound that the Everly Brothers excelled at. Carry On Wayward Son is more complex, I think.
Harmonies are the most delicious thing on songs and this is a perfect video to sprinkle some deliciousness. Stellar stuff!
Couldn't agree more!
THE BEST !!! demonstration of vocal harmonies!! Thank you for sharing and explaining what it is!
@@uri-c6z glad to help!
Daym the subscribe button lights up when he sings the word "subscribe" at 0:21. Cool interaction!
That's why I clicked the subscription button
Loving the way this lesson breaks down Paul’s vocal techniques! He’s a master at using his voice as an instrument in every song.
He's the GOAT
I love that you sing the instructions and it doesn’t suck lol
Very helpful tool thx ❤
Glad to help!
I'd argue that most people who watched this value their time when it comes to receiving information... You sir, didn't waste a second of it. Thank You!
Liked and Subscribed
Thanks, Garrett!
this is the best. he's actually doing what he is teaching...
Thanks for checking it out!
Great video!!! I've always been a natural harmonizer (tenor) and this is terrific information!!
Thanks, keep on harmonizing!
Best comprehensive and detailed tutorial on vocal harmony I've found on RUclips...thank you !!
Glad to help!
The introduction sold me…. I subscribed and turned my notifications on 😅… well done Spencer
Thank you so much for watching, Taryn. It means so much!
Me too
I get confused with vocal harmonies because I tend to perceive the highest notes as the main melody. So in your first example when you add a third as a harmony it stands out to me above the main melody and I perceive the melody of that harmony such dominant that it seems to be the main melody.
Thanks for the video, both your editing and your musical quality are incredible!
I appreciate the kind words! You raise an interesting point. If there are two melodies consistently going at once, which one is the main and which one is the harmony? Simon and Garfunkel is a prime example. Most people would say the high is the harmony but if that's the one you hum when you hum the song, then that's the main melody to you!
(Sorry I've jumped in to reply to this comment when the video has only just started... hopefully not just repeating some stuff that was already said 😆)
As I've deliberately tried hearing and singing along to backing vocalist harmonies, I have found that - because of this intention - it then starts to feel like the main melody to me.
Though there is truth to the high note grabbing our attention the most - there's also sometimes arguably an "objective" main melody: decided to us by the mixing.
If a band or artist just has one vocalist, then the extra harmonies that are lower in the mix are perhaps "objectively" not the main melody. (counterargument: if 2 melodies have equal footing, as with counterpoint melodies. This is rare with rock bands, and one thing that I like about System of a Down, though they may not to be many people's taste, for multiple reasons😅).
Also, if a band has a lead singer and then the other band members do harmonies, then arguably the person singing the lead vocals would have the main melody.
I've found finding live versions of songs can help pick out the harmonies better, as they can be mixed quite differently to meticulous studio versions where only the lead singer with overdubs is present! (primarily thinking of Everything Everything and their songs 'Can't Do' and 'Distant Past', if looking for examples)
This video earned my sub! Guitarists like me really need to realize their voice is their primary instrument. Great work Spencer!
Dude, I haven't watched the video yet, and I don't even know what you're going to say in it, but 20 seconds of this was enough to hit the subscribe button!
Glad to have you on board!
notice how the mic makes the sound…?
A microphone works by converting sound waves into an electrical current, which can then be amplified:
Sound waves hit the diaphragm: When sound waves hit the diaphragm inside the microphone capsule, it vibrates.
The coil moves: The vibration causes a moving coil to move back and forth in a magnet's field, which generates an electrical current.
The current is amplified: The small electrical charge is amp..singing WTF. THAT MIC COST $$$$$$$$shitlods..la la la
Harmonies aside, can we just acknowledge the great voice this guy has!! absolutely beautiful TONE and stable pitch? gorgeous and silky ( Typos corrected. Reposted original comment AND SUBSCRIBED. )
Excellent, best RUclips video about harmonies 👏🏽
Appreciate it!!
Trop bien ! J'ai souscrit immédiatement.
Thanks!
One of the best intros I have heard after a long time💯💯🔥🔥.... Super crazy
Wow, thanks!
This was amazing man. Learned a lot and your demos are perfect examples. Cheers!
Thank you so much for watching! It means a lot.
I've started to do a lot of close harmonies by default, but now you've got me thinking of other ways to approach it. Thanks! It helps a lot to hear the examples so well done so we can think about the sound we want to achieve before just randomly trying things.
Happy to help!
The best example of examples I’ve seen
Thanks for watching
That was seriously effective teaching. I can use this.
Please do!
What an incredible video about vocal harmonies and recording! Not many channels on RUclips specializing on how to create and record vocal harmonies. Please create more content showcasing your knowledge on how and when to double track vocal harmonies. When to pan them and exercises on creating and layering vocals! ❤
Will do!
Never seen you before. Pushed pause after the intro. Amazing intro my guy! Amazing. You’re doing what you’re great at!!! ❤
15 years of video and music production led me to this channel!
KIller!! been singing for years could never wrap my mind around it this is simple and direct love it!!
Glad to help!!
thats no sining its a gid mic $$$$lodsacash lalala
The level of music that you have brother is amazing. Another level.
That means a lot. It truly is my biggest passion. Each one of these videos takes me days to write, record, shoot, and edit. But I have the time of my life doing it.
@@songsbyspencer I wanna learn how to do that in order to help the worship ministry at church. But I never got voice lessons for choirs
TRY THAT WITH OUT A $$$$$$MONEY MIC JACK'
A microphone works by converting sound waves into an electrical current, which can then be amplified:
Sound waves hit the diaphragm: When sound waves hit the diaphragm inside the microphone capsule, it vibrates.
The coil moves: The vibration causes a moving coil to move back and forth in a magnet's field, which generates an electrical current.
The current is amplified: The small electrical charge is amplified inside the microphone. MONKEY.
Dude this just made it to my search for a certain tune and made my night. What an amazing didactic experience. I never heard harmonizing explained this neatly with examples. Quick and easy like and subscribe. I look forward to more of your work.
Wow. Best intro to a video ever. This video is such a find.
Thanks!
That was the coolest intro to an audio RUclips video I’ve ever seen! Great video!
Thanks! I'm really proud of that intro.
Great video. Succinct explanations with good visuals and your examples in use are great too. Of course, there are other issues to address here too - e.g. vowel/tone blend, matching phrasing and entries and cutoffs. (I really have to work on those.) Maybe you already have a video on those or will address those in the future. This is my first time here. I subscribed and will check out your content. Thank you for sharing this lesson!
Incredíble the quality of sound!!! Super masterclass. Tks.
Many thanks!!
Will you talk about chord structures. Chord extensions (6, 7,9, #4, etc.) that lend themselves well to close harmonies, or do you think that t is best to let one’s ear guide their choices, without getting bogged down with theory? Clearly, one way or another, you know what you are doing.
That was truly a catchy introduction of what the video is talking about ❤
Thanks!
If this video doesn't get a 1M views, i'm gonna lose my head. Top fricking content🎉
I really appreciate the kind words! I'm just glad people are finding it helpful.
Brotha Spencer,.. that was a brilliant way to teach harmonies ! I never heard anyone make up original songs, to teach people how to sing original songs ! #Outstanding 😎👍🏽🎙🎶
Thanks for the kind words!
On a second watch, it occurs to me this channel is such a hidden gem. It deserves not be so hidden. Glad to see the subscriber count grow!
Me too! I'm working to turn this into my full time job.
Always thought people could hear this stuff naturally but was surprised to find most can’t. Made me feel special lol
This has the workings of being a great video, but if you’re trying to teach people how these harmonies work, I think it would be easier if you had use the same melody throughout. I also think that using the simple harmonies at the beginning would make it easier to understand for exampleafter the third harmony show the Fifth Harmony and then show the third and Fifth Harmony below otherwise this is a fantastic video.
Melodies & harmonies are one of your strengths musically, imo 💯👍
Thanks!
Brilliant, thanks Spencer! Loved the intro.🙂
Glad you liked it!
WOW! what a talent, and what a voice.
I appreciate it! You can do it too.
1:53 : this is a fourth, ,not a third 😉
Whoops!
Haha! Came here to say the same thing. Always those little changes that the pros do automatically because they know it sounds better.
Was just about to comment the same thing😹
Great video! I love this simple explanation- it’s a fab starting point for us sax players writing for horn sections too. Love it!
Glad it was helpful!
Every musician, including beginners or people do not know music theory? Singing in thirds is very difficult and would deserve its own video, I believe
being able to harmonize on the fly is a different skill altogether, that takes great ear training.
I think this video is mainly talking about different kinds of harmonies you can utilize in your songwriting. If you have the melody, you should be able to work out what the thirds are and if you struggle, a reference track made with an instrument or your own voice pitch shifted up a third would help you get there
Agree, though it should not be too difficult if you stick to a single key.
I would argue those are not musicians, but people who play music (or sometimes they even do that...).
I do have 8 years of music theory and 14 (8one instrument, 6 another) on my belt. A long time a go (some remains, but most is long gone) I don't call myself a musician, nor I do that for a living. I think you're being nitpicky.
@@RuiSousa46 we are NOT gatekeeping what defines a "musician," that shit is so tacky. get out of here with that bs
Wow...is this extra extra good? It grabbed right away...very impressive
Close(d) harmony is where barbershop harmony gets its sound!
100%
Hey! I absolutely love how your audience has grown. You are just great a what you do and one can feel your heart is fully in that. You also show a lot of technical insight. You are so cool!
Thank you so much!
There's a free university that puts all this to the test. It's called The Beatles.
Some of the best to ever do it- no doubt!
Then there’s the Bee Gees Academy 😅
You also have ABBA :)
Can’t forget about the academy of Beach Boys.
Really!?!? I like the Beatles.
That close harmony example was so cool. loved it. great video. thanks.
Glad to help!
Do it like ABBA: double everything.
Amazing video, very well executed!! You’re the goat thank you! 🙏
@@jessejamjam so glad to be helpful!!
The director guy from The Boys
Yes I do need this kind of energy in my life.
God bless you, you've made it clear and simple to understand
Glad to hear that!
Great video! Gotta put some of theses techniques into practice 🎶 The last one sounds amazing.
You can do it!
Best video about how to sing harmonies ever! Would be fun if you add your own harmony for a chosen song, that would be nice to hear😊
EXCELLENT VIDEO "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING"? i NEEDED THIS INFO YEARS AGO
More to come!
Thank you so much! This is so helpful & soooo good! Really appreciate u making it so informative, & so easy to understand with the visuals!
Glad it helped! I love making these videos!
I LOVE for style with direct examples and visualizations! Great teacher!
Thank you! 😃
That's amazing! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is just a fantastic video. Thanks for this.
Glad it was helpful!
This is soooo well done 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻Thank you 😊
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Rad. Hook line and sinker. Great way to explain this in a contemporary context!
Thanks for watching, I had a blast making this one!
Thank you! That intro was so superb ✨🎶
So glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun making it.
This is the best breakdown and explanation of harmonies I've ever seen. Very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
You're very welcome!
You are super talented! Thank you!
I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
This video explains it so incredibly well.
Keeping us engaged with examples and kinda funny lyrics.
You sir, are a wonderful teacher!
Glad you enjoyed it!
GREAT video!!! Really love how pedagogic you are!
Thanks so much!!
You are BRILLIANT! This is the best and simplest harmony tutorial I have seen so far. I just subscribed!
Thanks so much!
This dude is an incredible singer OMG
I appreciate that so much!
Love how you show the midi for the harmonies.
Made me subscribe because other channels don’t do this often!
Excellent video! I also love the strong Guster vibes in your examples
Guster is awesome!
Useful and nice! Thanks you for sharing❤
My pleasure 😊
Very helpful, great explaination! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent! Recording vocals tomorrow - good to have a set of techniques to think about options.
You got this!
Wow, the intro itself was convincing. I'm a beginner when it comes to singing. This will definitely be of great help.
Glad to hear it! Go forth and harmonize!
the intro ... that had me!! And then you did what you always do and provide a wonderfully clear and engaging explanation. Well done and thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is indubitably the single greatest intro to a video I have ever seen. Well done!!!
@@HieronymousCheese thanks for watching!
Woah, the last one sounded pretty much like most of Ghost's songs. Love it!!!
So glad you liked it!
Would be great if the f ex the harmonys also could be heard separately, not only blended. The 3rd for instance, how does it actually sound isolated?
Wow! You are simply amazing! Thanks very much for sharing, I’ve enjoyed it and learned so much! Liked and subscribed! Looking forward for more! Take care!
I'm glad it was helpful. I'll try to keep them coming!
And you blow my mind again. You made this super accessible and easy to understand. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
The video is incredible. I think you could keep the same primary melody, to provide a better comparison between the ways of harmonizing.
The most epic opening of a vocal video ever. Well done. 👏🏻
Thanks. Sarah! It was a lot of fun to put together.
Great vid, educational and I like hearing you sing.
Awesome, thank you!
Nice tutorial. It inspires me in my tune-writing. Thank you!
Rock on!
Very cool video. I learned a lot, and appreciate the effort of quality in mixing, and good musical examples.
Thanks! I appreciate you watching!
Great voice! I love your harmonies
Glad you enjoy it!