Four Part Harmony

This is a unique and frequently misunderstood singing pheonomonon. It is the ability of four voices singing at strategic intervals of pitch to acheive this wonderful sound. Often times referred to as "The Barbershop Chord".

In it's most simplest form, this arrangement is the placement of voices at "every-other-pitch-value" on the scale starting at the base note. The structure would look something like this. . .

Tenor Sings - B - Treble Octave Clef - Top Note Lead Sings - G - Treble Octave Clef - Next Note Down Bari Sings - E - Bass Clef - Next to the Bottom Note Bass Sings - C - Bass Clef - Bottom Note This produces a "C 7th Chord".

When correctly produced, the sound has a "sizzling" timbre to it. If you listen close enough, you can even hear a note that is not being sung by anyone. But, rather, is a product of the total "blend" of the participating voices to produce a "Harmonic Note" ringing above any of the other notes being sung.

It is an arrangement technique then, that is the responsibility of each singer to produce as accurate of a pitched note at their position in the chord. Sometimes this takes a few tries to get it right. But, once it has been learned and the singers have trained their ears to position their note in the correct relationship to the other notes being sung. . . . Well . . . the result is just spectacular.

This technique can be used with all kinds of songs to allow a group of voices to sing a familiar song. One that is popular today or even placing high on the musical charts. Although this musical style originated in the late 1800's and early 1900's, it doesn't limit itself to music of just that era. Many "Recent-Day" music has been arranged for 4 Part-Harmony. The result is breath-taking. It is also referred to as "T.T.B.B". Or, 1st Tenor, 2nd Tenor, 1st Bass and 2nd Bass.