How to Harmonize a Guitar in 3rds

If you've ever been captivated by the harmonized guitar lines in metal classics, you’re not alone. Harmonizing in 3rds is a staple technique that adds depth and richness to guitar parts, especially in the metal genre. This technique isn't just for the pros; it's something you can learn and incorporate into your playing to give your solos and riffs a new dimension. Let's talk about how you can master this skill and make your guitar parts sound fuller and more melodic.

The Basics of Harmonization

Harmonization, at its core, is about creating a pleasing combination of notes. When you harmonize a melody in 3rds, you’re essentially playing two notes together, with one note a third interval above the other. This creates a harmony that is both consonant and interesting, which is why it’s so widely used in music from classic rock to modern metal.

To give you a bit of context, a third interval can be either major or minor. A major third consists of four semitones, while a minor third consists of three. For instance, if you start on a C note, a major third above it would be an E, and a minor third would be an Eb. It’s crucial to understand the difference because this will affect the emotional quality of the harmony you create.

In metal guitar, harmonizing in 3rds is often used to create intricate lead lines. It gives the music a more complex and layered sound, which is perfect for the dramatic and intense nature of the genre. So, how do you go about harmonizing your guitar parts in 3rds? Let's break it down.

Choosing the Right Scale

The first step in harmonizing a melody is choosing the right scale. This is essential because the scale will dictate which notes you can use for harmonization. In metal, you often see scales like the natural minor, harmonic minor, or even modes like Phrygian and Dorian being used.

Suppose you’re working within the natural minor scale. To harmonize a melody in 3rds, you’ll need to look at each note in the melody and find the note that is a third above it, while staying within the scale. For example, if your melody note is an A, and you’re in the key of A minor, the note a third above would be a C. If your melody note is a B, the note a third above would be a D.

This might sound like a lot of theory, but once you start applying it practically, it becomes second nature. A good practice exercise is to take a simple melody and write out the harmonized part above it using the scale you’ve chosen. This will help you get comfortable with the process and sound of harmonizing in 3rds.

Practical Steps to Harmonize in 3rds

Ready to start harmonizing? Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you get started:

• Identify the Melody: Start with a simple melody line. It could be something you’ve written or a classic riff you want to embellish.
• Choose Your Scale: Decide which scale or mode fits the mood and key of your piece. This will be your roadmap for harmonization.
• Apply the Interval: For each note in your melody, find the note that is a third above it within the scale. Write or play these notes alongside your melody.
• Listen and Adjust: Play the harmonized line along with the original melody. Use your ear to judge if the harmony sounds right. Sometimes theoretical correctness doesn’t translate to musicality, so trust your judgment.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different notes or even other intervals to see how they change the sound and feel of your melody.

This method will give you a solid foundation in harmonizing in 3rds. As you become more comfortable, you can start to experiment with more complex harmonizations and even write your own harmonized solos and riffs.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Harmonizing in 3rds can be incredibly rewarding, but there are a few common pitfalls you might encounter. Let's discuss how to avoid them:

First, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sticking rigidly to a scale without considering how the notes interact. While the notes may be theoretically correct, they might not always sound harmonious. Always use your ear as the final judge.

Another common mistake is overcomplicating the harmony. Sometimes less is more. A simple harmonized line can be more effective and powerful than a complicated one. Don’t feel pressured to add harmony to every single note; sometimes, leaving space can make the harmonized parts stand out even more.

If you’re new to harmonization, you might also rush the process. Take your time to experiment and listen. Developing a good ear for harmony doesn’t happen overnight, but with practice, you’ll start to hear what works and what doesn’t.

Incorporating Harmonized Lines into Your Playing

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of harmonizing in 3rds, you’ll want to start incorporating these lines into your playing. Here are a few ways to do this effectively:

• Solo Sections: Harmonized guitar solos are a hallmark of metal music. Try adding a harmonized line to a solo section for added depth and interest.
• Riffs and Chord Progressions: Harmonizing riffs can make them sound fuller and more dynamic. You can apply harmonization to just a part of a riff or throughout a whole section to create a layered effect.
• Dual Guitar Parts: If you’re in a band with another guitarist, harmonized lines can add a whole new dimension to your sound. Coordinate with your bandmate to create interlocking harmonized parts.

Experimenting with these ideas will help you find your unique voice and style as a guitarist. Remember, harmonization is a tool to enhance your expression, so use it in ways that bring your musical ideas to life.

Advanced Harmonization Techniques

Once you’ve got the basics down, you might want to explore more advanced harmonization techniques. One option is counterpoint, where two independent melodic lines are played simultaneously. This requires a good understanding of both melody and harmony, but it can produce breathtaking results.

Another technique is to mix different intervals within a piece. Start with harmonizing in 3rds, but don’t be afraid to throw in a 5th or an octave to add variety and interest. This approach can create unexpected and exciting harmonies that keep the listener engaged.

You might also want to explore different scales and modes. Each has its own unique flavor, and experimenting with these can inspire fresh harmonized lines. For instance, try harmonizing a melody in the Phrygian mode and see how the exotic scale changes the character of your music.

Improvisation and Harmonization

Improvisation is a huge part of playing guitar, especially in genres like jazz and metal. Once you’re comfortable with harmonizing pre-written melodies, try incorporating harmonization into your improvisation.

Start by choosing a scale and improvising a melody. As you play, think about the harmonized line that could accompany your melody. This might feel challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll start to intuitively hear the harmonies as you play. It’s a great way to make your solos stand out and add a new level of sophistication to your improvisation.

Improvising with harmonization also encourages you to think more melodically. It pushes you to consider not just the notes you’re playing, but how they relate to each other and the overall sound you’re creating. This can lead to more expressive and engaging solos that capture the listener’s attention.

Using Riffhard for Harmonization

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of harmonization and other advanced guitar techniques, Riffhard is a fantastic resource. Our platform offers lessons from some of the top metal guitarists, providing insights and techniques you won't find elsewhere.

With over 150 video lessons, you can learn about rhythm and lead guitar, songwriting, riffing, and of course, harmonization. Our custom metronome and downloadable tabs make it easy to practice and apply what you’ve learned. Plus, the interactive player lets you adjust the tempo of lessons, so you can learn at your own pace. Whether you’re new to guitar or an experienced player, Riffhard has something to offer.

Learning from the Pros

One of the best ways to learn harmonization is by studying how the pros do it. Guitarists like Dean Lamb from Archspire and Aaron Marshall from Intervals are known for their intricate harmonized lines. Analyze their songs, paying attention to how they use harmonization to enhance their music.

Transcribing harmonized parts from your favorite songs is also a great way to learn. It forces you to listen closely and understand how different intervals work together. As you transcribe, try to understand why the guitarist chose certain intervals and how it affects the overall sound.

By learning from the pros, you’ll not only improve your harmonization skills but also gain inspiration for your own playing. You’ll start to see how harmonization fits into the larger context of a song and how you can use it to create your own unique sound.

Building Confidence with Harmonization

Like any skill, building confidence with harmonization takes time and practice. Start with simple melodies and gradually work your way up to more complex lines. As you practice, you’ll develop a better ear for harmony and become more comfortable experimenting with different intervals and scales.

Recording yourself is a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and critique your harmonies. Are they enhancing the melody, or do they sound forced? Use your recordings as a tool to refine your technique and build confidence in your harmonization skills.

And remember, don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s part of the learning process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep pushing yourself to try new things. With persistence and practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident with harmonization.

Final Thoughts

Harmonizing a guitar in 3rds is a powerful technique that can transform your playing. Whether you're adding depth to solos or enriching riffs, the possibilities are endless. If you're eager to explore more advanced techniques and learn from top metal guitarists, consider joining us at Riffhard. Our lessons offer practical insights and a wealth of resources to help you on your musical journey.