How to Harmonize Guitar Riffs

Ever get the feeling your guitar riffs could use some extra oomph? Harmonizing your riffs might just be the secret ingredient you’re missing. By layering different notes over your main riff, you can add depth, complexity, and that extra punch that makes a riff unforgettable. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of harmonizing guitar riffs and offering tips and tricks to make your riffs sing. Whether you’re into metalcore, progressive metal, or any other heavy subgenre, harmonizing could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

Understanding the Basics of Harmonization

Harmonizing isn’t some arcane art reserved for the guitar gods—it’s a technique you can learn with a bit of patience and practice. At its core, harmonizing involves playing two or more notes simultaneously to create a fuller sound. The principle is straightforward: you take your main melody or riff and add complementary notes that enrich the overall tone.

When harmonizing, it’s crucial to understand intervals. Intervals are the distances between two notes. The most common intervals used in harmonization are thirds, fifths, and octaves. For instance, if your main riff is in E, playing a third above would involve adding a G# (if it’s a major third) or a G (for a minor third).

Another thing to keep in mind is the key of the song. Harmonizing outside the key might sound dissonant, which sometimes works in genres like black metal, but usually, you want your harmonies to complement the main riff melodically.

Here’s a quick analogy to make it clearer: Think of your riff as a pizza. The melody is your base and sauce, and the harmony is your cheese and toppings. You can have a decent pizza with just a base, but it’s the toppings that make it special. The same goes for your riffs—harmonization adds the flavor!

Tools of the Trade

Before we venture further, let’s talk gear. While you don’t need anything fancy to start harmonizing, a few tools can make your life easier. A looper pedal can be invaluable, allowing you to record a riff and then play harmonies over it. This way, you can experiment with different harmonies without needing a second guitarist.

Another helpful tool is a digital audio workstation (DAW). Using a DAW, you can record your riff and test different harmonies by adding tracks. Many DAWs come with built-in plugins that let you adjust pitches, helping you experiment with various harmonies with ease.

And, of course, there’s Riffhard, where you can learn directly from some of the best metal guitarists. They provide lessons that delve into rhythm guitar techniques, including harmonization, giving you a chance to see how the pros do it.

Starting Simple: Harmonizing with Thirds

Thirds are a great place to start if you’re new to harmonizing. They’re widely used in all sorts of music because they sound pleasing to the ear. To create a harmony in thirds, play a note that is two steps (whole or half) from your original note, depending on the key. For example, if your riff has a C note, you’d play an E for a major third harmony or an Eb for a minor third.

Here’s a practical step-by-step:

• Identify the key of your song.
• Determine whether each note in your riff should be harmonized with a major or minor third based on the key.
• Practice playing the riff with the harmony slowly, focusing on the intervals.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Interestingly enough, thirds can sometimes feel too ‘happy’ for certain metal subgenres, so don’t hesitate to experiment with minor thirds for a darker sound. Once you have a handle on thirds, you can start mixing them with other intervals to create richer harmonies.

Powerful Fifths and Octaves

Fifths and octaves are the bread and butter of metal harmonies. They’re straightforward and give your riffs that powerful, anthemic quality. Harmonizing in fifths is about adding a note that is seven semitones above your root note. For example, if your riff is based on an A, the fifth would be an E.

Octaves are even simpler. Just play the same note as your root, but one octave higher or lower. This doubles the note, adding thickness to your riff without altering the melody.

Many iconic metal riffs use fifths and octaves for harmonization because they maintain the aggressive and powerful sound that defines the genre. Try playing around with these intervals and see how they affect the feel of your riffs.

If you’re eager to hear how the pros handle fifths and octaves, Riffhard offers lessons from metal legends like Dean Lamb and Zakk Wylde, who are masters of these techniques.

Exploring Dissonance with Seconds and Sevenths

Now, if you want to venture into more uncharted territory, consider using seconds and sevenths. These intervals create dissonant sounds that can add tension and unease to your riffs—perfect for genres like black metal or avant-garde metal.

A second is just one semitone above your root note. It clashes with the main note, creating a jarring sound that can be quite effective in the right context. Sevenths, on the other hand, are a bit more subtle but still create an unresolved, tense feeling.

• Use seconds sparingly; too much dissonance can overwhelm the listener.
• Mix in some consonant intervals like octaves to balance out the tension.
• Experiment with different volumes for the harmonized notes to see how it affects the overall sound.

While it’s hard to say for sure, these unconventional harmonies can make your riffs stand out, giving them a unique edge that listeners will remember.

Layering Harmonies for Complexity

Once you’ve got a handle on basic harmonization, you can start layering multiple harmonies to create complex textures. This involves adding more than one harmony to your main riff, such as combining thirds and fifths or thirds and sevenths.

Layering harmonies requires a good ear and a bit of trial and error. Here’s a step-by-step approach to get you started:

• Record your main riff using a looper or DAW.
• Add a harmony in thirds over the riff.
• Layer another harmony, perhaps in fifths, and see how it blends with the third.
• Keep experimenting with different combinations until you find a texture you like.

It might feel overwhelming at first, but as you become more comfortable with harmonizing, you’ll start to develop a sense of what combinations work best for different moods and styles.

How Timing and Rhythm Affect Harmonies

Harmonizing isn’t just about the notes you choose; timing and rhythm play a crucial role too. A harmony that follows the same rhythm as the main riff will sound tight and cohesive, whereas a harmony with a different rhythm can create interesting counterpoints.

Experiment with syncopation or playing the harmony at half speed. This can add a progressive feel to your riff, making it sound more dynamic and engaging. Just be careful not to overdo it; too much rhythmic variation can make the riff feel disjointed.

Timing also affects how harmonies are perceived. Slight delays can create an echo-like effect, adding depth without muddying the main riff. Play around with your delay pedal or DAW settings to test different timings and see how they transform your harmonies.

Practical Exercises for Harmonizing

Like anything in guitar playing, mastering harmonization takes practice. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

• Interval Practice: Pick a scale and harmonize each note in thirds, fifths, and octaves. This will help train your ear to recognize different intervals.
• Looper Jams: Use a looper pedal to record a simple riff, then improvise harmonies over it. Experiment with different intervals and rhythms.
• Study the Masters: Learn songs from bands known for their harmonization like Iron Maiden or Metallica. Analyze how they use harmonies and try to incorporate similar techniques into your own playing.

These exercises will help you become more comfortable with harmonizing and develop your unique style over time.

Collaborating with Other Guitarists

If you’re in a band or jamming with other guitarists, harmonizing can be a collaborative effort. Working with other musicians allows you to explore different harmonies that you might not think of on your own. Plus, playing harmonies live can add an exciting dimension to your performance.

Here are some tips for effective collaboration:

• Communicate: Discuss what kind of harmonies you’re aiming for before you start playing.
• Experiment: Encourage each guitarist to suggest different harmonies and see what works best.
• Record: Capture your jam sessions so you can listen back and refine your harmonies later.

Collaboration can lead to creative breakthroughs, helping you find harmonies that elevate your riffs to a whole new level.

Final Thoughts

Harmonizing guitar riffs can add depth and complexity to your music, making it more engaging for listeners. Whether you’re rocking thirds, exploring dissonance, or layering harmonies for a rich tapestry of sound, the possibilities are endless. And if you’re looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers lessons with some of the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you hone your harmonization skills with expert insight. Happy riffing!