Mastering Three-Part Harmony: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing music in three-part harmony involves creating three distinct musical lines that complement each other while adhering to the principles of harmony. This form of composition can add depth and richness to your musical pieces, making it a valuable skill for both beginners and experienced musicians.

Choosing Your Key and Scale

Step 1: Start by choosing a key for your piece, such as C major or G minor. Familiarize yourself with the scale and the chords that belong to that key. This foundational step sets the tonal framework for your composition.

Establishing the Harmony

Step 2: Identify the primary chords I, IV, V and any secondary chords like ii, iii, vi, vii°. Decide on a chord progression that will serve as the foundation for your harmony. Common progressions include I-IV-V-I or ii-V-I. Understanding these chords and progressions is crucial for creating a cohesive harmonic structure.

Creating the Melody

Step 3: Compose a melody that will be the main focus of your piece. Ensure it fits within the chosen key and has a clear shape and direction. A well-crafted melody forms the heart of your composition and guides the listener through the piece.

Adding the Second Voice Harmony

Step 4: Write a second line that harmonizes with the melody. This voice can be a third or sixth above or a third or sixth below the melody, depending on the desired sound. Ensure this voice moves rhythmically and melodically in relation to the melody, avoiding parallel fifths and octaves.

Adding the Third Voice Bass

Step 5: The third voice typically serves as the bass line. It can outline the chord roots and provide harmonic support. Make sure the bass line is distinct and moves in a way that complements the other voices. It often moves in contrary motion to the melody to create balance and stability.

Voice Leading

Step 6: Pay attention to voice leading principles. Keep common tones between chords, move voices by small intervals when possible, and avoid large leaps unless necessary. Voice leading ensures that each voice is clearly audible and that the piece sounds harmonious and coherent.

Checking for Balance and Texture

Step 7: Ensure that all three voices are balanced in terms of dynamics and prominence. Aim for a clear texture where each part is distinct yet cohesive. A balanced texture enhances the overall listening experience and creates a richer musical tapestry.

Reviewing and Revising

Step 8: Play through your composition to check for harmonic coherence and musicality. Make adjustments as needed to enhance the overall sound and flow. Feedback and continuous refinement are key to creating a polished and engaging musical piece.

Example

Here’s a simple example in C major:

Melody (Soprano): C - E - G - A - G - E - C Harmony (Alto): E - G - B - C - B - G - E Bass: C - C - G - C - A - G - C

This example demonstrates how to create a balanced and harmonious three-part composition within the key of C major.

Conclusion

Writing in three-part harmony allows for rich textures and can be applied across various genres. Practice with different melodies and chord progressions to develop your skills further. Whether you are composing classical music, jazz, or pop, three-part harmony can elevate the quality and depth of your musical pieces.