Vocal Harmony Generator
Vocal Harmony Generator
Pick the key and scale, then click the melody note. You get the diatonic harmony notes above and below (3rd, 5th, 6th, octave) and a full table for every note in the key.
| Melody | 3rd above | 5th above | 6th above | 3rd below | Chord it fits |
|---|
How vocal harmonies work
A harmony is a second melody that moves with the lead at a fixed interval inside the key. The third above is the sound of almost every pop and country chorus; the sixth below gives the same colour from a lower voice; fifths are open and strong; octaves add weight without changing the harmony. Because the interval stays diatonic, it alternates between major and minor as the melody moves, which is exactly what makes it sound musical rather than robotic. This generator does that maths for any key.
Stacking a chorus
Lead in the centre, a third above panned one way and a fifth or sixth the other way gives a full three-part sound. Keep the harmonies a few dB under the lead and high-pass them so they do not fight for the low mids.
When the third sounds wrong
On the leading tone and some passing notes a strict third clashes with the chord. Try the sixth, drop to a unison for that word, or let the harmony hold the previous note; that is what real backing singers do.
FAQ
What is the easiest vocal harmony to sing?
The third above the melody. It is the most common harmony in pop, rock and country and sits naturally in the same range as the lead.
Should harmonies be above or below the lead?
Both work. Above sounds brighter and more present; below sounds warmer and supportive. A low sixth is often more natural for a male voice under a female lead.
Why does my harmony clash on some notes?
The strict interval may land on a note outside the chord. Switch to the sixth, hold the previous harmony note, or sing unison on that word.
Can I use a harmony plugin instead of singing?
Yes for sketching. For a record, sing the harmonies the generator gives you; real takes sound far more natural than pitch-shifted copies.
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