What Part Do I Sing?
4-Part Harmony Barbershop Style
Although we sing other styles of harmony,
Barbershop style is a four-part,
a cappella harmony that is part of our roots.
Barbershop singing is one of the trickiest, yet most rewarding accomplishments of a vocal ensemble. Imagine this: you’re singing a song with 3 other harmonizing friends, each hitting the perfect pitch when BAM you hear i! An overtone vibration, a resonant “ring”, a different sound than any one tone be being sung by any one singer! This overtone produces a visceral experience and is unique only to four bar barbershop harmonies! It can actually make the hair stand up on your arms!
To help you find the part that is right for you, see below;
Tenor
The Tenor usually sings the highest notes. Tenor range is similar to the soprano in SATB music. Tenor voices should have a light, sweet, pure tone and have a resonant, bell-like clarity. The tenor voice should compliment the lead but not overpower or overshadow the lead voice. This part is usually a harmony part singing from G above middle C to high F on the top line of the clef.
Lead
The lead usually sings the melody. The lead range is similar to the alto or Soprano II range. The lead has the responsibility of singing with musical authority, clarity and consistent quality. The lead needs to sing smoothly throughout their range, always making the sound interesting, expressive and colourful. Leads sing with limited vibrato to add colour and warmth to the sound . With too much vibrato the chord will not lock or ring to create the full and “expanded” sound that is barbershop harmony. Range is from A bellow middle C, and C above middle C.
Baritone
The baritone (bari) sings a harmony part, sometimes above and sometimes below the lead. The bari range is similar to the lead range or like an Alto 1, except that baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes. When above the lead, the bari should sing with a tenor-like quality. When below, the bari should sing with more depth to fill in the sound between lead and bass. Baritones have to constantly adjust their balance to accommodate their position in the chord. They must have a good ear!
Bass
The bass usually sings the lowest harmony notes in the chord. The bass range is closet to that of a contralto or Alto 2 in traditional choral music. Basses must sing with authority because the bass is the foundation of the barbershop chord. The bass voice should be strong, and full even on the lowest note, and should compliment and support the lead voice. Th range is from E-flat below middle C to G above middle C.