What is Barbershop Harmony?

Defined simply, it is an A cappella style of vocal harmony produced by four voices called Lead , Tenor , Baritone and Bass . It is different from any other kind of choral or group singing because of the characteristics of " cone-shaped " sound, specific chord structures (arrangement), delivery and interpretation. These integral factors contribute to the " lock-and-ring " sound in which a perfectly sung chord creates unsung harmonic overtones.

A cappella - Sung vocal music without instrumental accompaniment.

Cone-Shaped Sound - In most singing styles the highest voice part is normally predominant. Barbershop harmony strives for a fuller, deeper sound, featuring lower voices as well as those in the treble range. The cone shape is a visual aid to help us remember the balance of the four voice parts we strive to achieve in four-part harmony, barbershop style.

Lock-and-Ring - When you "lock" your chord, it "rings," producing the ultimate goal of Barbershop Harmony. To achieve a lock-and-ring effect requires excellence in all phases of singing. A good musical arrangement, good vocal technique, well-balanced and blended voices and accuracy of intonation can result in the production of a fifth, unsung overtone that sends chills up your spine! When this happens, it is a remarkable experience for both singers and listeners.    

Tenor, Lead, Baritone & Bass - These are the four parts that make up each chorus or quartet. Finding the right part for you is the initial step, but this is not difficult. Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her range.

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Tenor is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although Tenor is the highest voice in Barbershop harmony, in should not be confused with the soprano of conventional singing groups. The Tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that compliments without overpowering the lead voice.    

Lead is the melody and is sung, for the most part, in the range between A below middle C and C above middle C. Leads must sing with clarity and authority and is responsible for conveying the interpretation, emotion and inflection of the song, with the other three parts literally "following her lead."    

Baritone (or Bari) covers approximately the same range as lead, often crossing over the melody line. Baritone differs from traditional alto parts in traditional chorus music because of this crossing over between melody and harmony notes. Baritones are often the "missing note" in the chord, which can make for a challenging vocal line.

Bass is the lowest of the parts, and because the goal of Barbershop Harmony is to produce a Cone-Shaped sound, the bass section should be a rich and solid foundation on which the other three parts build upon. Ideally basses can sing the E flat below middle C easily.   

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