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How to Harmonize?

This is actually something that we all can use

Topic Rating: 5 (1 votes)

Ripton

Vermont, Massachusetts or somewhere in between

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April 23, 2016 - 6:38 pm

Member Since: November 2, 2014

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OK, so the song is a gospel song, so I'll place it here, although the concept and mechanics should be something we all could use. Katha Elaine has decided to play Come Thou Fount and as this was one of my first tunes, I started playing with her. I thought it would be fun to do it BlueGrass style with giving each other breaks, but I struggle with my "chords". Yes, I know, circle of Fifths, but I can't count that high facepalm . It was suggested that I play to harmonize with her.

Looking for suggestions or advice on how to proceed.

Thanks.

KindaScratchy

Massachusetts

April 23, 2016 - 8:46 pm

Member Since: March 14, 2012

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I think that the Circle of Fifths isn't as helpful to you as the Nashville Number System and the associated chord spellings.

I put together this chart to help me know the safe notes to play in typical chord progressions in keys most commonly played in bluegrass. Maybe it will help you, too.