Our Latest Blog on Music & Instruments

Performing background vocals is an essential part of any vocalist’s skill set. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, background vocalists can make or break a song. Many of today’s iconic singers (such as Phil Collins, Sheryl Crow, Luther Vandross and Cher) got their start as background singers.  Developing your skills as a background vocalist takes time and practice, but by following these four tips, you’ll be making progress in no time.
 
1) Create an effective background part
 

While the fingerstyle patterns shown in the video are called out by number of finger or string, fingerstyle patterns are normally described using the “p i m a” system. The p i m a system is derived from the names of the fingers and thumb as they are known in Spanish: 

Practice switching back and forth between the interval or chord shapes grouped together in pairs above. Follow the strum suggestions as shown in the video (and listed here). Start with whole note or four-count strums. When you feel your fingers are moving together fairly easily, shorten the time between changes, shifting to half note and quarter note strums. 

This lesson will discuss new ways to play familiar chords up and down the neck of your guitar. If you know of only 2 or 3 positions to play an E major chord on the guitar this lesson will help you find fresh ways to fill up melody and rhythm with familiar chords.
Chordal Voicings is a fancy term referring to position of chords on the guitar neck. Most guitarists begin guitar learning barre chords and the standard E, A, D, C, and G shapes.