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Unit 3 · Root and fifth

Root and fifth

Sing the most common bass move: each chord's root, then its fifth, and back, the fifth going up on low chords so you never sing too low. Free, step by step.

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What it teaches

The most common bass move: the root, then the chord's fifth. On low chords the fifth goes up, so you never go below fa.

Root. The chord's own note

Fifth. Its fifth, up or down

Back. Home to the root

What you sing

  1. Do and so below, back and forth, over one chord.
  2. Each chord's root and fifth: do and so, la and mi, fa and do, so and re. Listen, then sing.

Singing safely

Low and easy: never press, growl or tuck your chin to reach a note, and keep your throat where it is when you speak. Stop if anything tightens or hurts.

Free tools by Stackapella

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Stackapella teaches you to sing harmony one part at a time, right in your browser.

Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up.
  • A guide sings your partHear your line over the others, slow it down, then take your turn.
  • Your notes light upEach note shows where you landed, and a hint when to go up or down.
  • Record every part yourselfStack your takes in time until you're the whole choir.
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