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Unit 2 · Lock to the drone

Hear the ring

Learn to hear the slow wah-wah when two notes are close, slide up until the beating stops, then hold your note over a drone until it rings. Free to practise.

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More in Lock to the drone

What it teaches

Two notes a little apart beat: a slow wah-wah. The beats slow down as you get closer, and stop when you're there.

Listen for the beating. A wah-wah against the drone

Slower is closer. Move until it slows

Smooth is in tune. The beating stops: it rings

What you sing

  1. Listen to each with the drone, as often as you like, then choose.
  2. Start a little under the drone, then slide up slowly until the beating stops. Headphones help: one ear off.
  3. Hold your note over the drone until it rings. You'll see when you're close. Neck, jaw and tongue soft.
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Singing safely

Sing at an easy volume, in the middle of your range. Stop if anything tightens, scratches or hurts, and rest your voice.

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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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