Step 8 Harmonize With Thirds:
In music, a third is any two notes that have an interval of a third between them. This interval can be calculated by counting up three notes from the lower note, including the lower note as the first of the three, e.g.:
C to E is a third*: C D E
D to F is a third*: D E F
In step 4, the upper middle voice in most cases created a third harmony below the melody note.
For example, in bar 1 the A note is a third below the C note - A B C. The use of thirds can be extended to apply to passing notes, as illustrated in the next example. Passing notes are notes that connect two melody notes which are a third or less apart. A passing note usually occurs on an unaccented beat of the bar.
* C to E is technically referred to as a Major 3rd because the distance between them is 2 tones (4 frets). D to F is a Minor 3rd because the distance between them is 1½ tones (3 frets).
In adding other parts to this arrangement (e.g., a root bass note) you will need to take into consideration the overall sound of the arrangement and the ease of playing. Try the following:
