How to Harmonize an Instrument With Keyboards

Now that you're an ace on the keyboard, it's time to combine it with the efforts of other musicians on instruments like guitar, violin, cello or horns. For collaborative processes, there are a few critical things to figure out before you start out to produce a harmonized union of sounds. Here's how to get a good harmonized groove with keyboards and another instrument.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tune up your instruments. The electronic keyboard is one of the rare instruments that doesn't go out of tune, so you'll want to tune your other instruments to it. Find the open string notes of the keyboard and tune your strings up accordingly.

2. Pick a key. Decide amongst players what key (or keys) you'll be playing in and what kind of chords (major, minor, etc.) will take the stage.

3. Choose a rhythm. You'll need to work this out among all of the instruments that will be harmonized. A harmonic union of melodies depends on matching tempo as well as tones.

4. Select good matching sounds for your keyboard. It's best not to try to mimic the other instrument, but to select a tone that's not too different, one that doesn't clash with the other instruments. For example, you could use a synth sound or a softer, fuller sound along with a regular acoustic guitar to complement the thin, sharp sound of the strings.

5. Go ahead and play together. When you have your key, tempo and sounds picked out, follow along with a guitar or horn groove by adding good complementary notes on the keyboard. Remember, sometimes less is more, and you get a better chance of being in full "harmonic compliance" by adding fewer notes to the mix.