About harmonies - I suspect that different approaches will suit different people. My theory has improved over the years, but by and large I still rely upon my ears (mostly).

(1) Start simple with well known tunes with only two or three chords, that people usually sing harmonies to. I found that a Major key (e.g. A) is easier to pick up than a Minor key (e.g. A Minor/Am) There is nothing quite like a come all ye gathering to listen to other people singing harmony, but some records and CD's have harmonies that are quite clear - it may help to turn either stereo speaker right down. And SING, SING, SING - there is no substitute for actually doing it. The examples which spring to mind are Amazing Grace, most bluegrass songs, Lizzie Lindsay, New York Girls. Fellow Mudcatters could suggest many more.

(2) There are MIDI sites with mainly Celtic songs which include one or more harmony tracks along with melody and rhythm. With a freeware MIDI player such as Player Midi Art you can easily change the volune of each track, so that you can easily hear the harmony track - and sing along. Not as much fun as doing it with other people (no double entendre intended) but just another avenue if the right people aren't available.

(3) The variant of (2) is to print the music out from the MIDI file using any of the shareware packages around, and pick out the notes on your favourite instrument - or get a friend around to do it for you.

In reality harmony is like sex. If you enjoy studying and observing it (or ignoring it) that's fine. But practice lots with others and it really comes alive.

Regards and Christmas Greetings John