Start with the story in the lead
Before building a stack, listen for the line that carries the emotional turn. Record complete passes when possible, then comp for intention and continuity: a breath or a slightly rough edge may be the thing that makes the lyric land. Check every edit in context, including the words immediately before and after it.
Build a shape around it
Three-part harmony can add a clear chordal lift; a fourth part can fill an inner voice or extend the color. Try an open fifth when a full third feels too settled, then introduce the third where the lyric needs more definition. Keep the lead’s range and the instrumental arrangement in view so the stack has somewhere to sit.
| Layer | Arrangement choice | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Comp for emotional continuity | Center |
| Doubles | Follow the lead’s phrasing closely | Either side, to taste |
| Triads | Three distinct chord tones | Spread wider for contrast |
| Open fifth | Leave space around the third | Place around the lead |
Make the consonants move together
Agree on where words begin and end before recording. Align distracting consonants and releases by hand, but leave enough variation in the sustained vowels for the singers to sound like people. Compare the stack in mono and at a low level: if the lyric disappears, simplify a part or narrow the spread.
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