Record a clean melody fragment
Choose the key, press REC and play two to four bars with a clear rhythm. A compact phrase is easier to evaluate than a whole song and makes wrong notes obvious.
Compare four directions
- UP 3: a diatonic third above, often bright.
- DOWN 3: a warmer third below that may become muddy.
- UP 6: an inverted-register alternative to a third below.
- DOWN 6: greater separation but a possible low-range problem.
Listen together and alone
Keep +MEL on to judge blend. Then turn the melody off and hear the generated line alone. Check whether it has singable steps, manageable leaps and a logical destination.
Correct the line against the chord
If the lead sings E over C, G above it is stable. F can work as a suspension but usually needs to resolve. On every sustained syllable, identify the chord and decide whether the harmony note is a chord tone, intended tension or mistake.
Arrange entrances and exits
Backing vocals do not need to copy every lead note. They can enter at line endings, hold a common tone, answer the lead or expand into three parts only for the final chorus. Selective harmony sounds more intentional than continuous parallel motion.
Prepare for recording
- Fit the sketch to the singer’s range.
- Write down final notes.
- Mark breaths and consonants.
- Record one line at a time.
- Check tuning in context.
- Process only after the musical line works.
Questions and answers
Why can an automatic note sound wrong?
The selected scale may not match a borrowed or altered chord.
Is a sixth different from a third?
It can be an inversion in another register, changing colour and singability.
Must harmony copy every rhythm?
No. Holds and answer phrases often work better.
Can I use the sketch commercially?
You remain responsible for the final arrangement and rights in the underlying song.