Most musicians and music lovers alike intrinsically know that lead vocals, melody, and lyrics are arguably the most important parts of any musical composition. While this may be true, the power of the layered vocal, ad lib, or background vocal is unmatched across most genres of music.

Vocal layering doesn't just give your songs a more polished, cohesive feel, but it can also help your lead vocal track stand out from the backdrop of your beat. It's a critical vocal recording technique that every artist should have some level of understanding of. Fortunately, we've created a comprehensive guide to vocal layering below so that you can incorporate these expert techniques into your artistic creations.

What Is Vocal Layering?

As the name suggests, vocal layering is the act of placing multiple vocal tracks on top of one another, with the layered vocals playing simultaneously over the course of a song. For instance, you might create what is known as a "vocal stack" with a lead vocal and a vocal layer or two containing a harmony.

Vocal layering can help your lead vocal stand out against the instrumental of your track and build more interest for your listener over the course of your track. Even if you didn't record harmonies, ad libs, or alternative takes while recording vocals, you can try manipulating your existing vocal recordings with effects and other processing to serve as backing for a single lead vocal.

Different Types of Vocal Layering

There are several different ways to incorporate multiple layers of vocals into your music production. Here are some of the most common types of vocal layering, though you may find that you prefer one way to layer over another:

Unison

"Unison" is a fancy way of saying that you're playing two or more of the same track, with the same melody. In the world of vocal layering, this usually is referencing a technique called "doubling". It's common for there to be multiple lead vocals stacked on top of one another - this often helps increase the stereo image of the lead vocal, especially in spots you're hoping to emphasize. For example, you might have a lead vocal in center, one lead vocal hard-panned to the left, and another hard-panned to the right.

Harmonies

Harmonies refer to vocals that are layered in a particular way, usually in accordance with the main scale of a song. In most cases, you're stacking "thirds" and "fifths" on top of the main melody or vocal of a song, since these harmonies have the strongest sonic relationship to the established key of your track. Don't worry if you're not a music theory expert though - we'll walk you through how to build harmonies below.

Ad Libs

Ad Libs are vocals or spoken bits that add to the atmosphere of the main vocal. This could be something like a yell, or repeating words or phrases, like in the chorus of Addison Rae's Diet Pepsi :

Effect Layering Vocals

You can create a sense of space and depth in your main vocal by layering processed tracks on top of one another. Some of the most common methods include layering pitch-shifted vocals, layering delays or reverbs, or adding layers with a vocal texture like a vocoder.

5 Vocal Layering Techniques for Beginners

Not sure where to start with layering vocals as a songwriter, musician, or producer? Here are five strategies to give you a starting point throughout the recording process:

How To Build Vocal Harmonies

One of the most common ways to build vocal stacks is by recording harmonies to layer on top of the main vocal. In order to add harmonies, you essentially sing your melody starting on a different root note, often shifting it up or down by a third or fifth scale degree.

Understanding music theory makes this process easier, but don't fret if you don't know about the mechanics of harmonies! I walk you through the ins and outs in this video:

Essentially, you identify your starting note and shift that note up or down the musical scale depending on what you're looking for. Then, record these modulations and stack them with the original vocal to create harmony.

Using the Right Vocal Layering Effects

If you're looking to venture beyond a natural, classic sound, vocal layers with certain effects can be very effective. Experiment with adding reverb, delay, or pitch shifting duplicated vocals on a new vocal track. Just be sure to double check your mix for any phasing complications when using time-based effects like delay or reverb. Processing each vocal take differently can create some pretty unique textures and is super fun to experiment with.

Doubling Vocals

Recording doubles, or additional takes of your lead vocal may seem unnecessary since you're essentially recording multiple takes of the lead vocal and playing them simultaneously. However, when these layers are stacked on top of one another, they can have a powerful effect. It's common to create a lead double stack using three vocal takes, all singing the same melody. Try keeping one vocal centered, one hard-panned to the right, and hard-panned to the left to build a wider sense of space and depth in your track.

Background Vocals and Ad Libs

Professional singers often add vocal embellishments to their lead vocal. This could be as simple as alternative takes of your lead, where your melody or phrasing is a bit different than the typical melody. More layers creates additional depth, so it's a good idea to capture more than you think you might need during the recording process. You can also try other ad libs like whispering, speaking phrasing, or even yelling in certain sections for emphasis.

Vocoders and Other Layers

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to layer vocals with other vocal tracks! You can use vocal pads (or instruments that sound similar or aim to simulate vocals) to help back your vocal tracks and create harmonies. Another option is to try out a vocoder: Vocoders provide a very unique sound and are super fun to play with even outside of a strictly vocal context:

Vocal Layering FAQ

Stacking multiple vocal layers can make a mix more exciting and engaging. Use these commonly asked questions and answers to enhance your vocal tracks:

Is it better to layer vocals?

Layering vocals can create a sense of depth and contrast throughout your vocal performance. Even if you don't want to layer vocals across the majority of your song, inserting vocal stacks in deliberate spots can help your lead vocal, lyrics, or melody stand out against the backdrop of your instrumental.

What does stacking vocals mean?

"Stacking" vocals means layering one vocal track on top of another. For instance, a typical harmony vocal stack might contain the lead vocal, and a third and fifth harmony mimicking the main tonic chord of a track.

How to make a vocal stack?

A vocal "stack" simply refers to a group of vocals layered on top of one another. You can create a vocal stack with several vocal harmonies, background vocals, or even just main vocals with different processing or effects built on top of one another.

How do I layer vocals?

There are many ways to layer vocals. We cover common methods like building vocal doubles, harmonies, ad libs, background vocals, and using other effects to enhance the vocal parts in this vocal layering guide.

In summary, there are many ways to layer tracks throughout the vocal production process. Whether you're hoping to produce vocal harmony, create a dreamy bed of backing vocals, or strengthen your lead vocal with vocal doubles, layering is bound to enhance your mix. Have fun stacking vocal tracks with these classic layering techniques!