TYPES OF BACKGROUND VOCALS.

In thinking of backing vocals, you must understand that there are varying types. The easiest kinds are chorus backgrounds. These are accomplished by recording your voice in the same key, in multiple tracks. The result is a sort of "choir" effect, wherein it sounds like several people are literally singing behind you. The trick to getting this to work is to sing in a key different from the lead vocal, and only in certain sections of the song.

The most popular kind of backgrounds includes harmonies. There are really too many harmony variations to name. But the standard is known as a "three-part harmony", in which three background voices accompany the lead, singing in three different [harmonious] keys. If you listen much of R&B/Jazz singer Sade's work, that buttery-sounding background accompaniment is comprised of three different keys, blended to create one lovely sound.

Many people also use a technique known as "stacking" vocals. This means that multiple recording tracks are used to sing the lead vocal. This technique isn't exactly a background method, parse. But it is used to fatten up thin lead vocals, or to create a fuller sound. Much pop music today wouldn't survive without this particular stacking effect.