Doubling in music

Double tracking or doubling is an audio recording technique in which a performer sings or plays along with their own prerecorded performance, usually to produce a stronger or bigger sound than can be obtained with a single voice or instrument.

1. What is octave doubling in music?
2. What instruments should be double tracked?
3. How do you record double tracked vocals?
4. Can you double thirds?

What is octave doubling in music?

Octave doubling of a voice or pitch is a number of other voices duplicating the same part at the same pitch or at different octaves. The doubling number of an octave is the number of individual voices assigned to each pitch within the chord.

What instruments should be double tracked?

One instrument that is commonly double tracked in modern production technique is the guitar. Let's consider the acoustic guitar because it is rather more demanding of care and attention than the electric, where any problems are more easily disguised.

How do you record double tracked vocals?

Popular ways to implement vocal double tracking include:

1. Manually recording the same vocal line multiple times into separate tracks.
2. Copy/pasting a vocal track and adjust the timing slightly to stagger the tracks, creating a chorus effect.

Can you double thirds?

You may double the 3rd of a major triad, that is, but do it carefully, wisely and in service of a greater good. Two final pieces of advice: If you feel your major triad's 3rd needs doubling, also double the root. Having a root, a 5th and two 3rds is risky, as it makes the chord harder to balance.