From the course: Real Recording School Weekly

Connect the vocal notes - Pro Tools Tutorial

From the course: Real Recording School Weekly

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Connect the vocal notes

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- [Instructor] When I'm producing vocals I have a number of possible problem situations I listen for. One of them I keep an eye on is how a singer phrases the words within a line. Many times song writers may be constrained by playing an instrument while writing or performing, and the rhythm of the playing can cause them to phrase lyrics in ways that aren't as pleasing to my ear. Here's an example where I asked the singer to erratically replicate this sort of pattern. ♪ Words always come and go ♪ ♪ But I'm the same ♪ ♪ Friends may not even know ♪ ♪ And that's okay ♪ Note how awkward some of these lines feel. When I hear something like this, I'll suggest to the singer that they try working a few words together or to connect the dots more like this. ♪ Words always come and go ♪ ♪ But I'm the same ♪ ♪ Friends may not even know ♪ ♪ And that's okay ♪ This smoother phrasing helps to find the melody and flows more naturally. This sort of suggestion during vocal production isn't always the way to go, and many great singers use clipped phrasing to bring a certain character to a performance. But when I hear a singer performing in a way like this, this is a habit I look to point out and suggest better ways to perform the part. It can make all the difference in the final recording.

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