Various techniques for writing/improvising backing vocals: double the melody in women & men parts (called “bookends”), use close position, employ 3rd and 6ths, (and more modern) employ 4th and 5ths, punctuate the texture with vocal spikes/hits. In comtemporary stylings, the phrases are often shorter with quicker cutoffs, and often little or not vibrato. Included: a check list for backing singers.
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