How to Sing Background Vocals

Ask when the recording or performance of the actual song will be. It is important to have adequate time to prepare so that you have time to develop the background vocals and harmonies.

Ensure that all other singers who are doing background vocals with you work well together. While each singer may have a beautiful voice individually, it is the combination of the voices that will be important in the background vocals of a song.

Listen to the main vocals of the song and determine where and when background vocals could help to enhance the music. The point of background vocals is to embellish the main sound of the music, not act as its own sound. As such, it is important that you use background vocals sparingly and in the correct places so as to not take away from the music. Sing the background vocals at a slightly lower volume than the main vocals.

Learn how long the notes should be sung. Especially if working with others, when one person sings a note for a second too long, it is very clear and can alter the feel of the song. Learn when to take breaths and whether to use a vibrato effect in delivering the notes.

Listen to how the background vocals blend with the main vocals. Make any necessary alterations. Continue to do this until you are satisfied with the song, and even afterward. Sometimes, people become satisfied too quickly with their background vocals, and don't end up pushing the envelope quite as much as they could have had they continued to explore.

Practice frequently, even if it is just by yourself or with the instrumental accompaniment. Repeated practicing can help to make yourself comfortable with the harmonies, and it will make them come more naturally. In time, singing the background vocals will be effortless, which will allow you to concentrate on the dynamics of the music and the techniques for delivery.