Music Glossary: layering

Stacking complementary motifs (lead, countermelody, rhythm hook) so the chorus lands hard and sticks. more

More in the Arrangement and Orchestration category...
hook layering arrangement orchestration

Selecting complementary shakers, tambourines, claps to enhance feel without masking vocals. more

More in the Rhythm Section Craft advanced category...
percussion layering rhythm section craft

Polymeter: different bar lengths align over time; polyrhythm: conflicting subdivisions over a shared bar. more

More in the Orchestration and Notation category...
rhythm complex layering

Combine complementary layers (attack, body, tail). Manage phase, EQ overlaps, and envelope timing. more

More in the Synthesis and Sound Design category...
sound layering synthesis design

Map ranges to different samples or timbres for realism; vary velocities for human dynamics. more

More in the Drum Programming and Groove Design category...
velocity layering midi drum programming