Tech: GarageBand harmonising

Subject: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: GUEST,Leslie Butler
Date: 13 May 20 - 09:01 AM

I want to record my own vocal harmonies on GarageBand. I’ve figured out how to record a second track over the first, but only when the first track is silent. How can I record a 2nd (or more?) track while listening to the original? I can find nothing about this from Apple or in threads above - But I apologise if I missed an earlier discussion.   
Best, Leslie Butler

Subject: RE: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: GUEST
Date: 13 May 20 - 09:09 AM

Use headphones

Subject: RE: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 13 May 20 - 10:15 AM

Try using the monitor button on the first track. You should then hear it whilst recording the second.

LFF

Subject: RE: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 13 May 20 - 11:22 AM

I don't use apple products, so not familiar with garageband..

But a commonly available option in much music software,
is intelligent harmonising,
if you want to google and explore the possibilities..

The results can be quick and quite convincing..

Knowledge of some music theory would be an advantage,
though trial and error can work [and be fun..]...

Subject: RE: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 13 May 20 - 12:27 PM

OP, to see if I'm understanding you correctly, in a general sense (I know zip about Garageband or other machines of that nature), you have one track (Track 1) already recorded. You wish to lay another track on there but you need to hear the track playing while you lay a harmony voice on track 1, right? The one question I have is do you have a second track available to use? One thing is for sure. Whatever you are going to overdub will have be done with headphones on else the original track will bleed into the one you're recording the harmony on. My limited knowledge says there are only two ways to deal with that and one of 'em is seriously chancy: a) sing the entire song and hope real hard you don't blow a a single note 2) wear earphones and record onto a second track, but don't allow the machine to 'hear' the first track as you record, just the second track. Think of the situation as you would if recording your voice to a track but listening to a drum track (to keep rhythm). When the cut is finished, because you weren't recording the drum track, just hearing it, it won't be there when you listen to the finished product.

Subject: RE: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: GUEST,Leslie Butler
Date: 15 May 20 - 12:52 AM

Thanks to all! I should have realised there's a reason the professionals wear headphones in the studio.

Subject: RE: Tech: GarageBand harmonising
From: Captain Swing
Date: 16 May 20 - 08:06 PM

As Freddie said, make sure the monitor button is switched to 'on' for the new track and wear head-phones when recording the second track.