Spoiler

post scrapped from reddit

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1. Silence is an element of a musical piece
In the context of vocal chops, this principle has to be applied with surgical precision — we don’t expect it to be acceptable to leave a silence for half a bar or more. Instead, we expect space for the rest of the potential sounds, and this should be done as often as possible until the intended result is achieved.

Therefore, do NOT put notes everywhere you can — it won’t get you anywhere and will just waste your time.

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2. Modify the notes durations

If your software and, most importantly, note allows it, try shortening or (less often) lengthening its current duration.

This can make the pattern more rhythmic, but it also can sacrifice the fullness of the sound, so use this technique with caution.

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3. Create chords (layering)

As long as the tones of the chopped vocals and their spectral properties allow (consonants and vowels do not sound identical), try playing them at the same time — let two play at once instead of just one.

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4. Meter change

Use temporary time signature changes within bars. This is more commonly known as “triplet” in electronic (4/4) music and with appropriate management can add the infamous groove to the pattern.

Do not humanize, unless it is mandatory for the inappropriately sampled vocal chop. As long as the rest of the musical piece doesn’t highlight this technique, it isn’t harmful. Otherwise, it can be distracting to the listener.

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5. Use subtle pitch change (slide/portamento)

If the software allows it, modify the pitch of specific chops — not to achieve a different sound (which is also possible), but to tonally match this chop to the next one.

Using this technique repetitively can force the change of other musical elements melodies in order for the entire piece to stay consistent, so use with extreme caution.

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6. Use subtle volume changes (velocity)

As above, but with volume. For example, if one chop is duplicated for quarter of the bar, let it's volume increase TO the current level.

Possibilities aren't endless, but enough to satisfy both you and the listener.

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7. Consider using soft effects to increase interest

Raw chops are rarely interesting, unless preprocessed. Reverb is an example effect that can add the depth to any sound. On the other hand, filter (LP/HP/etc) is an effect that can help visualize the future of the current pattern.

Delay is prohibited as it is effect that repeats notes in a given range, which can give the overwhelming feeling of repeated notes.

As long as the vocals aren't in stereo, you may also use chorus, flanger, phaser or other widening or detuning effects.

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8. Expect setbacks

Due to their nature, vocal chops are tiring to listen to — they mostly consist of short sounds that, after prolonged exposure, discourage further work.

You should therefore prepare yourself for failures in pattern arrangement and for breaks that WILL “clear” your ears. The longer, the better — you’ll be able to catch more flaws.

 

I read it and put it in the recycling bin.