Arts >> Music >> Songs & Lyrics

How to Write Backmasked Songs

Writing songs with backmasked, or backwards, parts in them is a practice some songwriters do to give their listeners a little something extra. It's a technique that, upon listening, some may notice right away, while others may never notice. Musical parts, spoken-word phrases and lyrics may be backmasked within a song. The key to backmasking is using software which allows a track to be played and saved in reverse. It also works best if the backmasked segments blend well with the forward tracks during that part of a song.

Things You'll Need

  • Recording software
  • Recording equipment or computer
  • Musical instruments
  • Microphone
Show More

Instructions

  1. Backmasking Via Technology

    • 1

      Compose a song, including all basic parts: vocals, instrumental arrangements, harmonies, bridge, chorus, verses.

    • 2

      Practice the various parts, either alone or with other musicians, until you are satisfied with the results.

    • 3

      Record a draft of the song with each instrument and vocal on its own track.

    • 4

      Play the song back several times, paying close attention. Decide where the backmasking belongs, as well as what instrument or vocal tracks will be backmasked.

    • 5

      Record your soon-to-be-backmasked instrument or vocal section on its own track.

    • 6

      Open the not-yet-backmasked track in your recording program. Reverse the track according to the directions within the recording program.

    • 7

      Play back the reversed track and save it once satisfied with the results. Re-record it or choose another idea to reverse if not satisfied.

    • 8

      Insert the newly-reversed track into the previously recorded song where desired.

    • 9

      Raise or lower the volume level of all tracks until satisfied with the mix.

    Backmasking by Learning Backwards Parts

    • 10

      Compose and record a basic song as outlined above.

    • 11

      Choose a phrase to backmask. Play, sing or say the phrase and record this on its own.

    • 12

      Reverse the track through recording software as in Section 1.

    • 13

      Play back the reversed track repeatedly, memorizing how to play, sing or say it in its new backwards form.

    • 14

      Record yourself playing, singing or saying words backwards as a new track.

    • 15

      Insert this new track into the original song, where desired.

Songs & Lyrics

Related Categories