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Core Path 1 · Training Path 3 · Stage 2Identify the Exact Problem Before You Choose a Repair You protected the source in Chapter 1. Now prove what is actually wrong before touching it. “The voice sounds off,” “the chorus needs more,” and “the ending is weak” are starting reactions. They are not diagnoses. Describe what is happening before deciding what should fix it. Save on this devicePrint / Save as PDFDownload diagnosis recordClear answersThis lesson is the workbook. Your answers stay in this browser until you download, print, or clear them. WORKING TIME35–60 minutes CREDITS REQUIREDNone GENERATION REQUIREDNo RESULTProblem Isolation Record 1Protect 2Diagnose 3Decide 4Repair 5Compare 6Approve 7Handoff What You Will Produce one selected problem one start and end time one observable problem statement one affected layer one impact statement one Preserve List risk one severity and confidence score one diagnosis route and next action Generation is not diagnosis. More output can hide the fact that you still do not know what is wrong. Carry Forward Your Chapter 1 Evidence Project name Song title Protected source title and link Strongest protected qualities Preserve List summary Initial problem statement from Chapter 1 Step 1 — Build a Problem Queue You may hear several issues. Log them briefly, then choose only one for full diagnosis. Trying to diagnose everything at once creates the same confusion as trying to repair everything at once. Issue Timestamp Listener impact 1–5 Repair risk 1–5 Priority Selected problem for this lesson Why this problem has priority Step 2 — Separate Reaction from Observation Reaction language the vocal is bad the chorus lacks something the second verse feels weird the ending needs more energy it does not sound professional Observable language the lead vocal becomes thinner between 1:12 and 1:24 two words are difficult to understand because the line is rushed the guitar pulse drops before the chorus the final chorus enters at the same intensity as the previous chorus the replacement section introduces a brighter vocal tone than the surrounding source My first reaction What I can actually hear What a listener may experience because of it What still works inside the same section Step 3 — Define the Problem Boundary The smaller and clearer the boundary, the easier it is to choose a repair later. Do not replace thirty seconds to solve a three-second problem unless the evidence supports it. Section Start time End time Does the issue repeat elsewhere? No — local Yes — repeated Yes — global Uncertain Is it present before this range? Is it present after this range? What evidence proves the boundary? Step 4 — Classify the Affected Layer The right fix must match the real size and layer of the problem. Control does not mean forcing certainty. Here, it means reducing uncertainty enough to make the next decision responsibly. Primary affected layer Concept or purpose Lyrics or structure Vocal performance Instrumental performance Arrangement Sound or production Edit-chain continuity or drift Technical or delivery Rights or permission Uncertain Secondary affected layer, if any None Concept or purpose Lyrics or structure Vocal performance Instrumental performance Arrangement Sound or production Edit-chain continuity or drift Technical or delivery Rights or permission Uncertain Why this layer is the best current classification Step 5 — Separate Symptom from Possible Cause The first thing you hear may be the symptom, not the cause. Symptom: The chorus feels weak. Possible causes: the melody lacks contrast; the vocal intensity does not rise; the arrangement is already too dense before the chorus; the drums do not change; the lyric payoff is weak; or the verse is already too intense. Symptom I can observe Possible cause 1 Evidence for or against cause 1 Possible cause 2 Evidence for or against cause 2 Possible cause 3 Evidence for or against cause 3 Step 6 — Compare the Evidence Use comparisons to identify when the problem first appeared. This is especially important after a replacement, extension, cover, remix, remaster, uploaded-audio workflow, or outside edit. Parent version or earlier source Protected source Alternate candidate or edited branch When did the issue first appear? What does the comparison prove? Step 7 — Test Whether the Problem Holds Up I listened again after a short break. I checked on headphones or reliable speakers. I checked whether the issue repeats. I compared another version or parent source where possible. I considered whether another listener would notice the same issue. I judged the issue against the song’s purpose, not only my annoyance. Step 8 — Score Impact, Risk, and Confidence Listener impact: 1–5 Project-purpose impact: 1–5 Repair risk: 1–5 Diagnosis confidence: 1–5 Why these scores are justified A high annoyance score is not automatically a high project-impact score. Some imperfections are real but do not deserve the repair risk. Step 9 — Check the Preserve List Risk Which protected qualities are closest to this problem? What would disqualify a future repair? Maximum safe repair range What must remain recognizably the same? When the Right Decision Is Not to Repair A problem can be real and still not be worth repairing. Control includes knowing when to accept, defer, or route the issue elsewhere. Accept or defer when most listeners are unlikely to notice the song’s purpose still works repair risk is higher than the benefit the issue can be handled later outside the platform the imperfection contributes to character Continue diagnosis when the problem cannot be bounded several causes remain equally plausible the affected layer is unclear different versions solve different parts the issue may be technical rather than creative Case Study — The Last Light Home Starting reaction: “The second verse sounds wrong.” First observation: The second lyric line feels rushed. Boundary: 1:18–1:24. Confirmed issue: The words “last light home” overlap rhythmically and lose intelligibility. Secondary issue: The guitar pulse drops under the last phrase from 1:26–1:31. Classification: Vocal performance plus arrangement continuity. Diagnosis decision: These are related but separate issues. No repair method is selected yet. Not yet decided: Replace Section, Cover, Extend, prompt change, manual edit, or full regeneration. Choose the Diagnosis Route Accept imperfectionThe issue is real but not important enough to justify the risk. Gather more evidenceThe boundary, layer, or cause is not yet reliable. Return to TP2The problem is conceptual, lyrical, structural, or foundational. Continue to the next TP3 lessonThe problem is bounded enough to define repair constraints. Manual or outside edit candidateThe problem may be better handled in a DAW, editor, or by another producer. Route to TP4The song is stable enough to finish and the remaining imperfection is acceptable. Rights holdPermission, source material, voice, likeness, cover, remix, or upload rights remain unresolved. ASK JACKYou need help separating layers, causes, versions, or repair risk. Diagnosis status Accept imperfection Gather more evidence Return to TP2 Continue to next TP3 lesson Manual or outside edit candidate Route to TP4 Rights hold ASK JACK needed Why this route fits Next action Date updated ASK JACK Diagnosis Brief Use support when the issue cannot be bounded, two versions solve different parts, repeated repairs damage protected qualities, or you cannot tell whether the problem is creative or technical. Protected-source link Problem timestamp Observable issue Preserve List risk Possible causes Comparison links or evidence Specific question for Jack Diagnosis Record Completion Check I selected one problem. I defined a start and end boundary. I described what is audibly happening. I identified the likely affected layer. I explained why the issue matters. I identified nearby Preserve List risks. I separated the symptom from possible causes. I scored impact, repair risk, and confidence. I selected a diagnosis route. I did not choose a repair method prematurely. DIAGNOSIS RECORD COMPLETE — AWAITING PRESERVE DECISION Next: Decide What Must Stay The next lesson will turn your Chapter 1 Preserve List into specific repair constraints, acceptable variation, and failure conditions before any repair method is selected. Do not edit yet. Previous lessonReturn to Member Hub Lesson version 3.0 · Rebuilt as an on-page diagnosis system · July 27, 2026

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