I'd say have the most important tracks in front of you, esp. those subject
to changes or feedback, so that you can make quick changes when needed. I
don't think there's a norm other than that.
I tend to have the drums first, the bass, the vocals and then the other
instruments (guitar etc) on the last tracks.

wow same thing the mixer for the cuban band said when they passed through
her to do a gig.they used my sound system.but my point was that the vocals
were the most important so the main vocalshhould be on 1 and the backups on
2 3 4 ect,then piano and bass and drums over to the right,because
normally they don't require as much attention as the vocals.

I want instruments that need attention and effects returns close together if
possible. On a 48-56 channel board with the master section in the middle..this
calls for some Stretch Armstrong action.
John A. Chiara
SOS Recording Studio
Live Sound Inc.
Albany, NY
www.sosrecording.net
518-449-1637