A method of forming a composite belt structure for a tire is disclosed. The composite belt structure has cord reinforced layers including at least two radially outer zigzag belt layers. The cords per inch in the shoulder portion are greater than the cords per inch in the central portion as measured centered on the centerplane of the belt structure. The method discloses the steps of applying a multicord reinforced strip having a strip width SW onto a rotating crowned building drum, the strip being wound in a zigzag configuration to form at least two zigzag layers, wherein the crowned drum has non-overlapping portions of the strip placed in a central portion and extending in alternation to a pair of shoulder portions having portions of the strips overlapping to form belt layers.