How do you not suck at singing?

[Colton]

I've been working on my singing alot... It used to be terrible, but now its not so bad. I spend alot of time hitting chords/notes on the guitar and matching them, or attempting to sing a note thats supposed to be an E, then see if it matches.

Been singing along with alot of music.. Oasis, fuel, collective soul, Seven Mary Three, and (very strangely) Tool seem to be the easiest things for me to sing. Maynard hits some really high stuff I cant do, and some really long stuff I cant do either, but for the most part I dont have trouble.

Also, lately my singing seems to be coming more from my guts than my throat. Thats a good thing right?

Anyone have any tips for learning?

[DrumAndDestroy]

Sing along with Bad Religion cd...yeah it's punk and RP hates that.

but, Greg Graffin is easily one of the best singers in any genre of music

[DirtySanchez]

Fart into the microphone. Singing is over-rated.

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

Just bree

[bassist4life2004]

I've been working on my singing alot... It used to be terrible, but now its not so bad. I spend alot of time hitting chords/notes on the guitar and matching them, or attempting to sing a note thats supposed to be an E, then see if it matches.

Been singing along with alot of music.. Oasis, fuel, collective soul, Seven Mary Three, and (very strangely) Tool seem to be the easiest things for me to sing. Maynard hits some really high stuff I cant do, and some really long stuff I cant do either, but for the most part I dont have trouble.

Also, lately my singing seems to be coming more from my guts than my throat. Thats a good thing right?

Anyone have any tips for learning?

Sounds like you have it pretty well figured out. If you want to ramp things up a bit, i would play a root note on the guitar, then sing it's intervals the whole way up to an octave., for instance, play a G, then do its minor second, major second, minor 3rd, major 3rd, ect...the whole way to an octave, then move to a different note. Practice that and it should improve your singing. Also, check out breathing techniques online. Breathing is very important.

[BDR]

Bottom line, I don't think you can learn how to sing, but I think you can learn to sing properly. You can either form the notes or you can't. Don't believe me? Go to karaoke some time.

Breathing correctly is definitely the biggest part of the battle. The reason people struggle with high notes for example is because they don't have enough oxygen in reserve to blow it out of their face.

Bringing it from your diaphram (not out of your head or throat) is what you need to train yourself to do. And no matter what you might think, squinting or grimacing does not help you at all.

I know songsmith has good advice on this topic.

r:>)

[Banned]

Colton my Dad always said anyone can learn to sing look at Roy Clark he was horrible he stuck with it after all those years on Hee Haw he wasn't so bad. There are several on line voice courses you can take they help with breathing and timing. Do a web search they have really helped me. There are also several good local instructors that can help you out. One friend of mine joined a Church choir just to improve.
I have a voice recorder mounted in my truck I sing with the cd and play it back. recordings don't lie. It is a real good tool. Your young Colton go for it .

Too soon old too late smart
Debbie

[KyleMayket]

you have a right idea to sing from your gut (diaphram) If you're singing properly, i promise you, you're going to burp while singing. and you get almost all of your intonation from your sinuses, this is known as head singing, both are prefered over throat sounds. But keep up the good fight man, too little people are truely good at singing.

[Ron]

The reason people struggle with high notes for example is because they don't have enough oxygen in reserve to blow it out of their face.

BDR - The photosynthesizing singer.

[UNEARTHA7XMatt]

I agree with BDR that breathing is the toughest part to master. Once you get your breathing techniques down you should be alright. And Practice Practice Practice!

[Eldorado]

There is a book out on singing by a guy named Mark Baxter. I think it's called the "Rock Singer's Servival Guide."

Great book on proper vocal technique and the application toward Rock music.

[Merge]

There is a book out on singing by a guy named Mark Baxter. I think it's called the "Rock Singer's Servival Guide."

Great book on proper vocal technique and the application toward Rock music.

I own that book, it's an excellent resource for someone that is looking to become a better singer. It discusses breathing techniques, working the muscles around the vocal folds, and what foods to stay away from. I highly recommend this book.

[rickw]

I learned the hard way. Xeno used to practice at the D's. On one occasion I was struggling with a song and Paula noticed right away. She walked over to me and asked me to sing the line I was having trouble with while facing her. While I was trying to get it right she slammed her fist into my gut nearly dropping me to the ground! When I recovered she kindly explained that if I was singing correctly that punch wouldn't have been felt much at all! Lesson learned.

[tshovel]

yes my friend it seems to me that you are on the right track its all about the gut

if there is anything i can do to help let me know my friend!!

troy!

[songsmith]

+1. Your chest shouldn't rise or fall very much, if at all. The diaphragm is the muscle you use, and it sits below the ribs. Ribs only flex physiologically so they won't break as easy. That, and so you can fit out the doggy-door in the kitchen while her old man's coming in the front door.
A strong diaphragm comes from practice. My vocal cords are fairly fragile, still after all these years, but my diaphragm is almost TOO strong. When I get hiccups, they wrack my entire body. I've had to pull over while driving because they're so strong, it's like an epileptic seizure. Plus, if I'm someplace quiet, like a movie theater, people think I'm hiccuping loud on purpose. That comes from 25 years of singing, and 22 years of harmonica. Incidentally, harmonica reaaly works well for me to get warmed up vocally. It's all about powerful, controlled breathing, same as vocals. After playing harp on a song or two, I'm much more loosened up and ready to sing.-------->JMS

[Banned]

yes my friend it seems to me that you are on the right track its all about the gut

if there is anything i can do to help let me know my friend!!

troy!

I like to practice lying on my back on the floor you can feel if your breathing properly. Put your hand on your stomach and practice till you feel your chest rise and fall. It will become natural.

[bassist4life2004]

one of the best lessons ive ever learned in singing came from Dave Villani (Data music services). He told me that singing from your gut works, but if you want to achieve the best sound possible, you (this is gonna sound weird..) sing like you are holding a quarter between your ass cheeks. He said that it makes a big difference, its like squeezing a tube of tooth paste from the bottom, as apposed to squeezing it from the middle (like singing from the diaphragm) And i would listen to dave over anyone that ive met so far...A VERY knowledgeable man!!!!

The more air you push through your throat, and the harder you push air through, the less likely you are to blow out your vocal chords (like i did the night before our last 4Dee's gig) Its hard to get used to though. Another thing is, NEVER SIT DOWN AND SING!!!!! It will hurt more than help. Stand up, squeeze your ass cheeks together like you are trying to ruin boy george's weekend, and let er rip.

[DMFJ03]

How do you not suck at singing?

Because I am awesome?

[nakedtwister]

Hey Colton, glad to see you wanting to use the vocals. I told you before you can do it. All of the previous advice is great. I myself am going to use it. The only thing I can add is to follow their advise but don't forget that it's not just how well you sing. It's how powerful your music grasps your audience be it 3 or 3000. I never really liked Neil young as a vocalist but his songs are gripping. They make you eager to hear the next line. Since I have gotten reaquainted with the Blues my eyes have been opened.
Rock On Bro,
B1