[Nik]

Well, I'm getting desparate when it comes to finding a vocalist for my band, and as it has happened with virtually everything so far, I've decided to try to learn to do it myself rather than relying on others.

And if we find a vocalist in the meantime, at least I'll be able to do decent back-up.

But yeah, the title speaks for itself: I'm a novice to vocals, and I've always hated my voice, but I figure it's worth a shot anyway. I can stay in tune most of the time, and if I do go out of tune, I instantly know it (unlike many vocalists we've auditioned... )

Since I'm too embarassed to sing at home, one thing I've started doing for practice is to turn up my music in the car really loud and sing along, and I think it's really helping me. Any other suggestions/tricks/exercises for vocals?

I'm having a hard time doing proper vibrato and keeping my vocals consistent, any tips for that?

Thanks guys

[Popsyche]

Advice from the old choir singer. Don't trivialize how hard it is to do vocals. I recommend:

Learn proper breathing and support. Relax! Being verklemmt will make your tune drift and strain your vocal cords.

Think about what you are trying to accomplish. Also, don't hide behind that loud music. Try singing scales with your guitar, or sing without backup.

Feel that music and interpret it the way you would playing a solo. Learn to be confident.

[Nik]

Cool man, thanks. I guess it's the confidence that I lack.

I have a question:

is there some kind of magic that happens when you sing past a certain volume, or do you just apply a different technique in order to get a different singing voice from your talking voice.

I'm asking because, for example, the Disturbed vocalist doesn't talk in that raspy, slightly nasal metal voice when he talks, and a lot of vocalists sound very different at loud singing volume and at low volume.

Thanks!

[Korbain]

lol like phil anselmo? They probably just all put on the voice to sound scarey when they talk! My advice for singing is, as already said confidence! thats huge! When you get nervous it really affects how you sound, breathing at the right times. And i've found pushing from the stomache when singing gives it a bit more power too, and helps hold what your singing.

[Popsyche]

there are lots of different techniques for singing. It isn't just a function of volume. I'll try and describe some of this the best I can.

When we sing pp or ppp, we don't softer, we sing in something called "cry mode", which is not as loud, but very intense. It is like crying out the words, and singing more through your nose.

When at full bellow, we'll sing in "twang" mode which is deep and supported from the diaphragm. This is a more loud chest voice. I don't know your current range, but also sing the lower notes with more treble and the higher ones with a softer sound.

If you want to hear a little of what I'm talking about, and you can stand it, go to my band's Myspace, and listen to "Copies of You". That would be me again putting the harm in harmony! For sing lead(which I do in some songs), you just know your parts(confidence again), and then let it fly and let your creativity take over!

[Nik]

Thanks a LOT fellas, lots of helpful info here

Last batch of questions: any other sort of specific exercises to help me? Any tips for doing vibrato?

Oh, and any tips on getting that raspy, grungy Nickelback-quality into vocals?

[Drew]

I can't help you on that last one - my voice is just naturally a bit raspy when I sing, and I'm not sure why.

I'm also curious on how you do vocal vibrato.

What I CAN help you with, however, is if you beg nicely I'll post clips of me singing - I'm so absolutely shitty that it'd do wonders for your confidence.

[Makelele]

I guess vibrato comes with practice. I don't know if i can do it, but I guess it might be possible to judge from this clip: http://koti.mbnet.fi/nikinmaa/As%20Summer%20Fades.mp3

sorry for the bad microphone (and the lyrics).

[Nik]

Drew - by all means, post samples. I'm sure your singing isn't too bad Everyone on these forums seems to belittle themselves before posting kick-ass clips, I guess to look modest

Originally Posted by Makelele

I guess vibrato comes with practice. I don't know if i can do it, but I guess it might be possible to judge from this clip: http://koti.mbnet.fi/nikinmaa/As%20Summer%20Fades.mp3

sorry for the bad microphone (and the lyrics).

I like it Sounds like you're in a similar vocal range as me. I can kind of sound like that, but I just can't do that nice vibrato you do, nor do I have good control.

I guess what I was asking is if vibrato is a sort of thing where you push your voice a certain way and it comes out, or if you actually consciously change the pitch really fast like you would normally change notes.

[Popsyche]

Originally Posted by Nik

Drew - by all means, post samples. I'm sure your singing isn't too bad Everyone on these forums seems to belittle themselves before posting kick-ass clips, I guess to look modest



I like it Sounds like you're in a similar vocal range as me. I can kind of sound like that, but I just can't do that nice vibrato you do, nor do I have good control.

I guess what I was asking is if vibrato is a sort of thing where you push your voice a certain way and it comes out, or if you actually consciously change the pitch really fast like you would normally change notes.

You change the pitch of your voice. Practice by singing a straight note and then sliding a 1/2 step above and a 1/2 step below slowly at first, and then speed the cycles up. Try this at no more than a medium volume. When you can get a comfortable speed, try changing notes so you can see how it feels throughout your entire range. Also, you don't need to make the pitch change that drastic. After some practice, you'll get the feel for it!

One other thing about breathing. Learn to 'lock and load' . Fill up your lungs and lock your diaphragm to support the notes, especially long sustained ones. This will also make it much easier to stay in key. Plan where you will breathe in the song, too. Choose the place between certain lines that is logical.

The rasp if it is not natural, you should learn later after you get some technique. It can be very damaging.