Can wail on guitar...But can't sing a lick!
 

Hi Goldy Here,
Been in Nashville for over 20 years. Helped many big country artists get airplay on radio. Decided to hire 2 of the best guitar teachers (2 distinct different teaching styles) to help me get to where I expected to be right now. My biggest problem has always been trying to sing. I've always been a pretty good musician on a few other instruments, but for some reason, I still can't sing! I have actually been on stage and had the bass player pull the mike away from me (while I was singing the harmony!) Anyone out there that can recommend a true, tried and tested course or maybe a teacher out there? Would appreciate any input.

Here's an idea. Play punk music. Boom, no singing necessary! Just make whatever guttural noises come out of your moth hole, and boom. You're doing it right!

Hi Goldy,

I'm sure there are a few excellent vocal instructors in Nashville, check a few out, someone should be able to isolate your problem and rectify it.

In the meantime, even though I know it's simple and you probably have done it, take a piano or guitar and make yourself sing scales with the instrument, then find an interval and harmonize with the instrument, keep checking your intonation with the note being played . . . boring but works. You gotta get it in your ear, the vibrations of harmony notes.

do you have problems hitting notes or does your voice just sound bad?

I fall into the latter category, and it's quite unfortunate for me.

i can mimic other people's singing if I tried hard enough

what i do is sing along when the record is on and try to modulate my pitch and timbre to suit the record's singer

if all else fails, invent something like black metal country and just scream to your heart's content

That is exactly what I have to do but if I have to sing original material and I have nothing to compare it to and mimic then I'm pretty sure I sound awful to others.

i use other people's inflexions sometimes for my own songs

i did one song using Peter Noone's voice (Herman's Hermits)

This. This right here.

Or rap/country. No need to sing well, just have the ability to speak in rhyme well. And hey, while playing guitar? Then you'd be original!

Heck, I'd listen to you.

Ironically, I just finished mastering a Bowie song where I imitated something between Bowie's, Eno's voices but as if Bela Lagosi was singing . . . :confused:

Perhaps this is too obvious, but, hire a singer?

some people just like singing too much

i'm not what you call a good singer myself but I'd much rather sing my own songs rather than have some poncey twat sing them

Try a different musical style (blues, rock, etc, etc) -- you don't have to sing well, but your singing should fit the material.

Thanks for your input. Just started with a renouned coach and I'm alredy better. I'll keep ou posted!

After my 1st vocal lesson... You are right. Must feel what you sing!

Found a great vocal coach!! I'm already singing better and actually found some hope. I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Got a great vocal coach and what I learned was not to mimic anyone else...make it your own! I'm already singing a little better!

Like they say on American Idol... Make it your own. This is something I just learned this week after a vocal lesson!

I appreciate that. when I post my progress, I hope you will listen to it. Thanks!

Just discovering that, you are so right! Thanks

Yeah, another thing that people have been noting...you don't really have to be a great singer. Frankly, Jeff Mangum is an awful singer. But he's still the singer on one of the most beloved albums of all time that consistently finds itself on the top 10 lists of a lot of people's favorites ever.

You're probably right. I started my lessons w/ a song I liked, but not really suited for my voice. Still a nice challenge. I'll pick the right song when I'm finished with the current one. I'll let you know what happens!

For that matter, neither are Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmeister, Dave Mustaine, Johnny Rotten, a whole lot of blues singers, etc. They all suck, and yet are fantastic at what they do.

I'm embarrassed to even ask. I'm sure I know the band. Who is he with?

You give me great hope. I'm taping my lessons. i'll will keep you posted if you're interested.

Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Megadeth, Sex Pistols, various blues groups.

Can wail on guitar...But can't sing a lick!
 

It boggles me that I didn't know that! Thanks

Geez dude, just look at almost any example in the punk genre. The singers sometimes seem to purposefully sing badly.