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

goldy54 · 09-02-2011, 06:45 PM

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.

Blarobbarg · 09-02-2011, 07:33 PM

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!

SIRIUSB · 09-02-2011, 07:52 PM

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.

goldy54 · 09-05-2011, 03:11 PM

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

YorkeDaddy · 09-02-2011, 08:05 PM

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.

Howard the Duck · 09-03-2011, 12:22 AM

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

djchameleon · 09-03-2011, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Duce

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

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.

Howard the Duck · 09-03-2011, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

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)

SIRIUSB · 09-03-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Duce

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

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

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 . . .

Blarobbarg · 09-03-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Duce

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

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.

09-02-2011, 06:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
goldy54 Groupie Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9	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.

09-02-2011, 07:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Blarobbarg Do good. Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 2,065	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!

09-02-2011, 07:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
SIRIUSB Luciferian Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 278	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.

09-05-2011, 03:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
goldy54 Groupie Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9	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

09-02-2011, 08:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
YorkeDaddy silky smooth Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pangaea Posts: 4,079	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.