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Vocals: Playing and Singing
One of the hardest things to do is
to play guitar and sing at the same time.
I know in my own career it has been the
part that always needed the most work.
How many times have you seen someone
try to play a song but the guitar part
is full of mistakes or the vocals are
too low, words are forgotten or the
timing is off.
I have been guilty of all of the above
many times.
Over the years I have come up with a system
that helps me get both parts right.
Nothing feels better when you can belt
out the words because you know the guitar
part is second nature.
There really is only one way to feel confident
and secure in both vocals and instrument.
Simply learn each separately and then once
each is mastered put them back together.
First I like to start with guitar.
I go slow. Lern the chords and work on
the timing.
You will find the timing is the most important
element if you are going to accompany your
own vocals.
I first go over the lyrics section.
Usually songs are broken into Lyrics and chorus.
Everything else bridges the two.
If the song has a straight ahead rythm then
I can get through it pretty quickly. Usually
for most songs there are only a handful of
chords behind the lyrics. (For Jazzier tunes
this is not the case.)
Once I have a pretty good feel for the chord
progression I will start to add the words.
Very quickly I will see where I am not comfortable.
I then go over those parts I need to shore up
and then add the words again to see if I have it.
I like to get at least one section down so
I feel a sense of accomplishment and am motivated to
finish the rest of the song.
I then repeat the same process for the Chorus.
Once I have both the lyrics and the chorus down
I look at the bridge.
Often times the bridge will have a "must have"
riff that needs to be played strongly to keep
the song going...
Hey if the bridge goes out you end up in
the river!
Since the bridge is usally short I will go over
it and over it until it is second nature.
Now it is time to put it all together.
I go through the song a dozen times or
more and when I think I am ready to
play the song in concert I play in
front of my toughest critic.. ME.
I will play in front of a mirror.
This will quickly let me know if I
am ready. If I can't play the song without
looking down at the fretboard (other than
dramatic affect) I am not ready.
The only thing that stands between you
and playing a song correctly with power and
conviction is time.
How would you like to have the same vocal
coach as grammy winner Keith Urban.
Now you can. Let em introduce you to
Brett Manning.
Here is what Keith Urban said about Brett:
"Brett, you make me sound so good!"
-Keith Urban
Grammy-nominated
Country Singer, 2005
CMA Male Vocalist
of the Year, 2004 + 2005!
and also 9-Time Grammy winner
Mark Kibble of Take 6
"Brett has given me the keys to get the most out of my voice."
Then list of successful singing students go and on:
"Brett possesses a fully integrated knowledge and systematic
approach to developing a healthy, natural sound, combined
with a wonderful artistic sensibility, keen ear and
positive approach.
Brett is my first and only voice teacher.
Since studying with him I have added over
a half octave to my voice and feel an easy
release throughout my entire vocal range.
I can recommend Brett to professionals at
the top of their game, as well as those taking
their first steps to discovering their potential
and everyone in between."
Steve Cosmo Mallardi
Broadway Musical Director:
Les Miserables and Jekyll and Hyde
Will you be ready for American Idol?
For more information simply click on this link:
Start Singing Now- Click Here
I hope you enjoyed this lesson.
Keep on pickin (and singing),
Andrew
Check out Brett's students before and after:
Before and
After Click Here
Vocals
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