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  #1  
Old 11-03-2017, 01:08 PM
Riverwolf Riverwolf is offline
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Default Tips for when you know that you have a lousy voice?

That's me.
One thing becomes clear as I record myself more, mostly to listen for mistakes, timing, etc.
I have a crappy voice.
I seem to be almost monotone.

There is some famous players with less than ideal voices.
How do they do it?

Tips?
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  #2  
Old 11-03-2017, 01:13 PM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverwolf View Post
That's me.
One thing becomes clear as I record myself more, mostly to listen for mistakes, timing, etc.
I have a crappy voice.
I seem to be almost monotone.

There is some famous players with less than ideal voices.
How do they do it?

Tips?
Wolf,
They write engaging, meaningful songs that they believe in.

People notice emotional content.

HE
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  #3  
Old 11-03-2017, 01:16 PM
HHP HHP is offline
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Start a Norman Blake cover band?
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Old 11-03-2017, 01:23 PM
Tony Done Tony Done is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Emerson View Post
Wolf,
They write engaging, meaningful songs that they believe in.

People notice emotional content.

HE
Bob Dylan, for example.
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  #5  
Old 11-03-2017, 01:51 PM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony Done View Post
Bob Dylan, for example.
Neil Young, Tom Waits, Randy Newman, Leon Russell, Leonard Cohen, et al.
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  #6  
Old 11-03-2017, 02:03 PM
JerrysGuitarBar JerrysGuitarBar is offline
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Try writing your own originals (if you haven't already). All these less-than-great singers are great at defining their own songs.
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  #7  
Old 11-03-2017, 02:29 PM
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cotten cotten is offline
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Too many people assume that if you have a lousy voice, you're stuck with it. Not so! True, some people are gifted, and sing well without much help at all, just like with playing sports or instruments or doing most anything. BUT a good voice teacher, one who understands your goals and is willing and equipped to help you achieve them, can make a world of difference!

If you'd rather just cope with the voice you have now, there are ways, but I would encourage you to not just settle, but make it better!

cotten
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Old 11-03-2017, 02:56 PM
FrankHudson FrankHudson is offline
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If your problem is limited range, there are plenty of singers who have engaged large audiences with a limited range. As you listen to your recordings ask yourself why someone should give up 3-5 minutes of their time to listen to it. When you can answer the question by having an engaging story to tell, or a way of telling it that lures them to stop to hear it, you've solved your problem.
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  #9  
Old 11-03-2017, 03:14 PM
Puerto Player Puerto Player is offline
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Start singing a couple songs every day. I think using a mic/PA setup helped me develop my voice. I honestly believe almost anybody can sing with enough practice.
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Old 11-03-2017, 03:16 PM
Tony Done Tony Done is offline
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My solution was easy, I become an accompanist in a duo.
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  #11  
Old 11-03-2017, 09:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverwolf View Post
That's me.
One thing becomes clear as I record myself more, mostly to listen for mistakes, timing, etc.
I have a crappy voice.
I seem to be almost monotone.

There is some famous players with less than ideal voices.
How do they do it?

Tips?
My guitar instructor way back when told me that his mother was a professional singer. She taught him to sing the correct notes and in key, etc. He also said his voice just didn't sound pleasing and as a result didn't play guitar and sing. So, from this I gather you could take singing lessons to at least have a voice that can sing the right notes at the right times. I think that's more than half the battle.

Me? I just hum occasionally
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Old 11-03-2017, 11:53 PM
ManyMartinMan ManyMartinMan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cotten View Post
Too many people assume that if you have a lousy voice, you're stuck with it. Not so! ....a good voice teacher, ...can make a world of difference! ...
Exactly. Singing is an "instrument" and you have to learn how to control it. Anyone who thinks that it is as simple as opening the mouth and "singing" doesn't understand the complexity of abdominal, chest and head "singing". If you want to master your "instrument" you will need instruction. It's part of every university's performance program.
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Old 11-04-2017, 04:55 AM
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Bob Womack Bob Womack is online now
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You could be like Leo Kottke and joke before songs about your voice sounding like "geese farts on a muggy day."

Bob
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  #14  
Old 11-04-2017, 06:20 AM
gfsark gfsark is offline
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The simple advice is: learn how to sing. Take lessons, hire a coach, go to school. I started on such a quest 4 years by hiring a voice teacher. Wow was it hard! It took a few years to learn the basics and a year after that to begin to like my voice.

The benefits to becoming a singer:
1. Singers get most of the glory and attention when on stage
2. If you sing, you’ll be seen not just heard
3. If you want to be the upfront band leader, being the lead singer is better than being the guitarist/accompaniest.
4. Singing is much more physical than guitar. You’ll get an incredible aerobic workout if you sing for an hour, especially if you’re the lead or soloist.
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  #15  
Old 11-04-2017, 07:36 AM
hardydog hardydog is offline
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I did my first open mic night a few months ago, I got good feedback. I stated that I didn't think my singing was any good and one far more experienced player/ singer replied "you will find your voice if you practice" another said to practice using a mic as it should be viewed as an instrument in its own right. I now practice with a mic and my wife ( my biggest critic ) says I've improved so much. I agree totally with Puerto Player we can all sing, practice will help you find your voice.
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