So I am looking at vocalists.. this is what I notice

[Kapo_Polenton]

When compared to guitar players or drummers, there seem to be a whole lot more vocalists who are terrible. I was perusing this forum : http://themodernvocalist.punbb-hosting. ... ?id=27&p=3 and listening to the clips people posted for critique. I am doing this because i am unsure of my own vocal ability and i have a sound in my head for the stuff that I am currently writing. Turns out I might as well sing myself given the lack of talent I see all over youtube and on forums like that one.

Anyone else notice this? I have often heard that singing can be learned to a certain degree.. I'm not sure I believe that anymore. Seems like everyone with a mic and some verb thinks they can sing.You either have the tone and and ear for pitch as your starting point, or you don't. Everything else is add on. I remember jamming with some dude who's voice seemed burned out from years of smoking and drinking. 8 tall boys in, he gets on his piano and belts out some Journey. It sounded very good. Then you've got people who have taken a hundred vocal lessons and still lack vibrato of any type. Anyone else notice this? Unfortunately I think the 80's have ruined me.. great singers like Ray Gillen are diamonds in the rough. Good luck finding those guys!

 

[Anonymous]

I think you can for sure learn to sing in tune and from the diaphragm, but the quality and sound of your voice is something you are born with. I do think some people have a natural ability to sing in tune, while others have to learn it.

Steve

 

[dirtyfunkg]

I think it's having a decent ear + a huge dose of confidence. Alcohol goes a long way towards the confidence front for some people. Singing is an utterly naked thing to have to do in front of people. If you're off key on guitar, people take far less notice. If your voice sounds off, people know, and they cringe.

The resonance and tone part of singing--everyone has the potential unless they have serious sinus problems. They'll always have their own tone though. I will never sound like Layne Staley, regardless of whether or not I can confidently hit every note (and then some) that he could hit.

There are a lot of exercises meant to help people figure each person's resonance positions out, all based on the way you position yourself and your facial, neck, and chest/diaphragm/abdominal muscles.

The attitude and ear, maybe not so much.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Tone is the clincher though.. good technique can be learned I agree but the timing and tone is not as easy to come by.