It’s no secret that singing is a great way to show off your vocal prowess, but what if you’re a guy and you’re not sure how to get started? Luckily, we’ve got some helpful tips to get you on your way! Keep reading to learn more.
How Can a Guy Get Better at Singing
As any musician knows, practice is essential for improving your vocal skills. Here are a few tips for all the guy singers out there:
- Warm up – by taking the time to warm up your voice and strengthening your vocal muscles, you can gradually increase your range and power.
- Listen to recordings – listening to recordings of great singers can help you to develop a better understanding of how to produce beautiful sounds.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques – from vibrato to head voice, there are many different ways to add interest and variety to your singing.
With a little dedication and effort, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your vocal skills will improve.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask your singing instructor for tips on how to improve. Below is a video with even more information about all the benefits of singing lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQyFZ6Lh-mc
Tips on How to Sing Better for Guys
The basics of singing are the same for everybody — vocalists should be aware of unnecessary tension in your throat or body, maintaining good breath support, and never forcing your voice beyond its natural range. The principles are the same whether you are singing opera or rock.
However, there are elements of vocal technique and style which apply to different genres and voice types, and some singing tips for guys that are as important for the next budding Pavarotti as for the aspiring death-metal frontman.
Vocal Range
The most basic and important thing to establish is your vocal range. Although voices can undergo considerable change as you mature, the basic sound and pitch of your speaking voice can give a good indication of where your voice might sit comfortably. For example, if you sound like you’ve gargled with gravel when you speak, no amount of training is going to turn you into a high tenor! The basic classical voice types for guys are:
- Tenor – the highest natural male voice range, and usually the hero in operas, or the young male lead in music theatre.
- Baritone – the most common voice type for untrained male voices, often used for “everyman” roles.
- Bass – the lowest male voice range. True basses are really quite rare, and bass roles are often cast with “baritones with low notes.”
Another less common male voice type is the male alto, or counter-tenor. Singing exclusively in the falsetto (high) range, this voice type can sound other-worldly, and is used to great effect in classical music, particularly in the baroque era.
It’s important not to force notes that you don’t really have. You can’t turn someone into something they’re not – again, use the colors in your singing voice as a clue. Even if your range is relatively limited, a brighter, lighter sound implies that with training, you’re likely to have a higher vocal range.
Additional Singing Tips For Guys
- Know your voice — not just your range, but how your voice works when you’re not feeling your best. Avoid singing when you’re sick if you can, but since we are our instruments, we all have days when we’re not 100%, but still have to produce the goods. Know what you can and can’t do comfortably on these days.
- Avoid anything that will damage your voice — this means smoking, some prescription medications (talk to your doctor), excessive alcohol consumption, and throat clearing. If this is a habit for you, break it as soon as you can.
Singers and Singing Styles
No discussion of singing tips for guys would be complete without considering artists who have taken their art form to a world-class level. Let’s consider probably two of the most distinctive male voices of the last century — the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and Freddie Mercury, the charismatic frontman of British rock supergroup Queen.
Even though their musical genres couldn’t be further apart, they have more vocal similarities than they do differences. They both have extraordinary vocal facility and freedom. Pavarotti’s golden, bright, rich-toned vocal style incorporated the Italian “sob” — a technique particularly used in verismo (“realistic”) operas. Mercury’s extraordinary vocal agility, attention to words, and stunning musicianship made an impression on many.
Be Yourself
There is no surer way to failure than to try to be someone you’re not. This is especially true when it comes to singing. In order to truly connect with your audience and deliver a powerful performance, you need to be comfortable in your own skin. That means accepting your voice for what it is and learning to work with its unique qualities.
Trying to copy the style of another singer will only make you sound forced and unnatural. Instead, focus on finding your own voice and expressing yourself through song. If you can do that, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great singer.
Work on Your Posture
Good posture is essential for any singer, but it is especially important for male singers. Unfortunately, many men sing with poor posture, which can lead to a number of problems.
Poor posture can cause strain on the vocal cords, leading to fatigue and a loss of pitch control. It can also cause shallow breathing, which can limit the amount of air that the lungs can take in. As a result, male singers who want to improve their singing should focus on achieving good posture.
First, stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin level. Then, relax your jaw and let your mouth fall open slightly. Finally, take a deep breath and allow your stomach to expand.
Practice Vocal Exercises
One way to improve your singing voice as a guy is to practice vocal exercises. These exercises help to build up the muscles in your throat and improve your breathing technique. As a result, you will be able to hold notes for longer periods of time and hit higher notes with ease. In addition, practicing vocal exercises on a regular basis can also help to prevent vocal problems such as hoarseness and nodules from developing.
So if you want to improve your singing voice, be sure to add some vocal exercises to your daily routine.
Singing Tips for Teenage Guys
As any teenage guy knows, singing in front of others can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, there are a few simple tips that can help to make the experience less daunting. First, it’s important to choose a song that you’re comfortable with.
Pick something that you know well and that you enjoy singing.
Next, take some time to warm up your vocal cords before you start singing. This will help you to avoid any strain or discomfort. Finally, focus on your breath control.
Taking deep breaths will help you to project your voice and stay on pitch. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master your nerves and deliver a great performance.
Singing Tips for Beginners – Guys, Pay Attention!
As you improve your skills, keep these singing tips in mind and always keep your particular vocal style in mind. You’ll begin to notice what works and what doesn’t for your range, and capitalizing on that will make you an even better singer!
So, if you’re a guy and you want to start singing, where should you begin? Just follow these simple tips, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to becoming the next American Idol! Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it and don’t give up. And most importantly of all, have fun with it!
Who knows? You might just surprise yourself. Start practicing and taking singing lessons today and see how far you can go. Do any of our readers have any additional tips for aspiring male singers? Let us know in the comments below!
Shanika