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To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Date sent: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 18:31:17 -0000
Subject: Re: beginner at singing, looking for help
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Brian

I know how you feel. I started playing the guitar just over ten years
ago really more because I wanted to sing than play the guitar. I have
been frustrated for years by my inability to get all those things you
are searching for - clarity, sustain, etc.

I am no expert, so I can only give you my personal experience.

The main thing I found was that I was trying too hard! I could sit
down and if I tried hard I could 'sound like Bob Marley', well
obviously not really, but I was getting close in my own little mind.

But hey, guess what - I am not Bob Marley and I never will be. The
only way I can sing with clarity and all the rest is to sing with *my*
voice.

It is so easy to be sooooo critical of your own singing when playing
guitar, or in any singing situation that you only think you sound good
when you sound like the singer(s) you have been inspired by.

I bet that your voice is a lot less "poor" than you think.

Another thing to remember is never forget the power of the capo!

I have a baritone vocal range, but I find some songs easier to sing
in a higher pitch. I struggled for years trying to sing a lovely tune by
Jethro Tull called "Wondering Aloud". Ian Anderson has a fairly
deep voice, so I could not understand why I could not copy his
singing comfortably. I then found out that he uses the capo on the
second fret which allows him to sing slightly higher rather than
starting out low and less bright.

After finding out how to really use the capo I have not looked back
in my enjoyment of playing and singing.

I hope you continue to have lots of fun.

John


> i am a guitarist who wishes to sing better.
> i have the ability to play and sing simultaneously,
> but my voice is poor.
> i believe that i can achieve a better voice through
> excercise and practice.
> the trouble is, is that i don't know the proper excercises,
> and i know that there are various ways you can damage
> your vocal chords.
>
> i can match pitches well,
> but i am lacking in prescence, clarity, sustain, and vibrato.
> you know, all the good stuff.
>
> does anyone have any suggestions on how to pursue a better
> voice through practice?
>
> thanks very much
> brian wilson
>
>
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>