Will-Sing-For-Supper

You have solid potential. You did this song fairly well, I think. You definitely should not let anything stop you. Keep up the good work! :cool:

I don't know why, but when I click that link, it shows me the name of the song, but there is no track. :o

I recommend that you ask these questions in the Vocal Technique section. Here is the link to that: http://themodernvocalist.punbb-hosting.com/viewforum.php?id=3 I think that section will attract some of the experts to answer your vocal technique questions. I will attempt to answer some of your questions, but I still would like to see this moved to Vocal Technique... 1. As you sing higher, your vocal cords change the shape and size of the hole where the air is passing through. With proper breath support, this increases the air pressure. It's this high air pressure, not volume, that allows you to sing high notes easily. One of the problems beginners have is taking large breaths just before they are about to sing a high phrase. this makes it more difficult to control with even the best breath support. With experience and focus, you will learn this. To simplify, proper breath support allows you to do a whole lot with the air you inhale because of the dramatic increase in air pressure. Yes, you will need to move more air for high volume singing, but not nearly as much as the average singer thinks you do. For me, this took years to figure out on my own because I didn't have a vocal teacher. 2. You will feel and hear the difference. Do the cheesy superhero pose by placing hand on hips, then slide hands up until your thumb and forefinger are on your lower ribs. When you inhale to start a phrase, you should feel everything you have your hands on expand at roughly the same time. I don't think it really matters where you feel it first, as long as everything feels as if it is expanding. 3. IMO, you should not intentionally tighten your abdominal muscles when singing. For me, my abdominal muscles begin to tighten when singing at a high volume, but I have heard some coaches say that you should not tighten their abs. Maybe someone can help me clarify that. 4. See # 2

I do this too! I sing along to "What About Love?"... Sometimes I creep myself out! :lol:

Cool! :cool: Yes, I believe that a lot of people are at least familiar with Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah". I love that song! I see that you posted it, so I will check that out when I get time. You named some great singers, and would love to hear you sing "Somebody To Love" by Queen if you can. :D

That's cool, Ron. People should sing whatever they want. I am just saying that it is easier for the beginner to work on a song that is sung by their own gender. I know it was easier for me back in the day. Nowadays, I might practice a song like Judy Garland's "Over The Rainbow", doing my best to match her tone to see how closely I can get to it. That is a hell of a lot of fun. For beginners, and anyone else that wants a critique, (IMO) they should sing a familiar song that best fits their natural voice. This allows almost anyone with a good ear to compare them to the original. The easiest way to determine your level of ability is to see if you can match the original singer. I am probably not explaining myself very well. I hope someone that agrees will add a comment.

I agree 100%, just keep practicing, and you will improve.

Well, OK, since you said "please"! Seriously, I like it, and I don't even like Bon Jovi. I won't say that you are a better singer than Bon Jovi, but I like the sound of your voice much better than his. I listened to it twice, and I didn't hear any weak spots. Thumbs up! :)

I agree 100%. :cool:

My new friend plague said, " I could sing better when I was five than I can now. But ever since puberty hit, my voice is cracky and pitchy." If you had told us this in the beginning, it would have explained at least part of your problem. I went through puberty at an earlier age, and I had problems just like the average young singer when their voice changes so drastically. I have no idea if there are ways to deal with this. Maybe someone else can help with that. It is totally normal for your voice to crack and to have sudden changes in pitch during this period in your life. No need to worry, because it will go away when the changes are complete, and that whole process doesn't take a long time. Hope this helps... :cool:

My comment about my own abilities at age 6 was simply to establish my credentials. I also want him to understand that I know the level at which he could potentially be today. I hope no one thought that I was saying that so that plague would consider quitting, or that I am boasting. I was doing my best to walk on egg shells. I am merely seeking to motivate him. However, having said that, the thread is called "...Critique My Singing". This is where people come to find out what others think of their singing. I do apologize if I sounded negative. This reminds me that I should really limit comments about my own abilities. Many people take it the wrong way.

First, put up a clip with you doing exactly what you are describing. So, you won't need your guitar for this one... Also, I think this question might be better asked in the Vocal Technique thread. I'm new here, but I assume that is the best place for you to post it. I actually know exactly what you are talking about, but we still need to hear it. You are a talented musician, so I'm sure you understand. Don't worry about how bad it might sound. I make bad sounds every day, and no one (so far) has died from it! :o

From 2:08- 2:11, you are ending the phrase, "won't stop 'til it's o-ver". The "ver" part becomes breathy in the middle. You begin "ver" with a light vibrato, which is lost when you go breathy in the middle, and then your tone changes as you finish the note. Thankfully, I don't feel the need to explain how to fix it since you have been reading and doing the exercises. Work on breath support and projection. You already have a little vibrato, and this will come on it's own as you work on the basics. Hope this helps... :cool:

You are singing in two completely unblended registers. The predominant register is your "Axel Rose" falsetto. Since it isn't blended or connected to your chest register, it lacks the fullness and overtones it requires to sound decent. Roger Daltrey did not use falsetto in this song. I just now listened to it, although I have heard it hundreds of times in my life. I am 49, and was a Who fan in the 1970s. I have sung this song many times in my life. Falsetto is completely unnecessary, and sounds really awful for this Arena Rock song. Your chest voice is practically non-existent in this song. When you drop from the falsetto to chest, you sound like you dumped all of your air in the transition. The chest voice notes are completely unsupported, and they just kinda tumble out and down to the floor, hardly reaching the mike. Hope this helps :cool:

Here is the link to the original song. The singer is Adele, the song title is "Skyfall", from the crappy James Bond movie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaJEmq209LA 1. Your topic heading says"critique my voice". We already know what you want, otherwise you are posting in the wrong place. Help us help you. Always put the name of the song and the name of the original singer in the title. If you have room left, give more information. 2. Pick another song by a MALE singer that feels comfortable to sing, and one that is sung as "straight and pure" as possible without trying to sound like someone else. A simple and easy song that everyone knows is the best way to get people to comment. 3. Ask people in the forum how to record a song. The iPhone ain't gonna cut it. You might want to beg, borrow, steal, or possibly even buy a mike and recording software. 4. Find some warm-up exercises online. Relax the neck and shoulders. Warm-up for at least 15 minutes, then run through the song until it sounds good. Now you are ready to record. 5. Sing in full voice. That means a relaxed open throat, neutral larynx position, proper use of the diaphragm and core muscles. For most beginners, this requires standing. Stand with your feet about 6 inches apart. Now, slide one foot forward about 3 inches. Find your balance. Now sing. In other words, you gotta do it again with a different song by a male singer that is in your comfortable range, and then I will be happy to give feedback. As nearly as I can tell, you have a lot of work to do. I look forward to your next recording.