Singing is more than just hitting the right notes. It’s more than masterfully carrying a tune to completion. Each vocalist brings a distinctive set of nuances to their performance, shaping their unique identity. These nuances, often unnoticed by the listener, are the secret ingredients that differentiate one singer from another.
Beyond mere technique, I view nuances as integral to a singer's personal expression and artistry. Understanding and incorporating these nuances not only enriches your singing ability but also helps you carve out your own authentic sound. Whether you're drawn to soulful ballads, energetic pop anthems, or the intricate melodies of jazz, mastering these subtleties allows you to explore and excel in various musical genres.
By delving into the nuances of singing, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.
It's not just about singing well; it's about discovering what makes your voice uniquely yours and how you can convey emotions and stories through songs.
Sliding and Dropping
Sliding, glissando: This technique involves smoothly gliding into a higher or lower note. Slides can be subtle when they are done from a neighboring note, or pronounced when there’s a bigger interval between the first and last note.
Dropping: Involves a downward slide at the end of a note or word, often accompanied by a decrease in volume and breath support, as if the singer is “dropping” the note.
Listen to: Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan
Bending
Similar to bending a guitar string, vocal bending involves slightly raising or lowering the pitch of a note before returning to its original pitch.
Listen to: Regina Spektor
Vibrato
Vibrato is a subtle oscillation in pitch that adds warmth and expressiveness to a note. Singers can incorporate vibrato in two primary ways:
1. Rapidly transitioning between notes: This involves quickly alternating between pitches to create a shimmering effect (Laryngeal Vibrato).
Listen to: John Owen Jones, Chat Baker
2. Swiftly vocalizing a sequence of glottal attacks (onsets): This technique produces a rapid, pulsating vibrato (Hammer Vibrato).
Listen to: Edith Piaf
Ornamentations: Riffs, Runs, and Melismas
These techniques involve the rapid execution of a melodic sequence, showcasing a singer's agility and precision. Common in various musical styles, they can be adapted across different vocal modes, tones, volumes, and ranges, adding flair and complexity to the performance.
Crescendo and Decrescendo
Crescendo: Gradually increasing the volume of a note, adding power and density.
Decrescendo: Gradually decreasing the volume and thinning out the sound.
These dynamic changes can alter the vocal mode and sound of the note.
Listen to: Céline Dion
Breath
Breathing intentionally in an unexpected place, such as the middle of a phrase or word, can create a dramatic effect. This technique can emphasize certain words and offer a unique interpretation of the lyrics.
Listen to: Dee Dee Bridgwater, Frank Sinatra
Singing on Consonants
While longer notes are typically sung on vowels to maximize resonance, occasionally singing on consonants (like N, L, or M) can create distinct textures and effects.
Listen to: Fairuz
Highlighting Diphthongs
A diphthong is when two vowels form one syllable. For example, in "go," the vowel transitions from "oh" to "oo." Singers usually sustain the first vowel longer and quickly move through the diphthong. Highlighting the diphthong by extending it can add an interesting nuance.
Listen to: Axl Rose
Altering Vowels
Vowel modification is a common technique for achieving the desired sound and resonance. However, altering vowels can also be used creatively to change the timbre and dynamics of a note. This can be done by distinctly changing the vowel or shifting it in the middle of a long note, which can significantly impact the overall sound.
Listen to: Layne Staley
I prepared a song with clear examples of the nuances mentioned above:
Each of these techniques offers singers the tools to enhance their vocal performances, adding layers of emotion and complexity.
We can use many effects, such as Growls, Vocal breaks, Intentional breathiness, etc.
What are some nuances you use? What do you notice when listening to your favorite singers?
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