Singers With Bad Rhythm - How to Deal?

[Richland123]

If the singer has rhythm problems then definitely don't give them a tambourine or cowbell to play.

[DaZombieWoof]

Don't get exasperated and show the person how to get the timing and phrasing right by singing it yourself. I found myself as vocalist for that song forever after. Only slightly pleasing in that the rest of the band thought I did a better job of it than the vocalist did.

[BrotherEarl]

Originally Posted by DaZombieWoof

Don't get exasperated and show the person how to get the timing and phrasing right by singing it yourself. I found myself as vocalist for that song forever after. Only slightly pleasing in that the rest of the band thought I did a better job of it than the vocalist did.

Making yourself more valuable to the band is never a bad thing.

As much as I like being in a band with a good vocalist I expect them to show up with their "A" game as often as I do. And if I can make it there and do my job AND theirs at the same time well enough for the band to settle on both then it should be a solid kick in the pants for them.

The band I'm in now I came in as JUST a bass player. Now I'm singing about 1/4 of the set. Everyone in the band knows that the option is there for me to expand, especially the lead-singer. Doing a gig without her isn't that much of a stretch. And even with that the band knows that I have a repertoire of three sets of material that I can play and sing on acoustic without them.

Given the chance to choose I would much rather play bass. But if the lead singer genuinely can't handle the vocal range then so be it. Let someone who can take the lead.

[AnchorHoy]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

having a solid rhythmic sense is a fundamental part of being a competent musician. Notice that I didn't say a "good" musician. I mean it's essential merely to function at a basic level.

It's the singer's job to make sure he's singing his parts correctly - and to make the necessary corrections if he's deficient

Yep

Rock-bottom Basic stuff. FWIW I've always had a bigger problem with singers who like to intentionally "interpret" the timing in odd ways. They are perfectly capable of nailing the part as it was laid down on the guide recording or other 'standard of reference', but they just don't wanna. Absolutely Positively MUST put their own personal spin on it that is radically different from what the rest of the band is expecting

That usually ends up somewhere in the range between "interesting" and merely annoying when it's just an isolated lead vocal. OTOH trying to work out multi-part vocal harmonies with somebody like this is sheer torture

[mellowinman]

No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no!

Singers with bad rhythm have no right to be in that position.

You are NOT a singer if you don't have music.

[bassinplace]

If you're drummer's solid then just dial in with him. If the two of you are hooked up then the rest of the band is going to at least sound decent, even if they suck. Or fire him. Or find another band. That's all I got.

[Biggbass]

I've quit two bands due to lead singer having bad or no rhythm and/or the lack of an ability to count measures. That just drives the backing musicians nuts. So, obviously, my answer is bail out. That scenario never gets any better.

[mjac28]

Sweet lord I almost got sucked in thanks derrico1 jaywa how is your former band doing?

[bassinplace]

Oops! Drat!