Singing Bassists, Advice Needed

[Big Heavy Bass]

Like others have mentioned..find a qualified voice teacher, the sooner you have someone correct your bad habits the better.

Other general tips...support with diaphragm, stay hydrated and learn how to sing in head voice. Singing in head voice will greatly increase your range and take a tremendous amount of stress off your voice. Once I learned to sing in head voice I never had problems losing my voice again.

 

[chuck1073]

I use my voice for my living as a voiceover actor. Lots of great advise has already been given here regardinging technique, training and hydration. If I can add something, please never ever perform with less than excellent monitors. "Just good enough" can force you to over sing. For as many venues as I play with really good monitors and engineering, I won't go without my IEM. Even if it's just my voice in one ear and listening to the rest of the mix from a wedge. Since I've started doing that, I've never come away from a show with less than a full voice.

 

[B-Mac]

I’ve had a few vocal lessons over the years but until now, I’ve never been asked contribute vocally to a band’s set.
For voice health, and endurance, what advice if any do you have for this beginner?

What do you drink onstage to take care of your voice during a set?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

I knew a local performer who swore by Grand Marnier!

 

[Original Poser]

I’ve had a few vocal lessons over the years but until now, I’ve never been asked contribute vocally to a band’s set.
For voice health, and endurance, what advice if any do you have for this beginner?

What do you drink onstage to take care of your voice during a set?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Room temp water. No dairy products and spicy foods on day of show.

 

[elgranluis]

If you can’t sing, and don’t really care , then drink hard liquor so you numb yourself.

Otherwise , room temperature water. If it hurts or you feel like coughing , you are doing something wrong .

 

[elgranluis]

If you can’t sing, and don’t really care , then drink hard liquor so you numb yourself.

Otherwise , room temperature water. If it hurts or you feel like coughing , you are doing something wrong .

 

[SmokinJoe992]

I use my voice for my living as a voiceover actor. Lots of great advise has already been given here regardinging technique, training and hydration. If I can add something, please never ever perform with less than excellent monitors. "Just good enough" can force you to over sing. For as many venues as I play with really good monitors and engineering, I won't go without my IEM. Even if it's just my voice in one ear and listening to the rest of the mix from a wedge. Since I've started doing that, I've never come away from a show with less than a full voice.

I couldn’t agree more. It is almost impossible to sing good without being able to hear yourself. It’s like running with your eyes closed.
I would also add that if you are going to be singing regularly you should invest in a good dynamic mic that suits your voice. Not only will it help your voice, but I have always tried to avoid singing into a mic that someone else has been putting their mouth on and spitting on. I always have my own mic with me.

 

[Donald Thompson]

Don't over use your voice. Take breaks whenw you feel like. Singing high notes will tire you out more than singing low. Don't be afraid to tranpose songs half a step down when needed.

 

[Gasman]

I drink diet soda on stage. Or water. No alcohol whether I’m singing or not. But I do sing backup and harmony a good bit.

Take bigger than normal breaths to start. It will take practice to get the hang of it, namely when to inhale.

Back away from the mic on higher and louder notes. That’s big, and honestly knowing how to back off the mic is what makes or breaks a singer.

Sing in the car. It might help your pitch, plus it’s free practice.

Finally, know your limits. Nothing worse than hitting off notes on stage. If you aren’t comfortable with the song, don’t do it

 

[EdO.]

I use my voice for my living as a voiceover actor. Lots of great advise has already been given here regardinging technique, training and hydration. If I can add something, please never ever perform with less than excellent monitors. "Just good enough" can force you to over sing. For as many venues as I play with really good monitors and engineering, I won't go without my IEM. Even if it's just my voice in one ear and listening to the rest of the mix from a wedge. Since I've started doing that, I've never come away from a show with less than a full voice.

Best advice I've seen here so far, and there's a lot of good advice here IMO.

 

[retslock]

Use your diaphragm rather than tightening your throat for your high notes. Your abdomen should be tight, like doing sit-ups, when you’re in your high range. Otherwise, you’ll wreck your vocal cords after a 3 hour gig.

This, very much so and correct mouth shape allows sound to project with less stress and more tone and control. Proper technique will preserve your voice for years and years. If you don’t have it, get a teacher. A few lessons are enough to learn how to use your breathing, diaphragm and mouth shape. You’ll get results pretty quickly if you practice good technique. Your throat should never take the strain. Power and control comes from the diaphragm.

 

[chuck1073]

It's been said here before. Excuse me for saying it again. Find a vocal coach. You don't have to stay long enough to be an opera singer...just long enough to learn how to "sing from the mask" and to breathe properly. When you know how "your instrument" works, you'll be able to sing within your range with confidence...and not wreck your voice.