What did I get myself into?

[JohnMCA72]

Learn to sing. You will be forever glad that you did. It's a skill that will make you a more valuable player for the rest of your life. Somewhere in these forums, there's a sticky topic about singing & playing bass. Find it & read it.

When you were born, you knew how to eat, crap, & cry. Everything else, you've had to learn. You can learn this, too.

 

[bluewine]

I recently joined a 3 piece band, starring a female lead guitarist/vocalist. They play both originals and cover songs. We have our first gig coming up soon. Recently she's asked me if I would be able to sing back up vocals. I am self conscience about singing. I don't feel that I have a "natural talent", it's something that requires alot of focus an effort to get anything that sounds decent. I have no experience singing live (besides drunken karaoke/open mic...lol). She gave me 3 songs she wants backup vocals/harmonies on. 2 are her originals, 1 is Sunday Morning by No Doubt. I'm having a hard time because these female voices sing pretty damn high (at times) and if i try to sing lower i feel like it just sounds like im talking, and i cant project as well. I told her I would try singing, but Im having some anxiety about it now because I dont wanna sound like ****. Im worried if I dont sing ill be kicked from the band. I would understand though, being in a trio i need to "pull my own weight". Anyone have any good advice for me? I would appreciate it.

The same thing happened to me, help her out and give it your best.

I know for a fact you will be better than I was.

 

[Stumbo]

+1 on the vocal rehearsal.

Maybe get her to sing the parts she wants you to sing. See how it goes.
If the vocal lines are too high for you, maybe the key of the song can be changed.

If you plan to sing in the future, I suggest some ear training and IME, lots of it because it's one thing to sing by yourself ala karaoke style, it's another thing to pick the harmony out (and be in tune) from memory on stage with everything else going on around you. Possibly find a vocal coach.

Here are a few links you may want to check out:
Singing and Playing bass
Bassist's guide to singing
Protecting your voice

 

[Bob C]

Okay, some of the advice given here makes sense. It is an excelent idea for the OP to learn to sing. But it needs to be clear what is expected of him and what his current abilities are.

Maybe the lead singer is looking for someone who can "deliver the goods" flawlessly from the start. Maybe she just wants someone to croak out a few notes.

I agree with those who have said tell the band up front that you don't think you are good enough or ready to sing, but will give it a try at practice if they can afford the time to walk him through it.

And if the parts are just plain too high, then they need to change the parts or find someone else to sing them. Nobody can do everything.

 

[Rockmusician]

It's funny, I have never had a hard time playing and singing. I have a friend who is a great gutar player who decided to play bass in a band. He kept calling me for advice because he was having a hard time singing while playing bass. I told him to practice mouthing the words while playing. After a while it will come naturally.