Singing Tips for Guys

Effective Singing Tips
♬ Identify your range
♬ Breath
♬ Have a straight posture
♬ Improve diction
♬ Practice vocal exercises
♬ Be original
♬ Quit bad vices

Although not all of us are born with a voice of an illustrious vocalist, there are some measures that can be taken which would help refine the vocal cords.

Don't expect to become the next Frank Sinatra or Michael Jackson, but there is a high chance of ending up with a soothing crisp voice that can be helpful to woo that special someone. The following singing tips are not only helpful for impressing the ladies, but are also aimed at guys who are genuinely interested in bettering their vocals. So let's begin...

Begin by identifying your own vocal range. One of the most important aspects of singing is knowing your vocal range, i.e. the lowest and the highest musical notes that you can comfortably sing in your true voice. Now, there are two things which need to be clarified at this point.

By singing comfortably, I mean singing smoothly, i.e. without shrieking, screaming, shouting or straining your vocal cords to the point where they won't ever work again. Secondly, by true voice, I mean your actual voice, i.e. speech level voice (and not falsetto).

The vocal range for guys is usually lower than that for girls. So when you try to ascend or descend in a scale, you can try to make sure that the notes you sing are a bit more concentrated towards the bottom of the scale, with the bass notes. This, of course, is a generalization. There are still plenty of male singers that can equal females in higher range. What I'm saying is always play to your strong points, and for most guys, the lower, the stronger.

After being familiar with your vocal range, it is essential to have a total understanding of your breathing. Avoid breathing from the lungs, and start breathing from the diaphragm (diaphragmatic breathing). To get more familiar with this technique, inhale in such a manner that your stomach expands and not your chest. Try to practice high or low notes with the same amount of air, this helps erasing the long breaks and makes the voice more steady.

When performing, established vocalists standing or sitting are never slouching. They always have a straight back, as a correct posture helps in expanding the diaphragm easily thereby leading to diaphragmatic breathing without causing any negative effects.

To have a much more refined vocal cords, it is essential to practice some vocal exercises, singing lessons, etc. You should practice going up and down a musical octave, you should practice scales, staccato, rhythm, etc.

Never force yourself to hit a note that is outside your vocal range. You will only end up straining your vocal cords. Vocal range is different for every singer, and whether or not it can be increased also depends on each person's singing technique, method of practice, and type of voice.

There are certain aspects of music like rhythm and terminology that might be unfamiliar to most beginners. Hence it is advisable to improve diction, be familiar with musical terminology and be audible to the audience.

If you're serious about becoming a good singer, you should make it a point to listen to different voices. Don't just remain in your comfort zone, or listen to singers from your favorite genre of music. Broaden your horizon, and don't be afraid to explore new musical territory.

If you would like a few suggestions regarding diverse male voices, here are a few singers I recommend: Luciano Pavarotti, Elvis Presley, Darren Hayes, Sting, Phil Collins, Enrique Iglesias, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, James Brown, Bob Marley, Neil Diamond, Ronan Keating, Bono, Robert Plant, and Sir Paul McCartney.

Contrary to popular rumors, smoking is not effective in providing you a natural bass-tinged voice. The best thing that smoking does is damage the vocal chords, and makes the voice more raspy and strained.

Remember to have water at normal temperature, avoid drinking hot or cold water as it dries up the throat. Refrain from having too much chocolates, fried foods and dairy products as they turn saliva into phlegm, which irritates the throat and directly affects the quality of your voice.

It is always nice to be inspired by a famous singer and imitate his voice, personality and style. However, if you are really serious about singing, then it is always better to find your own voice and style. We all are created differently, and no matter how much you try to sing like someone it is just impossible to duplicate his voice. Be comfortable with your own voice, and try to condition it by regular practice.

Knowing all the basics and techniques isn't good enough if you aren't applying them on a regular basis. For those considering a career in singing, regular practice is a must and over time it helps to hit higher and lower notes with ease. Sing whenever possible, sing with confidence and don't bother about what others think.

So, keeping in mind the above tips, keep practicing, and who knows, you'll someday become the next American Idol! Enjoy the music. It is a joy that's unparalleled.