How to Learn Singing “Arabella” from Arctic Monkeys

How to Learn Singing Arctic Monkeys’ “Arabella”

Arctic Monkeys’ “Arabella” is a dynamic and captivating song that showcases the band’s unique blend of indie rock and alternative sound. Learning to sing this song requires mastering certain vocal techniques and incorporating the band’s signature style into your performance. In this article, we will explore the vocal technique used in “Arabella” and provide practical advice on how to learn and interpret this song.

Vocal Technique in “Arabella”: Chest Voice and Belt

One of the distinctive vocal techniques used in “Arabella” is the prominent use of chest voice and belting. The song has a powerful and gritty tone that requires strength and control in the lower register of your voice. To master this technique, it is essential to develop breath support and proper vocal placement.

Singing Carrots offers a variety of resources to help you improve your chest voice and belting technique:

  • Pitch Training: Use this interactive singing game to practice pitch accuracy and vocal agility, which are crucial for nailing the strong and intense vocals in “Arabella”.
  • Voice Registers & Vocal Break: Understand the concept of vocal registers and learn how to transition smoothly between them. This knowledge will help you navigate the different vocal qualities required in “Arabella”.
  • Chest Voice Explained: Watch this video tutorial to gain a deeper understanding of chest voice and how to develop its power and resonance.

Learning “Arabella”: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a grasp of the vocal techniques used in “Arabella”, here is a step-by-step guide to learning the song:

  1. Analyze the Song: Start by listening to the original recording of “Arabella” and familiarize yourself with the melody, lyrics, and overall structure of the song. Pay attention to the vocal style and emotional delivery.
  2. Warm-Up: Before diving into singing “Arabella”, warm up your voice using vocal warm-up exercises. The 3 Minute Warm Up video from Singing Carrots is a great resource to get your vocal cords ready.
  3. Practice Breathing: Focus on proper breathing techniques, such as breath support and active and passive breathing. This will help you sustain the long phrases in “Arabella” without running out of breath.
  4. Work on Chest Voice: Use exercises like the Singing Comfort Zone video from Singing Carrots to strengthen your chest voice and develop the necessary power and projection for the song.
  5. Focus on Articulation: Pay attention to the articulation and clarity of the lyrics in “Arabella”. Use the Finger Bite exercise to sharpen your diction and ensure that every word is understood.
  6. Add Your Interpretation: Once you feel comfortable with the technical aspects of the song, experiment with adding your own interpretation and emotions to “Arabella”. Singing with conviction and personal expression will make your performance stand out.

Other Songs with Similar Vocal Techniques

If you enjoy singing “Arabella” and want to explore other songs that utilize similar vocal techniques, here are a few recommendations:

  • “Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys
  • “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
  • “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” by Arctic Monkeys
  • “Hold the Line” by Toto