Learning to Sing “Barely Legal” by The Strokes
“Barely Legal” by The Strokes presents interesting challenges with Julian Casablancas’ unique vocal technique. His gritty and muffled vocal style breathes life into alternative rock and indie vibes. This guide will walk you through the process of mastering this song.
Vocal Technique: Distortion
The primary vocal technique used in “Barely Legal” is vocal distortion, a technique where the singer manipulates the larynx to create a raspy, rough sound. The distortion in Casablancas’ voice adds depth and texture to the lyrics, making the song resonate with listeners. Apart from “Barely Legal”, you can hear this technique in rock classics like “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses or “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. Interested in developing vocal distortion safely? Check out the guidelines in our distortion article.
Getting Started
Start by understanding your vocal range with our Vocal Range Test. Julian Casablancas is a baritone, but don’t worry if your voice is not in the same range—most important is that you are comfortable with the notes.
Understanding the Melody
After you’re familiar with your range, focus on the melody. Use our Vocal Pitch Monitor as a tool to visualize the melody and understand the notes you’re singing.
Perfecting Your Technique
When singing “Barely Legal”, focus on maintaining open throat and mouth, as this increases resonance and prevents vocal strain. Have a look at our article on why to open mouth and throat while singing for additional tips.
As mastering distortion technique can strain your vocal cords, it is important to remember good vocal health habits. Find tips on maintaining vocal health on our website.
Practicing the Song
To learn “Barely Legal” effectively, break the song into smaller parts and practice each segment in depth before moving to the next. Be patient with your progress, make sure to warm up properly, and stop if your throat starts hurting. For further advice, refer to our article on how to learn a song effectively.
Conclusion
Mastering “Barely Legal” is a journey that requires patience, practice, and a whole lot of passion for singing. Embrace the challenge and remember, improvement comes with time and consistent practice. Enjoy your singing journey!