How to Learn Singing “El Shaddai” by Amy Grant

Learning to sing a song like “El Shaddai” by Amy Grant can be a rewarding experience. This iconic song showcases Amy Grant’s ability to convey emotion through her vocal performance, and it also incorporates a unique vocal technique known as vibrato. In this article, we will explore how to learn and master this beautiful song.

Understanding the Song

Before diving into learning the song, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its structure, melody, and lyrics. Listening to multiple recordings of “El Shaddai” and following along with the lyrics will help you gain a deep understanding of the song.

Here are some practical steps to help you learn the song effectively:

1. Start by analyzing your voice to determine your vocal range. Singing Carrots offers a Vocal Range Test that can help you identify the suitable key for singing “El Shaddai”.
2. Once you know your vocal range, you can search for songs suitable for your voice on Singing Carrots’ Song Search feature.
3. Read about voice types in the Voice Types article to better understand your own voice.
4. Practice breathing exercises and proper breath support as outlined in the Breathing Basics and Active and Passive Breathing articles. This will help you sustain notes and achieve a controlled vocal quality.
5. Work on opening your mouth and throat while singing. Singing Carrots’ Open Mouth & Throat article provides practical tips to achieve better resonance and projection.
6. Learn about voice registers and vocal breaks in the Voice Registers & Vocal Break article. Understanding and controlling your vocal registers will add depth and dynamics to your singing.

Vocal Technique: Vibrato

“El Shaddai” prominently features the use of vibrato, which is a technique used to add a slight oscillation or modulation to sustained notes. Vibrato adds richness and expressiveness to your singing.

To practice vibrato, you can incorporate exercises such as the “Beggars Bounce” and “Diaphragm Bounce” demonstrated in Singing Carrots’ Vibrato video. These exercises help you develop rhythmic control and relaxed vocal cords, enabling you to produce a beautiful vibrato.

Applying the Technique

Now that you understand the vocal technique used in “El Shaddai” and have practiced the necessary exercises, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned to the song itself.

Here are some tips to help you learn and sing “El Shaddai” effectively:

1. Break the song down into smaller sections and focus on mastering one section at a time. This approach will make the learning process more manageable.
2. Practice the melody without any vibrato at first, focusing on hitting the correct pitch, phrasing, and dynamics.
3. Once you feel comfortable with the melody, start incorporating vibrato into sustained notes in the song. Use a controlled and subtle vibrato that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.
4. Record yourself singing and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Take note of any pitch accuracy issues or areas where the vibrato may need adjustment.
5. Continue practicing with Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training tool, which provides interactive vocal warm-ups and exercises to improve both pitch accuracy and vocal technique.

Remember, learning a song takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of mastering “El Shaddai”.