How to Learn Singing Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
Learning how to sing a particular song can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning Elton John’s timeless classic, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.” We will explore the unique vocal technique used in the song and provide practical advice along with relevant Singing Carrots resources to help you master this iconic piece.
Understanding the Song
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Elton John’s powerful storytelling and emotional delivery. The song features a blend of chest voice and mixed voice registers, allowing the singer to convey a deep sense of longing and vulnerability. It is a perfect example of Elton John’s signature style, combining soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
Vocal Technique: Chest Voice and Mixed Voice
In “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” Elton John utilizes a combination of chest voice and mixed voice to bring out the emotional nuances of the song. The verses have a more subdued and intimate quality, where Elton John sings primarily in his chest voice, creating a sense of vulnerability and honesty.
As the song progresses and reaches the chorus, Elton John switches to his mixed voice, allowing his vocals to soar and convey a heightened sense of emotion. The use of mixed voice adds a dynamic range to the performance, making the chorus more powerful and impactful.
Learning the Song
Here are practical steps to help you learn and master “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”:
- Listen to the song multiple times to familiarize yourself with the melody, lyrics, and overall structure.
- Study the vocal range of the song by using Singing Carrots’ Vocal Range Test. This will help you understand whether the song suits your vocal capabilities and identify any challenging sections.
- Work on breath support and control by incorporating Singing Carrots’ Breath Support exercises into your daily practice routine. A controlled breath will enable you to maintain consistent vocal quality throughout the song.
- Practice the vocal technique of transitioning between chest voice and mixed voice using Singing Carrots’ Voice Registers & Vocal Break exercises. This will help you achieve a seamless and powerful delivery during the chorus.
- Focus on expressive singing by incorporating Singing Carrots’ Singing with Intuition, Skills, Emotion, and Thinking techniques. This will allow you to convey the emotional depth of the song.
Related Songs
The unique vocal technique used in “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is also found in other popular songs. Some notable examples include:
- Elton John – “Your Song”
- Billy Joel – “Piano Man”
- Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
- Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You”
Conclusion
Learning how to sing a particular song requires patience, practice, and the right resources. By understanding the vocal technique used in “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” and incorporating practical advice from Singing Carrots, you can develop the skills necessary to deliver a heartfelt and powerful performance. Remember to embrace the emotional aspects of the song and let your voice convey its true essence. Happy singing!