How to Learn Singing “Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr.
Learning to sing a particular song can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore how to learn singing “Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. This iconic song, featuring Bill Withers, combines elements of R&B, soul, and jazz and showcases a unique vocal technique known as scat singing.
Understanding the Song
Before diving into learning the song, it’s important to understand its structure and style. “Just the Two of Us” is a beautiful duet that tells a story of love and companionship. The song has a moderate tempo and is characterized by smooth melodies and intricate harmonies. It’s known for its catchy chorus and memorable instrumental sections.
The Unique Vocal Technique: Scat Singing
One of the standout features of “Just the Two of Us” is the use of scat singing. Scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique in which singers use nonsense syllables, such as “ba-doo-ba-doo-bop,” to create melodic lines. In this song, the scat vocals add a playful and improvisational element, enhancing the overall musicality.
To learn this unique technique, it’s helpful to listen to and study recordings of scat singers. Here are a few recommended resources from Singing Carrots:
- How to Twang Exercise – This exercise can help you develop the twang quality in your voice, which is often used in scat singing.
- How to Growl Exercise – Growling is another technique commonly used in scat singing. This exercise will guide you through the basics of growling.
- Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce – These exercises focus on developing vibrato, which is often used in scat singing to add expressive qualities to the vocals.
Practical Advice for Learning the Song
Now that you understand the song and the unique vocal technique used in “Just the Two of Us,” here are some practical tips to help you learn and master the song:
- Analyze Your Voice: Understanding your own voice is key to singing any song effectively. Read Singing Carrots’ article on how to analyze your voice to gain insights into your vocal range and capabilities.
- Warm Up and Practice: Start your practice session with vocal warm-ups to prepare your voice. Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training tool offers interactive vocal warm-ups that can help you strengthen your voice and improve pitch accuracy.
- Focus on Breath Support: Since scat singing requires precise control over your voice, it’s important to have proper breath support. Check out the Singing Carrots’ article on breath support to learn techniques that will help you maintain consistent airflow.
- Work on Articulation: Clear and precise articulation is crucial for delivering scat vocals effectively. Singing Carrots’ article on articulation offers helpful tips and exercises to improve your clarity of diction.
- Practice with Singing Carrots’ Tools: Utilize the resources offered by Singing Carrots to fine-tune your skills. The Vocal Pitch Monitor can help you visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano, while the educational singing course provides comprehensive lessons on various singing techniques.