How to Learn Singing “River Deep Mountain High” by Tina Turner
Learning to sing a particular song can be both challenging and rewarding. In this article, we will explore how to effectively learn and sing “River Deep Mountain High” by Tina Turner. This iconic song showcases Tina Turner’s powerful and dynamic vocal technique, making it a great choice for singers looking to improve their vocal skills.
The Unique Vocal Technique in “River Deep Mountain High”
One of the standout features of Tina Turner’s performance in “River Deep Mountain High” is her use of belting. Belting is a vocal technique used to produce powerful and resonant high notes. It involves engaging the chest voice while still maintaining control and clarity. This technique allows singers to create a strong and impactful sound.
In addition to belting, Tina Turner also incorporates soulful and expressive vocal runs and melismas in this song. These flourishes add depth and emotion to her performance, making “River Deep Mountain High” a perfect song to practice and master these vocal techniques.
Practical Steps to Learn “River Deep Mountain High”
Here are some practical steps that will help you learn and master “River Deep Mountain High”:
- Listen to the song: Start by listening to the original version of “River Deep Mountain High” by Tina Turner. Pay attention to her vocal technique, dynamics, and overall performance. This will give you a clear understanding of how the song should sound.
- Analyze your voice: Take the Vocal Range Test on Singing Carrots to determine your vocal range and identify any vocal challenges that you may encounter while singing this song. This will help you tailor your practice sessions to focus on improving those specific areas.
- Warm up: Before diving into the song, warm up your voice using vocal exercises designed to improve breath control, vocal agility, and overall vocal technique. The Pitch Training on Singing Carrots is a great resource for warming up your voice and improving your pitch accuracy.
- Break down the song: Divide the song into smaller sections and practice them individually. Focus on mastering the melody, rhythm, and lyrics for each section before moving on to the next. Singing Carrots’ Pitch Monitor tool can be helpful in visualizing the pitch of the sung notes and ensuring accuracy.
- Work on vocal technique: Since “River Deep Mountain High” involves belting and vocal runs, practice these techniques separately. Singing Carrots offers exercises specific to these vocal techniques, such as the Belting and Vocal Distortion exercises. Incorporate these exercises into your practice routine to strengthen your belting and improve your vocal agility.
- Record and evaluate your performance: Record yourself singing “River Deep Mountain High” and listen to the playback. Pay attention to areas where you can improve, such as pitch accuracy, vocal dynamics, and emotional delivery. Use the progress statistics feature on Singing Carrots to track your improvement over time.
- Seek inspiration from other songs: “River Deep Mountain High” is known for its unique vocal technique, but similar techniques are used in other popular songs. Explore the vocal techniques used by other artists, such as Whitney Houston’s belting in “I Will Always Love You” or Mariah Carey’s melismatic singing in “Emotions.” Analyzing and practicing these songs will help you further develop your vocal skills.
Conclusion
Learning to sing “River Deep Mountain High” requires dedication, practice, and a focus on developing the unique vocal techniques showcased in the song. By following the steps outlined in this article and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this iconic Tina Turner hit.
Remember, improving your singing skills takes time and patience. Enjoy the process, stay consistent with your practice, and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your voice. Happy singing!