Learning to Sing: Slipknot’s “Snuff”
“Snuff” by Slipknot is not just a song – it’s a deeply emotional journey for both the performer and the listener. The haunting vocals deliver a series of highs and lows requiring strong control over registers and a deeply nuanced delivery. Emulating the late Corey Taylor’s performance will push your skills and emotional expressiveness.
Analyzing “Snuff”
Start with understanding Corey Taylor’s vocal style. As the frontman of Slipknot, he was known for his extensive vocal range and contrasting singing styles – from soft clean vocals to extreme harsh growls. In “Snuff”, the emotion-laden lyrics are conveyed predominantly in clean vocal style, embodying vulnerability and sadness. Animate the lyrics with your personal touch, and find your own authentic voice.
Corey Taylor had a Baritone singing voice and effortlessly moved between chest, mixed, and head registers. Matching his range is crucial. Our Vocal range test will help you determine your vocal range.
Perfecting your Technique
Taylor’s singing style in “Snuff” employs a technique known as “Twang”. This technique allows for clean, high-pitched notes while reducing strain on your vocal cords. Learn more about this contemporary vocal technique in our article and practice with our Twang exercise video.
Accurate pitch is critical in mastering “Snuff”. Corey Taylor’s clean vocal execution leaves no room for pitch errors. Nail down your pitch with our Pitch accuracy test and Vocal Pitch Monitor.
As “Snuff” is an emotional ballad, it is important to channel the emotions of the song without compromising vocal technique. To assist with this, use Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking as your guide.
Learning More Songs
“Twang” is not exclusive to “Snuff”. This technique is widely used in other popular songs. For example, Chester Bennington from Linkin Park uses it in “Numb” while Kurt Cobain of Nirvana uses it in “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. Use our song search tool to discover other songs that will train your twang technique and challenge your vocal range.
Learning to sing “Snuff” will be a significant step in your singing journey. Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep trying and soon you’ll master the unique technique used in this deeply evocative song.