Learning to Sing Like Chicago

Chicago is one of the most recognizable bands from the late 60s and 70s, with their distinctive sound that blends rock, jazz, and blues into a unique style that has stood the test of time. If you want to learn to sing like Chicago, there are a few key techniques and songs to focus on.

• One of the most distinctive features of Chicago's vocal style is the use of horn-style harmonies and counterpoint. Pay close attention to the way the vocalists blend their voices together, creating rich and complex harmonies that are a hallmark of the group's sound.
• Another key element of Chicago's vocal style is the use of extended vocal techniques, such as growls, screams, and yelps. These techniques are often used to add intensity and emotion to the vocals, particularly during the band's more upbeat and energetic songs.

To develop your own ability to sing like Chicago, start by practicing basic vocal techniques such as breath control, pitch accuracy, and proper vocal placement. Singing exercises like the Farinelli Breathing Exercise and the Three-Minute Warm-Up can help you to build strength and control in your voice.

To develop your harmonizing skills, practice singing along with Chicago's songs, paying close attention to the way the multiple vocal parts interact and overlap. Singing along with recordings of Chicago's live shows can also help you to develop a better sense of their unique live sound and energy.

Some of Chicago's most iconic songs for developing your vocal skills include "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "If You Leave Me Now," and "Feelin' Stronger Every Day." These songs showcase Chicago's unique vocal style and offer plenty of opportunities to practice harmonizing, extended techniques, and emotional intensity.

To further enhance your singing skills, Singing Carrots offers a range of helpful resources. The Vocal Range Test allows you to determine your vocal range, while the Pitch Accuracy Test helps you to assess your pitch accuracy. The Vocal Pitch Monitor provides a visual aid to help you see your notes on a virtual piano, and the Pitch Training program offers interactive exercises to help you build range and agility.

Additionally, the Singing Carrots song search function allows you to find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty level, and genre preferences, while the Artist Vocal Ranges feature provides information on the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers. The Singing Course program offers a comprehensive 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips, and the progress statistics feature allows you to monitor your singing improvement over time.

By focusing on Chicago's unique vocal style, practicing basic techniques, and utilizing Singing Carrots' resources, you can develop your own skills and learn to sing like one of the most iconic bands of the past 50 years.