Singing Guide: Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He played guitar, fiddle, and harmonica, and his music is a unique blend of blues, jazz, country, and Cajun. His distinctive sound, characterized by his clear, twangy voice and his virtuosic playing, has made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
There are a few things you can do to learn to sing like Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown:
- First, it's important to listen to his music and get a feel for his unique style. Here are a few songs to get you started:
- Ain't That Just Like a Woman
- Pressure Cooker
- Up Jumped the Devil
- She Winked Her Eye
- Gate Walks to Board
- As you listen, pay attention to his phrasing, his use of vibrato, and his expressive playing. Try to imitate his style as closely as possible.
- Second, it's important to work on your breathing and breath support. Check out Singing Carrots' articles on "Breathing Basics" and "Breath Support" to learn more about how to use your diaphragm and breathe effectively while singing.
- Third, work on your articulation and clarity of diction. Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown was known for his clear, precise articulation, which helped him to convey his lyrics with maximum impact. Check out Singing Carrots' article on "Articulation" for tips on how to improve your enunciation.
- Fourth, work on developing your range and control. Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown had an impressive range, from smooth and silky to rough and raspy, so it's important to be able to move seamlessly between different parts of your own range. Check out Singing Carrots' "Vocal Range Test" and "Pitch Accuracy Test" to get a sense of your own range and accuracy, and then work on exercises to stretch your range and improve your control.
- Finally, it's important to practice regularly and consistently. Singing is a skill that requires regular practice in order to improve, so make sure to create a regular routine and stick to it. Use Singing Carrots' "Pitch Training" and "Educational Singing Course" to help you develop good practice habits and stay on track.
With these tips and the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you'll be well on your way to learning to sing like Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown!