Voice and Vocal Style

Mark Knopfler sings in a conversational style that often incorporates spoken-word elements. He doesn't have a powerful voice but he knows how to use it effectively to deliver a song. If you want to sing like Knopfler, you should focus on developing solid vocal technique to achieve a clean and articulate sound.

Breathing Techniques

Breath control is very important for any singer, and it is especially important if you want to sing like Mark Knopfler. He often uses breathy or whispery tones while singing. This is called "breathy vocalization" and it can be challenging to achieve without proper breath control.

Practicing breathing exercises, like the ones found in Singing Carrots' breathing basics article and using the vocal pitch monitor can help you improve your breath control and work on your breathy vocalization technique.

Voice Registers and Vocal Twang

Mark Knopfler often uses a unique vocal style called "vocal twang". This is when the larynx (voice box) is raised, creating a brighter and more nasal sound. To learn more about vocal twang and how to achieve it, check out Singing Carrots' Twang exercise video.

Articulation

Mark Knopfler is well-known for his clear and articulate diction. To improve your articulation, try incorporating exercises like the Finger Bite exercise into your practice routine.

Song Selection

Mark Knopfler's songs often feature fingerpicking and intricate guitar solos. If you're interested in learning how to sing like him, choose songs that emphasize fingerpicking and focus on phrasing and storytelling. For example, "Romeo and Juliet", "Sultans of Swing", and "Telegraph Road" are great examples of songs where Knopfler's unique vocal technique is featured.

Resources for Learning

Singing Carrots offers a variety of resources to help you learn to sing like Mark Knopfler. The vocal range test and pitch accuracy test can help you assess your current abilities. The Search songs tool can be used to find songs that match your vocal range and ability level.

If you're looking to learn more about vocal technique, Singing Carrots' educational singing course offers 21 lessons covering singing theory and practical tips.

By working on these techniques and using the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can improve your vocal abilities and start singing like Mark Knopfler.