Singing Guide: Dolly Parton
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Learning to Sing Like Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a country music icon and a beloved singer around the world. She is known for her signature vibrato and resonant voice delivery, as well as her ability to tell captivating stories through her music. If you want to learn to sing like Dolly Parton, there are a few key techniques and resources to keep in mind.
Vocal Technique
One of the most distinctive aspects of Dolly Parton's singing is her use of vibrato. A vibrato is a slight oscillation in pitch that gives a singer's voice a quivering quality. To sing with vibrato like Dolly, you'll want to start by practicing sustained notes with a steady airflow. Gradually increase the tension in your vocal cords while maintaining your breath support, and allow your voice to fluctuate naturally.
Another technique that Dolly Parton uses is a "covered" vocal tone. This refers to a singing style that emphasizes resonance in the back of the throat and the chest. To achieve this, practice speaking or singing with your mouth slightly open and your throat relaxed. Hitting the right balance between open and close will take some time, but keep practicing and you'll find your voice sounding more and more like Dolly's.
Song Choice
To best showcase your Dolly Parton vocal technique, you'll want to choose songs that highlight her unique style. Some of Dolly's most well-known songs include "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," "9 to 5," and "Coat of Many Colors." These songs all showcase her high voice range and control, as well as her powerful and emotive delivery.
Singing Carrots Resources
Luckily, Singing Carrots offers a variety of resources to help you improve your singing skills, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro. To improve your pitch accuracy, try using the Pitch Accuracy Test. For developing vibrato, there are also the Beggars Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce videos. To search for songs in your vocal range, check out the song search tool. You can also take advantage of the Singing Course, which provides comprehensive instruction on vocal technique and exercises.
Further Learning
For more information on Dolly Parton's vocal techniques, check out Singing Carrots' articles on resonance and articulation. To add some extra country flair to your singing, look into their guides on vocal twang or chest voice. For a closer look at Dolly's background and career, explore the artist vocal ranges section, featuring the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers.
With a little practice and the right resources, you can start to transform your singing voice to sound more like Dolly Parton. Keep working hard, and you'll soon be belting out country classics with confidence and style.