Singing Guide: George
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
George Michael: How to Sing Like Him
Vocal Technique
George Michael's vocal style was heavily influenced by soul and R&B music. He had a unique ability to convey emotion through his voice. This was achieved by his exceptional control over his vocal intonation and articulation. Below are some of the specific techniques he used to achieve his vocal style.
Vibrato
George Michael often utilized vibrato in his vocals. Vibrato is the rapid variation of pitch that can add depth and emotion to a vocal performance. Singers can learn to incorporate vibrato by using the proper breathing techniques and practicing vocal exercises like the Singing with Vibrato available on Singing Carrots.
Using Falsetto
Falsetto is a singing technique that produces high-pitched notes by allowing air to pass through the vocal folds in a less-resonant way. George Michael often used falsetto to reach high notes, especially in his ballads. Performing Vocal exercises that focus on the proper use of the falsetto voice can help singers emulate George's style. Humming exercise stimulates a healthy balance between head and chest register.
Emotion in Singing
George Michael's vocal style is known for its emotional depth. Singers can learn to convey emotion through their singing by practicing vocal techniques that help to express their emotions, such as Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking. Additionally, singing familiar and emotionally resonant songs can help singers to develop their emotional range, making it easier to convey complex emotions through singing.
Songs Showcasing George's Vocal Style
Below is a list of George Michael's most popular songs that showcase his unique vocal style. These songs can serve as a starting point to learn his vocal techniques:
- Careless Whisper
- Father Figure
- One More Try
- Praying for Time
- Freedom! '90
- Kissing a Fool
- Faith
Practical Advice
To learn to sing like George Michael, begin by studying his vocal techniques and applying them to your vocal exercises. Practice exercises like the Farinelli breathing exercise, which will help you to develop control over the vocal cords and breath support. Focus on emoting through your singing, using techniques such as vibrato to convey deep emotion. Finally, make use of the resources provided by Singing Carrots to find songs that match your vocal range, genre preference, and emotional range.
Conclusion
George Michael was an icon of 20th-century pop music with a signature vocal style that was deeply emotional. To sing like George, focus on expanding your vocal range through exercises like the Farinelli breathing exercise and incorporating techniques like vibrato and falsetto into your singing. Finally, select songs that resonate with your emotional range and practice emoting through your singing.