Singing Guide: Guster
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you're inspired by Guster's unique sound and want to learn to sing like him, you've come to the right place!
Guster's quirky vocal style is characterized by a delicate balance of earnestness and improvisation, with a touch of playful melancholy that makes his voice distinct.
Like any good vocalist, Guster's technique is nuanced and complex. However, there are some things you can do to start singing like him.
Vocal Style
Guster's vocals are marked by their whimsical tone and folksy style. His voice is somewhat breathy, and he often employs a mix of head and chest voice to create a melancholic effect. Guster is also known for his improvisational vocalizations that are both playful and emotive.
Developing Guster's Technique
To replicate Guster's vocal style, consider incorporating some of these tips into your singing practice:
Emphasize your breath
Breath control is crucial when singing like Guster. You'll need to master your breathing technique to create the breathy, ethereal sound he's known for. Practice breathing exercises like the ones featured in this breath support article to develop your control.
Work on your diction
Guster has fantastic diction, which helps his lyrics resonate with listeners. Practice using your tongue and mouth to create crisp, clear diction for a more professional sound. You can find tips for improving your articulation in this articulation article.
Aim for a mix of head and chest voice
Guster's vocals often use a combination of head and chest voice, which is typically referred to as a "mixed voice". To practice a mixed voice, check out this video breakdown of the chest voice register.
Learn his songs
Finally, to truly master Guster's vocal style, you'll need to learn and perform some of his songs. Check out these resources on searching for songs by vocal range, song learning techniques, and finding pitch-perfect songs.
Happy singing!