Singing Guide: Hank Williams Jr.
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Hank Williams Jr. is considered one of the most iconic country singers of all time. Many of his classic country songs and unique vocal style have been cherished for generations, and now, we can learn from him and sing like a true country superstar. First, let's take a look at Hank's unique vocal technique.
Hank's voice is deep, rich, and full of emotion. He has a natural ability to convey emotion and tell a story through his voice, making every performance a memorable experience. He's also known for his twangy sound, which makes his songs stand out. To sing like Hank, it's important to focus on breathing from your diaphragm, opening your mouth and throat, and using a little bit of twang in your voice.
One of the songs that showcase Hank's unique style is "Family Tradition." This classic country tune features Hank's signature twang and a deep, powerful voice that conveys a lot of emotion. Other songs which are excellent for practicing Hank's style, are "Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound," "Dinosaur," and "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight."
To practice singing like Hank Williams Jr., Singing Carrots offer several exercises, starting with the Farinelli breathing exercise, which is perfect for improving breath control and increasing lung capacity. The Singing Comfort Zone is also a great exercise for improving your chest and mixed voice and helping to find your unique twang. Hank’s music has a lot of power and involves singing in the chest voice register, so make sure to pay attention to the chest voice exercise. Learning how to sing with vibrato is another crucial skill when learning Hank's style, and the Beggars Bounce exercise is an excellent way to practice this technique.
Finally, to find your own unique voice, make sure to check out Singing Carrots’ articles on vocal analysis, open mouth and throat, and finding your own authentic voice. Reading these articles, you'll learn how to avoid common singing problems such as constrictions, how to properly open your mouth and throat while singing, and different techniques to create a more unique and individual sound.
By practicing these exercises and Singing Carrots' resources, you'll be well on your way to singing like Hank Williams Jr. in no time. Happy singing!