Singing Guide: Janet Jackson
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
How to Sing Like Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is known for her upbeat pop and R&B tunes, often featuring intricate rhythms and catchy hooks. Her unique vocal style is a blend of pop, funk, and soul. In this article, we will explore some key elements of Janet Jackson's singing technique and suggest some practical exercises and resources to help you improve your own singing in the style of the pop icon.
Breath Control
One of the critical components of Janet Jackson's singing style is her breath control. Practice proper breathing techniques, such as breathing from the diaphragm, to maintain a steady flow of air when singing. Singing exercises, like the Farinelli breathing exercise, can help you develop breath control.
Articulation
Janet Jackson's crisp, clean diction and articulation are exemplary. Ensure that your enunciation is clear and distinct while vocalizing. Try the "Finger Bite" exercise to help your tongue, lips, and palate get used to micro-adjusting the sound.
Rhythm
Janet Jackson's music is known for its groovy beats and syncopated rhythms. Incorporate exercises like "Singing Comfort Zone" to become comfortable performing syncopated rhythms.
Vocal Range
Janet Jackson has a broad singing range, often blending different voice qualities and registers. Take the Vocal Range Test on Singing Carrots to determine your vocal range, comparing it to that of Janet Jackson's while practicing the suggested exercises accordingly. Try exercises like "Mixed Voice," "Voice Break," and "Chest Voice Explained" to develop a wide range like Jackson's.
Song Choice
Pick songs that match Janet Jackson's style when getting started: Some recommendations are "Control," "What Have You Done for Me Lately," and "Nasty." Singing Carrots offers a Song Search where you can find songs according to vocal range, genre, and difficulty level. Also, this is the perfect resource for finding performance setlists, including sheet music, chords, karaoke, and YouTube audio.
Vocal Techniques
To round up your Janet Jackson singing, explore vocal techniques like twang, vibrato, and growling. Check out Singing Carrot's corresponding video links: "How to Twang Exercise," "Beggars Bounce," "Vocal Distortion & Growling," "Singing with Vibrato," and "Stop Sounding Nasal."
Final words
Janet Jackson's distinct style is an exciting and exhilarating blend of pop, funk, and soul. If you aim to sing like her, hone your rhythm, breath control, articulation, and vocal range while incorporating her unique vocal twists. Singing Carrots provides a wealth of resources to cater to your vocal improvement needs, including a Singing Course, Vocal Pitch Monitor, Progress Statistics, and much more. Practice makes perfect, work hard and have fun while you're at it!