Singing Guide: João Gilberto
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
João Gilberto is a bossa nova legend known for his unique guitar playing style and intimate, whispery singing voice. His music might sound simple but it requires immense control and discipline. Gilberto is a master of syncopation and complex chord progressions. His voice is extremely precise, with a whisper-like quality that exudes warmth and depth, while his guitar playing is delicate and intricate.
If you want to learn to sing like João Gilberto, it’s essential to start with strong fundamentals such as breath control and pitch accuracy. Here are some resources from Singing Carrots that will help:
- Breathing basics: Effective breathing techniques are critical for singing. Learn how to control your breath.
- Avoiding constrictions: Gilberto sings with an open, relaxed sound that is free from any kind of tension or constriction. Learn how to avoid these dangerous habits.
- How to learn a song effectively: Gilberto's music is often complex and syncopated, which requires a lot of practice. Here are effective tips to help you learn faster.
- Voice registers & vocal break: Gilberto's unique voice is partly due to his command of head voice and chest voice.
To learn vocal techniques specific to Gilberto, try these Singing Carrots skill-building exercises:
- Onsets-offsets: Glottal Onset
- Articulation: Finger Bite
- Vibrato: Beggars Bounce, Diaphragm Bounce
- Warm-up/Practice-starter: Humming
- Chest Voice/Voice Registers: Chest Voice Explained
Once you master the basic skills, try applying Gilberto's unique vocal style to songs. Here are a few Gilberto classics that showcase his unique style:
- “Chega de Saudade”
- “Desafinado”
- “O Pato”
- “Corcovado”
Before you start, assess your vocal range with Singing Carrots Vocal Range Test to make sure you choose the right key. Furthermore, the Pitch Accuracy Test can help you develop a good ear for pitch, while the Pitch Monitor can check your pitch accuracy in real-time.
To sum up, mastering the style of João Gilberto will require discipline, but it's achievable with the right mindset, practice, and resources such as Singing Carrots. Start with the basics, master the techniques, and apply them to classic Gilberto tunes. Good luck!