How to Learn Singing like Merle Haggard

Vocal Technique

Merle Haggard was known for his unique vocal technique, which combines a smooth and deep baritone voice with twangy growls and vocal runs. He often uses a lot of vibrato to emphasize the melody, and his phrasing is precise and lyrical.

Songs to Showcase Technique

Several of Merle Haggard's songs showcase his vocal technique. One good example is his classic song "Mama Tried." The verses are sung in a conversational tone with a sad edge, while the chorus has a confident, upbeat quality. Other notable songs include "Okie from Muskogee," "The Fightin' Side of Me," and "Silver Wings."

How to Learn the Technique

To learn how to sing like Merle Haggard, you need to work on developing a smooth baritone voice with twangy growls and runs. You can use the Singing Carrots resources to help develop your vocal skills.

Vocal Range Test

Start by taking the vocal range test to determine the range of your voice. This will help you understand the notes you're most comfortable singing, which will affect the songs you choose to sing.

Breathing Basics

To sing like Merle Haggard, you need to work on controlling your breath. Start with breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity and control. The Farinelli breathing exercise video provided in the Singing Carrots resources is an excellent place to start.

Voice Registers & Vocal Break

Haggard's voice shifts between his chest register, head voice, and his mix voice, depending on the song's style. The chest voice is used for notes in the lower range, while the head voice is for higher notes. The mixed voice is a blend of the two. Practice voice registers and working on making smooth transitions between chest voice and head voice will help you sing like Merle Haggard.

Warm-Up and Pitch Training

Use the Pitch Training tool provided in Singing Carrots to warm up your vocals and practice pitch accuracy. You can progress in your accuracy and take it to the next level with warm-up exercises like humming in the chest and head registers. These exercises will help you develop better control over your voice and enhance your ability to sing like Haggard.

Twang and Growling Techniques

Work on twang and growling techniques using the Twang and Growl exercises provided in the Singing Carrots resources. These techniques are crucial to getting the rougher, edgier sound that Haggard is known for.

Vibrato

To produce a vibrato sound like Merle Haggard, practice with the Beggar's Bounce and Diaphragm Bounce videos provided in the Singing Carrots resources. This exercise will help you control your diaphragm muscles to produce a steady vibrato.

Articulation and Intonation

As you practice your technique, focus on the intonation of your notes. Listen and practice articulation to sing smoothly and without constriction. Incorporate the Finger Bite exercise from the resources to achieve a better articulation.

Conclusion

Learning to sing like Merle Haggard requires a lot of practice, patience, and an excellent education on vocal techniques. By using the resources from Singing Carrots, you can develop the skills and style necessary to emulate his unique vocal style. Practice his songs, developing your technique, and following the tips provided here so you can experience and master Haggard's smooth baritone with twangy growls and runs, vibrato, and unique phrasing. Good luck!