Singing Guide: Nena

Singing Guide: Nena

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

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How to sing like Nena

Nena is a unique German singer, known for her distinctive voice and colorful personality. In this article, we will explore the vocal technique that makes Nena's singing so special. We will also look at some of her best-known songs and learn how to sing them effectively.

Nena's Vocal Technique

At the heart of Nena's sound is her use of the "upper mix" register. This is a combination of chest and head voice, which gives her singing a bright, edgy quality. To achieve this sound, it's important to support your breath properly and engage your diaphragm. Singing exercises like the Farinelli breathing method can help with this.

Nena is also known for her use of vibrato, which she employs to add emotion and texture to her vocals. To practice vibrato, you can try exercises like the Diaphragm Bounce or listen to her song "Beggars Bounce" and pay close attention to the way she uses vibrato to convey feeling.

Another key aspect of Nena's sound is her use of articulation, especially on consonant sounds. To practice this, try exercises like the Finger Bite.

Nena's Songs

Nena has many great songs, but here are some of her most popular tunes:

  • 99 Luftballons: This song is a classic and is a great showcase for Nena's upper mix register. Pay attention to the way she uses vibrato on the chorus and practice your articulation on the German lyrics.
  • Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann: This song features a slightly lower melody than "99 Luftballons" and showcases Nena's unique vocal style. Focus on your breath support during the verses and use your upper mix register to hit the high notes in the chorus.
  • Leuchtturm: This ballad is a great example of Nena's expressive singing. Practice using vibrato on the sustained notes and work on conveying emotion through your phrasing.

Singing Carrots Resources

To help you learn to sing like Nena, Singing Carrots offers a range of tools and resources. Use the vocal range test to determine your range and compare it to Nena's. Use the pitch accuracy test to improve your pitch control, and the Vocal Pitch Monitor to visualize your pitch and improve your singing accuracy. The Pitch Training educational singing game can help you develop your upper mix register and support your breath.

You can also search for songs that match your vocal range and skill level. If you're interested in taking your singing to the next level, check out Singing Carrots' educational singing course.

Conclusion

Nena is a true original, and imitating her vocal style can be a fun and rewarding challenge. By focusing on your breath support, upper mix register, and articulation, you can learn to sing like Nena and bring her unique sound to your own performances. With the help of Singing Carrots' resources, you can build your skills and become the best singer you can be.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.