Singing Guide: Parliament
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Parliament-Funkadelic, the iconic American funk music collective, features an array of legendary artists, with the all-powerful George Clinton at its center. Learning how to sing like Clinton and other Parliament-Funkadelic members entails embracing a unique funkadelic vocal style, characterized by an astoundingly rich timbre driven by exaggerated vowels and slurred phrases. Here's an in-depth guide on how to cultivate a distinct vocal tone like a Parliament member:
- 1. Study Clinton's style
To sing like Clinton, one should first study his distinct style. Using our "vocal range test," analyze your vocal range and compare it to Clinton's. By identifying fitting songs based on vocal range, genre, and difficulty using our song search tool, you can choose a track that highlights his distinct vocal style. Listen to the prosody, diction, and intonation used in the pick.
- 2. Breathe and support
Breathing helps maintain access to the full range of your vocals. Our blog post on breathing basics provides an easy-to-follow tutorial on how to employ passive breathing to sustain a smooth airflow while singing. Supplement it with our breath support article to reinforce your vocals.
- 3. Learn voice registers
Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic members employ a mix of vocal registers for an expressive and often exaggerated sound. You may want to break out of your vocal comfort zone and learn how to transition between registers effectively. Our post on voice registers & vocal breaks elucidates the three standard registers - chest, head, and mixed - and provides tips on how to apply them in your singing.
- 4. Warm-up
A straightforward warm-up tailored to your voice will bring out your best sound, making it easier to mimic the distinctive sound of Parliament-Funkadelic. Our video on Twang is ideal for getting your voice ready for singing while also illustrating a contemporary vocal theory technique. Check out the How to Twang Exercise video.
- 5. Emotions and Intuition
George Clinton carries personality, energy, and confidence with every vocal delivery. These qualities are a mix of emotions, intuition, instinct, and a firm grasp of the music. Improving your skills and singing with confidence/determination could help you convey your voice with the unique blend of emotions Clinton uses. Our educational singing course covers singing theory and testing one's intuition, helping you achieve your vocal goals.
Finally, keep our suggestions in mind while practicing. Practice regularly using our pitch training program for accuracy improvements; track progress using our progress statistics, and maximize the vocal pitch monitor to help identify any off-key notes. Our resources, including articles, videos, and tools, are designed to help with any vocal range. With enough practice and dedication, you can achieve a Parliament-Funkadelic inspired tone!