Ringo Starr is best known as the drummer for The Beatles, but his vocals are just as iconic. His unique and nasally tone added a special flavor to The Beatles' songs. In this article, we will explore some of Starr's distinctive singing techniques and songs that can help you learn to sing like him. We will also incorporate some practical advice and resources provided by Singing Carrots to get you on your way.

Nasality

One of Starr's most recognizable features is his nasal voice. Nasality adds a unique and interesting quality to a singer's voice, and Starr demonstrated this perfectly in hits like "With a Little Help From My Friends" and "Yellow Submarine." To achieve this sound while singing, practice sliding from a neutral tone up to a nasal tone, like in the word "hang." Also, be sure to keep your soft palate lowered while singing, as it allows for more resonance in the nasal passages. The Soft Palate video provided by Singing Carrots can help with this.

Breathing

Breathing is vital to any singer, but particularly important to replicate Ringo Starr's vocal style. Starr's singing is full of energy, and this can be accomplished by using your diaphragm and engaging your chest muscles fully. The Vocal Breathing and Breath Support articles on Singing Carrots provide excellent guidance for improving your breathing techniques.

Pitch and Tone

Ringo Starr's unique pitch and tone have been described as "off-key" by some, but it adds to the overall appeal of his sound. He uses rolling glottal stops and a sliding scale to create an effortless sound. To replicate this style, try to use glottal stops frequently while singing. Also, be sure to slide from note to note as smoothly as possible. The Vocal Pitch Monitor offered by Singing Carrots is an excellent tool to help you refine your pitch.

Songs to Practice

Songs are a great way to develop and refine your singing style. Some recommended songs to practice to learn Ringo Starr's vocals are "With a Little Help From My Friends," "Yellow Submarine," "Octopus's Garden," and "Act Naturally."

Singing Carrots Resources

In addition to the references made throughout the article, Singing Carrots offers some exercises that may be useful. The Twang and Vibrato videos can be especially helpful in strengthening your singing abilities and finding the right tone and pitch.

Conclusion

Ringo Starr is one of the most easily recognizable singers in the industry thanks to his drums, but also his vocals with The Beatles. Nasality, controlled breathing, pitch, and tone are some of Starr's features that are easily identifiable. To sing like Ringo Starr, practice these techniques while singing and try to emulate the songs mentioned above. Access the Singing Carrots resources to get extra support in developing and refining your singing style.