How to Sing Like Shelby Lynne: Unique Techniques and Practical Tips

If there were ever an artist who could bring the perfect amount of grit to any vocal performance, it's Shelby Lynne. This American singer, songwriter, and actress has been making music since the late 80s, and her style ranges from country and blues to rock and pop. In this article, we'll explore what makes Shelby Lynne's singing so unique, and how you can incorporate her techniques into your own singing.

Unique Vocal Techniques of Shelby Lynne

Breathy, Whispery Tone

If you've ever heard Shelby Lynne sing, you'll notice that she brings a breathy, whispery quality to her voice that isn't commonly heard in other genres. Her unique vocal texture is due to her use of her breath. To achieve a similar style, practice singing with a relaxed jaw and an open throat to create space for breath to flow freely. Start by taking a deep breath and exhaling it slowly while singing softly and gently. Focus on the breath flow and the whispered sound.

Smooth Transitions Between Notes

Shelby Lynne has a way of gliding smoothly between notes without any noticeable breaks or shifts in tone. Her technique has been described as "legato," meaning that she uses a mixture of vocal folds, breath support and relaxation to achieve a seamless, connected sound. To develop this technique, practice sliding from one note to another, in a slow and controlled manner. Focus on keeping the air flowing smoothly and keeping the notes connected.

Emotional, Raw Expressivity

Another hallmark of Shelby Lynne's style is the emotional expressivity she brings to her performances. Her rough, raw vocals evoke deep feelings of pain, longing, hope and love. If you're interested in developing this skill, focus on feeling the emotions behind the lyrics and conveying them through your voice. Try singing a song with a lot of emotion, and experiment with different dynamics and tempos. Let your voice highlight the rawness of the emotion in the song.

Songs to Showcase Shelby Lynne's Technique

Leavin'

"Leavin'" is a prime example of Shelby's breathy, whispery vocal tone, and her ability to glide smoothly from note to note. The song starts off with a simple acoustic guitar strum and builds to a powerful climax, with Lynne delivering powerhouse vocals throughout.

Your Lies

"Your Lies" is a sad, wistful ballad that Shelby Lynne sings with raw, emotional expressiveness. She uses her voice to convey the deep pain and sadness of the lyrics, making the listener feel every word. In the chorus, Lynne moves seamlessly into a higher register, demonstrating her range and control.

Don't Mind If I Do

"Don't Mind If I Do" is a bouncy, energetic track that showcases Shelby Lynne's versatility. The song features her signature breathy, whispery vocal style, but also includes some impressive belting and vocal runs.

Practical Advice for Learning Shelby Lynne's Techniques

Breath Support

Shelby Lynne's breathy, whispery vocal tone requires excellent breath support. To achieve this, practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

Open Throat

To achieve Shelby Lynne's unique vocal texture, make sure to sing with an open, relaxed throat. Avoid constriction in your throat or around your vocal cords.

Expressive Singing

To convey deep emotion with your voice like Shelby Lynne, focus on the lyrics, story, and mood of the song. Try to feel the emotion behind the words and express it authentically.

Pitch Training

To achieve the smooth transitions between notes that Shelby Lynne is known for, practice exercises to improve your pitch accuracy. Use Singing Carrots' Pitch Accuracy Test and Vocal Pitch Monitor to track and improve your skills.

With these techniques, songs, and practical advice, you can learn to sing like Shelby Lynne, and express yourself in the unique and powerful way she does.