Singing Guide: Song of the South
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
For anyone looking to learn to sing like "Song of the South," by Alabama, there are some important techniques to explore in order to emulate the legendary group's style.
One important element to focus on when singing like Alabama is the use of a "twang" in the voice. This involves concentrating on the nasality of the voice, which can be achieved through specific exercises like the "How to Twang Exercise" from Singing Carrots. The use of twang adds an edge to the vocals when done properly, which Alabama excels at in their rendition of "Song of the South."
Another important technique to take note of is breath control, as it helps to achieve a consistent and even tone throughout the song, especially during high notes. Proper breathing techniques are covered in several Singing Carrots articles such as "Breathing basics" and "Breath support," both of which can be helpful in developing strong breath control.
Alabama's style also often features a skillful use of vibrato, specifically what is known as a full-cycle vibrato. The two "Bounce" exercises provided by Singing Carrots, "Beggars Bounce" and "Diaphragm Bounce," can be especially useful in developing the proper technique for this.
Last, it's important to practice the specific song itself repeatedly, focusing on honing the necessary skills for the best possible performance. "How to learn a song effectively" and "Tips for performing on stage," both Singing Carrots articles, can be immensely helpful in this regard.
In order to facilitate the learning of "Song of the South" specifically, Singing Carrots provides a tool to search for songs by vocal range and difficulty. The pitch accuracy test and vocal pitch monitor can be useful tools in helping to perfect the song, while the Singing Carrots course on singing for beginners can be helpful in developing all-around skills as well.
To start learning the technique necessary to sing like Alabama, try starting with the provided links. Keep practicing and honing your individual style, and soon you'll be able to sing like the greats.