Singing Guide: The Abyssinians
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
The Abyssinians are a Jamaican roots reggae group whose vocal harmonies and Rastafarian lyrics made them one of the most significant groups in the roots scene. Bernard Collins, Donald Manning, and Lynford Manning were the founding members of The Abyssinians. They were known for their politically and socially conscious lyrics, which reflected their belief in Rastafarianism and the need for social change.
If you want to learn how to sing like The Abyssinians, it's essential to focus on their vocal techniques, which often incorporate a unique blend of harmonies and rhythms. Here are some practical tips for emulating their sound:
- Work on your harmonies: The Abyssinians are best known for their delicate vocal harmonies that are well-timed and well-arranged. Focus on mastering your harmonies with your singing partner, and work on your timing.
- Use your diaphragm and support your breath: To achieve The Abyssinians' level of vocal clarity, it's crucial to develop strong breathing techniques. Focus on using your diaphragm to control your breath and vocals.
- Practice your timing: The Abyssinians' music incorporates a unique blend of rhythm, often with a reggae influence. To perfect this style, work on your timing as you sing along to their music.
- Learn their unique vocal stylings: The Abyssinians incorporate a unique vocal style that often incorporates intricate runs, riffs, and unexpected inflections. Study their vocal stylings, and learn to incorporate their style into your performances.
Here are some recommended songs showcasing The Abyssinians' sound:
- "Satta Massagana"
- "Declaration of Rights"
- "Y Mas Gan"
- "This Land Is For Everyone"
- "Let My Days Be Long"
Use the following Singing Carrots resources to aid in your singing journey and emulate The Abyssinians:
- Breathing basics
- Voice registers & vocal break
- Breath support
- How to learn a song effectively
- Avoiding constrictions
- Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking
- Contemporary vocal techniques: Heavy modal, Twang, Belting
- Vocal distortion & Growling
- Singing with Vibrato
- Articulation
- Resonance in singing
- How to find your own authentic voice
- Vocal health
- How posture affects your singing
- How to overcome stage fright
- Tips for performing on stage
- Vocal range test
- Pitch accuracy test
- Vocal Pitch Monitor
- Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game
- Search songs by vocal range
- Vocal ranges of famous singers