Singing Guide: The Faces

Singing Guide: The Faces

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

The Faces were a British rock band formed in 1969. They were known for their bluesy, raucous sound, and the unique vocal style of their lead singer, Rod Stewart. If you want to learn to sing like Rod Stewart, there are a few key techniques you need to master.

  • One of the things that sets Rod Stewart apart as a singer is his use of mic technique. He often pulls the mic away from his mouth slightly at the end of a phrase, creating a distinctive sound. To practice this technique, you can work on holding the mic about six inches away from your mouth while singing. Sing a few lines and experiment with pulling the mic away at the end of a phrase. Listen back to recordings of yourself to see how it sounds.
  • Another important aspect of Stewart’s singing is his phrasing. He often sings with a sense of urgency, hitting certain words harder than others to create a sense of drama and tension. To develop this skill, try singing along with some of his songs and pay attention to the way he emotes certain words. Practice singing with the same sense of urgency and emphasis.
  • The Faces were also known for their high-energy performances and on-stage antics. To capture some of that energy in your own singing, practice moving around while you sing. This can help you tap into your emotions and inject some of your own personality into the songs you sing.

In terms of songs to focus on, “Stay With Me” is a great example of Rod Stewart’s distinctive vocal style. It features his signature mic technique and urgent phrasing. “Maggie May” is another classic song that showcases his vocal skills.

For more resources on vocal technique and singing, check out Singing Carrots. Their vocal range test can help you determine your own vocal range and compare it to famous singers, and their pitch accuracy test can help you improve your intonation. The vocal pitch monitor lets you see your sung notes on a virtual piano, and the pitch training program offers interactive warm-ups and exercises. You can also search for songs by vocal range and explore the vocal ranges of famous singers.

Learn more about this artist vocal range, voice type and repertoire.