Singing Guide: The French Doll

Singing Guide: The French Doll

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

The French Doll, also known as Edith Piaf, became famous for her unique voice, characterized by its roughness and emotional depth, as well as her interpretations of songs related to Paris' streets and stories. In this article, we’ll explore some of the techniques that made her voice so distinguishable and highlight some of her famous songs that showcase these techniques.

One of Piaf's signature techniques was her vibrato, which she applied to notes of different lengths and fluidity. Her voice was often described as having an "edge," which could be explained by her usage of Chest voice, as well as French nasality. In addition, her emotional interpretation of songs and delicate phrasing helped to bring her music to life.

So, if you're looking to sing like the French Doll, here are some key techniques to focus on:

  • Breathing techniques: Piaf had an exceptional command of her breath, particularly when it came to channeling her emotions through her songs. Consider spending time on Singing Carrots' "Breath support" article, as well as the "Farinelli Breathing" warm-up exercise video found in the shared resource library.
  • Chest Voice: Chest voice was a central part of Piaf's vocal styling. For more information on chest voice, check out the "Chest Voice Explained" video in the shared resource library.
  • Vibrato: Piaf is famous for her vibrato technique, and it requires both control over breathing and the right pitch. Start by practicing vibrato on sustained notes, and consider the "Beggars Bounce" and "Diaphragm Bounce" videos in the resource library for further assistance.
  • Nasality: Piaf embraced her nasal quality and made it a significant part of her singing. To learn how to develop your nasality effectively, check out the "Soft Palate" and "Stop Sounding Nasal" exercises found in the video resource list.
  • Emotional Interpretation: Piaf was a master at emotional interpretation. Her voice conveyed a range of emotions, including joy, sorrow, and melancholy. To increase your emotional expression, focus on the "Relaxing Breath" video, as well as the "Sustain Vocal" exercise in the video resource section.

Now that you know some key techniques, here are some of The French Doll's songs that showcase her unique voice:

  • "La Vie en Rose:" This song highlights Piaf's vibrato technique as well as her emotional interpretation of a classic love song. Find songs similar to this one through Singing Carrots' "Song search" tool.
  • "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien:" This song is one of Piaf's signature songs and is a great example of Piaf's use of her chest voice in a song. Listen to the song here: Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien
  • "Milord:" This song showcases Piaf's usage of her nasal voice, emotionally charged phrasing, and expressive storytelling. Listen to the song here: Milord

Overall, if you're looking to sing like The French Doll, it's important to focus on a variety of vocal techniques, including breathing techniques, vibrato, chest voice, nasal voice, and emotional interpretation. By keeping these techniques in mind and practicing with Singing Carrots' resources, you can start to infuse your singing with the unique qualities that made Piaf such an iconic singer.

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