Singing Guide: The National

Singing Guide: The National

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

How to Sing like The National

The National is an American indie rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio. Known for the distinctive baritone voice of their lead singer, Matt Berninger, their songs have a unique and emotional quality that resonates with fans around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the techniques used by The National's lead singer, and how you can learn to sing like them.

Baritone Voice

One of the most distinctive features of The National's music is Berninger's baritone vocal range. This type of voice sits low in the vocal range, and can create a rich and powerful sound. However, it can also be challenging to master, especially if you are used to singing in a higher register.

To develop a baritone voice like Berninger's, it's important to focus on breathing techniques and vocal exercises that help you reach and maintain the lower notes in your range. Singing along to songs in a lower key can also be helpful in developing your baritone voice.

Emotional Delivery

Another key aspect of singing like The National is their emotional delivery. Their songs often have a melancholic or introspective quality that can be difficult to capture as a performer. However, there are some simple techniques you can use to convey emotion in your singing.

One effective technique is to focus on the lyrics of the song and the story it tells. By understanding the emotional content of a song and connecting with it on a personal level, you can deliver a more authentic and heartfelt performance. Additionally, practicing facial expressions and body language can help you convey the emotions of the song to your audience.

Recommended Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots provides a variety of resources for singers looking to improve their vocal technique and performance skills. Here are some recommended resources for anyone looking to learn to sing like The National:

  • Breathing Basics: This article provides a great overview of breathing techniques for singing, which can be especially important for developing a baritone voice.
  • How to Learn a Song Effectively: This article contains tips and techniques for learning the lyrics, melody, and emotional content of a song.
  • Vocal Pitch Monitor: This tool allows singers to visualize the notes they are singing on a virtual piano, which can be especially useful for practicing lower notes and matching the pitch of the original recording.
  • Pitch Training: This interactive tool provides vocal warm-ups and exercises for improving pitch accuracy, which can be crucial for capturing the emotional nuances of The National's songs.

By incorporating these resources into your practice routine and focusing on developing your baritone voice and emotional delivery, you can learn to sing like The National and capture the unique sound and emotion of their music.

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