If you're interested in learning to sing like The Scaffold, you're in for a treat.

This British comedy-rock group had their first chart-topping hit in 1968 with "Thank You Very Much" and continued to produce hilarious and catchy tunes throughout the following decades. Incorporating their unique vocal style, witty storytelling, and impeccable comic timing, The Scaffold became a revered musical act. In this article, we will explore how to learn to sing like The Scaffold and which practical elements can be incorporated to achieve the distinct sound of this band.

Singing Technique

To develop a sound like The Scaffold, you will need to draw on several techniques, including speaking in pitch, using both speaking and singing techniques, and altering your tone in a way that highlights the comedic aspect of your performance.

Speaking in pitch

Many of The Scaffold's songs are highly rhythmic and speak directly to the listener. To mimic this approach, try speaking the lyrics aloud with a rhythmic emphasis and deliver it at different pitches. It's essential to keep your delivery clear and deliberate but also to pay attention to the rhythm and rhyme of the lyrics.

Speaking and singing in tandem

One of the hallmarks of The Scaffold's unique vocal approach is the blending of speaking and singing styles. Experiment with speaking the lyrics in different rhythms and switching to singing the phrases at different intervals. The goal is to appear as though the singing and speaking are effortlessly intertwined.

Altering your tone

The Scaffold's songs often feature a comedic tone, requiring a distinct delivery that highlights the humor and wit in the lyrics. The key is to find a pitch that complements the music, while being light and playful in tone. Try allowing your voice to occasionally crack or break when attempting to emphasize the comedic aspect of a line.

The Songs

Here are some of The Scaffold's most distinctive and memorable tunes that highlight their unique vocal style and storytelling approach.

"Thank You Very Much"

This track is a perfect example of The Scaffold's approach, with a very memorable chorus that's simple yet forceful. The vocal style features a sing-talking that serves the song well, helping to deliver humor through the lyrics.

"Lily the Pink"

This song was another hit for The Scaffold and has a more traditional sing-song delivery, highlighting the group's cultural heritage. The track incorporates sweet melodies with call-and-response vocals, making it perfect for a singalong.

"Gin Gan Goolie"

This incredibly catchy ditty has become somewhat of a classic among The Scaffold's fans and has a unique time signature that's hard to ignore. The group mixes up the spoken and sung parts throughout the song, incorporating playful and interactive elements to make it even more fun.

Practical Advice

If you're looking to build on your vocal range and timing skills, Singing Carrots has several tools and resources that can help. The vocal range test can help you compare your range to other famous singers, while the pitch accuracy test can help you assess your pitch accuracy and improve your rhythm.

Singing Carrots also offers an educational singing course that covers the basics of singing theory and provides practical singing tips to help you enhance your skills.

Conclusion

With some practice and effort, you too can learn to sing like The Scaffold. It's all about developing a unique vocal style that blends spoken word and singing, utilizing humor to tell stories and making use of catchy melodies that are both memorable and entertaining. The practical advice and resources provided by Singing Carrots can help take your vocal skills to the next level, allowing you to perform with confidence and creativity.