Singing Guide: The Silhouettes
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Learning to Sing Like The Silhouettes
The Silhouettes were an R&B group from Philadelphia that got their start in the late 1950s. They were known for their tight harmonies and smooth vocal style, which made them stand out in a crowded field.
Vocal Technique
The Silhouettes' sound was characterized by their smooth harmonies. To achieve this, you need to master your breath control and pitch accuracy.
- Breathing basics
- Breath support
- Why do we sing out of pitch?
- Open mouth & throat
- Resonance in singing
Recording Yourself Singing
The best way to get better is by recording your singing and listening back to it. You can compare your pitch, tone, and timing to the original song and identify areas that need improvement.
Musical Style and Repertoire
The Silhouettes were known for their R&B sound, characterized by tight harmonies, smooth phrasing, and energetic performance.
- Warm-up/Practice starter: Humming
- Skill related Video: Chest Voice Explained
- Skill related Video: Voice Break Mixed Voice
You also need to choose songs that fit your vocal range and style. Here are some suggestions:
- "Get A Job": their most famous song and a great showcase for their smooth harmonies.
- "I Am Lonely": features a strong lead vocal and well-crafted harmonies
- "Heading For The Poor House": a classic R&B ballad with heart-wrenching vocals
Resources from Singing Carrots
Singing Carrots has a range of resources to help you improve your singing. Here are some that are particularly relevant:
- Vocal range test: determine your vocal range and identify which songs would fit your voice.
- Pitch accuracy test: assess your pitch accuracy and identify areas for improvement.
- Vocal Pitch Monitor: visualize the notes you sing and compare them to the correct pitch.
- Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game: hone your pitch accuracy and range through interactive games and exercises.
- Search songs by vocal range: find songs that fit your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference.
- Vocal ranges of famous singers: discover vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers and compare them to yours.
- Educational singing course: a 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips.
By following these tips and using these resources, you'll be well on your way to singing like The Silhouettes. Remember to practice regularly, record yourself often, and have fun!