Singing Guide: They Might Be Giants

Singing Guide: They Might Be Giants

Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources

Are you a beginner or advanced singer?

They Might Be Giants is an American alternative rock band known for their unique musical style, combining pop-rock with elements of punk, folk, and electronic music. The band's vocal technique is characterized by alternating lead vocals and harmonies between both members of the band, John Flansburgh and John Linnell. In this article, we'll explore how to learn to sing like They Might Be Giants, highlighting their unique vocal technique and songs showcasing it, as well as incorporating practical advice and relevant Singing Carrots resources.

One of the key elements of TMBG's vocal technique is their use of tight harmonies and unusual vocal arrangements. An excellent song to showcase this is "Birdhouse in Your Soul", where the two singers alternate lead vocals in tightly arranged harmonies, creating a unique and memorable sound that is unmistakably TMBG.

Another important aspect of their vocal style is their ability to blend different genres into a cohesive whole. In songs like "Particle Man" and "Don't Let's Start", TMBG combine elements of punk, folk, and rock music to create a sound that is uniquely their own, and a great example of how blending genres can produce something truly special.

So how can you learn to sing like They Might Be Giants? Here are a few practical tips:

  1. Practice your harmonies: TMBG are known for their tight harmonies, so practicing harmonizing with other singers, or even just recording yourself and playing it back, can be a great way to improve.
  2. Study their arrangements: Listen closely to how TMBG arrange their vocals, paying attention to when they switch between lead vocals and harmonies, and try to emulate that in your own singing.
  3. Experiment with different genres: TMBG's eclectic style is one of their defining characteristics, so don't be afraid to experiment with mixing different genres in your own singing.

As far as resources go, Singing Carrots offers a number of tools that can be useful for learning to sing like TMBG. The vocal range test can help you determine your voice type, as well as how it compares to other famous singers, while the pitch accuracy test can help improve your overall pitch control. The vocal pitch monitor lets you see your sung notes on a virtual piano, which can be helpful for refining your technique, while the pitch training game offers interactive vocal warm-ups and exercises for range and agility.

In conclusion, by studying They Might Be Giants' unique vocal technique, practicing your harmonies, experimenting with different genres, and utilizing Singing Carrots' resources, you can learn to sing like this truly one-of-a-kind band. Happy singing!

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