If you’re a fan of R&B and Soul, then you might want to learn how to sing like Tony Toni Tone. Formed in Oakland, California, the group is known for their smooth and sultry sound that mixes jazz, gospel, and funk influences. Their vocal harmonies and inventive vocal arrangements make them a great group to study if you’re looking to expand your vocal range and technique. Here are some tips on how to learn to sing like Tony Toni Tone.

Vocal techniques

One of the key elements of Tony Toni Tone's unique sound is their use of falsetto vocals. Falsetto is a vocal technique that involves singing notes higher than your natural range by using your head voice. Their use of falsetto can be heard in their hit songs like “Anniversary” and “Lay Your Head On My Pillow”. To learn falsetto, you want to practice singing in a high-pitched, airy voice. Humming and lip trills are particularly helpful in building your falsetto vocal range.

Another important technique used by Tony Toni Tone is melisma. Melisma is the singing of a single syllable of text while moving between several different notes in succession. It’s an important tool in R&B and Soul music and you can hear it in songs like “Whatever You Want”. To learn melisma, try practicing with vocal exercises that have sustained notes followed by quick intervals.

Songs to Practice

• Anniversary
• It Never Rains (In Southern California)
• Lay Your Head On My Pillow
• Whatever You Want

Singing Tips

• Warm up your voice with some vocal exercises before practicing.
• Practice singing along with the artist’s songs and pay attention to their phrasing and timing.
• Record yourself singing and listen back to identify areas that need improvement.
• Take care of your vocal health by staying hydrated and avoiding things that can irritate your throat, such as smoking or alcohol.
• Don’t strain your voice by trying to sing beyond your limits. Build your vocal range gradually and with proper technique.

Singing Carrots Resources

• Vocal range test: Test your vocal range and compare it with famous singers. Link
• Pitch accuracy test: Test your pitch accuracy by singing simple melodies. Link
• Pitch Training: Interactive exercises for range and agility, along with a pitch visualizer. Link
• Song search: Find songs that match your vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference. Link
• Artist vocal ranges: Explore the vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers. Link
• Vocal course: A 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips. Link

In conclusion, learning to sing like Tony Toni Tone requires mastering the techniques of falsetto and melisma, and practicing with their songs. Make sure to also take care of your vocal health and utilize the features of Singing Carrots to enhance your skills. With hard work and practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the unique sound of Tony Toni Tone.