Singing Guide: Willie Dixon
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Willie Dixon was an American blues musician, bassist, songwriter, and record producer. He was a prolific and outstanding composer, with over 500 songwriting credits to his name. Dixon's unique vocal skill comprised an extensive pentameter that he used to emphasize the lyrics' syllables, drawing in the listeners' attention and delivering a message that hits close to home. In this article, we will discuss how to learn singing like Willie Dixon, what lessons to focus on, and which specific songs showcase his unique vocal style.
Vocal Technique
To sing like Willie Dixon, singers need to focus primarily on perfecting their pitch and range. Dixon sang in an extensive pentameter with an emphasis on the rhythm and tone of his voice. His style's notable quality was the way he emphasized the lyrics' syllables, giving his words a more profound meaning. Focusing on the melody and rhythm of his songs will enable an artist to learn how to match Dixon's unique tone and recreate his vocal style.
Songs to Learn From
Willie Dixon's compositions are many, each with its unique elements. However, specific songs illustrate Dixon's vocal style by accentuating his vocal delivery and emphatic use of syllables. The primary song to learn from is:
- I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
This song showcases Dixon's excellent vocal technique, particularly his low, resonating bass-baritone voice. It's a classic blues song that offers the perfect opportunity to practice matching his tone, range, and pitch.
Practical Advice
To perfect the singing techniques used by Willie Dixon, beginners should take advantage of Singing Carrots' educational courses and video exercises. The following resources will help you sharpen your singing skills and expand your vocal range:
- Vocal range test
- Pitch accuracy test
- Vocal Pitch Monitor
- Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game
- Search songs by vocal range
- Vocal ranges of famous singers
- Educational singing course
Beginners should also:
- Learn the lyrics to Dixon's songs by heart, ensuring that you understand their meaning. Sometimes, understanding the meaning of a song may help you get the tone and pronunciation right.
- Watch and repeat the Twang, Vibrato, and Breathing exercise videos to increase their vocal range.
- Pay attention to Dixon's unique vocal delivery while listening to his songs.
- Practice singing the songs like he did while paying attention to the tone and rhythm.
Conclusion
Willie Dixon was an exceptional blues musician famous for his low, rich, and resonant bass-baritone voice. To sing like him, focus on your pitch, range, and vocal delivery. Songs such as "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" offer great insight into his unique style. Additionally, The Singing Carrots offers a vast library of educational resources and exercises that can help you sharpen your skills.