How To Sing Soul Music – 10 PRO Tips🥇(Nov 2024)
Soul music has been around for decades, with its roots tracing back to African-American gospel and blues music. It has been popularized by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye, who have added their own unique spin to the genre.
Soul music is a combination of gospel, blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues that creates a powerful sound that expresses the soulful emotions of its singers. It’s a genre that has had a lasting impact on popular culture, and continues to inspire upcoming singers and musicians.
If you’re looking to add some soul to your singing, then you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vocalist, this guide will provide you with 10 easy steps on how to sing soul music. From getting the right vocal technique to learning the right soulful melodies, you’ll be ready to take the stage in no time.
So, if you’re ready to add some soul to your singing, read on to learn how to do it.
How To Sing Soul Music – 10 Simple Steps
1: Immerse Yourself In Soul Music
If you’re looking to learn how to sing soul music, you’ll need to start by immersing yourself in the genre. Listen to classic and modern soul tracks to get a feel for the style. Take note of the types of vocal techniques that are used, such as melisma, vibrato, and belting.
Also pay attention to the musical elements like rhythm, dynamics, and harmony. The more you listen and study, the easier it will be to bring your own soulful sound to life.
2: Remember To Always Warm Up!
If you want to sing soul music, it’s important to remember to always warm up your voice first! Warming up helps to get the blood flowing and lubricate your vocal cords, so that you can hit those soulful notes. Not only this, but similarly to an athlete, warming up your voice also helps to prevent injury.
Even if you don’t have much time, spend ten minutes doing some simple vocal exercises and you’ll be ready to start singing in no time. We’ve included a video tutorial/demonstration below:
3: Learn the Basics of Singing
If you’re looking to learn how to sing soul music, the first step is to understand the basics of singing. It’s important to understand proper vocal technique, such as breathing and posture, as well as the fundamentals of music theory, like scales and intervals.
Learning this will help you with your tone, range, and overall sound. With a little practice and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of soul singing!
4: Use Proper Breathing Technique
Learning how to sing soul music doesn’t just involve hitting the right notes, but also proper breathing technique. The key is to take slow and deep breaths and to use your diaphragm to support the sound. This type of breathing allows for a bigger range, better control of your notes, and a richer sound overall.
With the right breathing technique, you’ll be able to bring soulful emotion into your music. Here’s a video with exactly how you should be breathing when singing:
5: Study Famous Soul Singers
If you’re looking to learn how to sing soul music, study the greats! Listening to and analyzing the vocal techniques of famous soul singers like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye can help you develop your own unique soul singing style.
Pay attention to how the singers use their voices, what emotions they express and how they move with the music. This will help you develop your own unique style and allow you to become a master of soul music.
Learning from the masters is a surefire way to bring your soul singing game to the next level.
6: Consider Vocal Tuition – Live vocal lessons or a online program taught by a professional teacher
If you want to learn how to sing soul music, consider enrolling in a vocal tuition program. Whether you choose to take live lessons with a professional teacher or opt for an online program, vocal tuition can be a great way to improve your singing skills and learn to sing soul music like a pro. With the right instruction and practice, you can soon be singing with soul and confidence.
For those considering an online vocal training program, we always recommend 30-day singer. Their course is top-notch and they have a 14-day free trial to test it out!
7: Keep Your Throat, Neck and Mouth Relaxed
When it comes to singing soul music, it’s important to keep your throat, neck, and mouth relaxed. This will help you produce a sweet, smooth sound that’s perfect for those soulful tunes.
To help relax your throat, neck, and mouth, practice deep breathing and vocal warmups before each performance. Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day and don’t forget to give your vocals a break every now and then!
8: Experiment With Different Soul Styles and Techniques
If you’re looking to add some soulful energy to your singing, the best way to do it is by experimenting with different techniques and styles of soul music.
Try out different vibratos, use the falsetto register, and belt out powerful notes to really make the music come alive. Take risks, be creative, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With enough practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to find a unique style of soul music that you can call your own.
9: Practice On A Daily Basis
If you want to learn how to sing soul music, the best way to do so is to practice on a daily basis. Learning the soulful sounds of the genre takes time and dedication, and the only way to get better is to keep at it.
Practicing your singing every day will help you become more confident in your own voice and give you the confidence you need to start performing for an audience. Don’t be afraid to try out new songs and styles – learning soul music is all about exploring different sounds and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
10: Remember To Hydrate
When singing soul music, it’s important to remember to keep yourself hydrated! Drinking plenty of water can help keep your vocal cords in prime condition and prevent your voice from getting hoarse.
Being well hydrated will also help you sustain strong notes and stay on pitch. So don’t forget to bring a bottle of water with you before you start belting out those soulful tunes!
Conclusion
Learning how to sing soul music can be a challenging but rewarding journey. By listening to and learning from the masters, enrolling in vocal tuition, and practicing daily, you can develop your own unique style of soulful singing. Remember to keep your throat, neck, and mouth relaxed and to stay hydrated when you’re singing. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques to find the soulful sound that best suits you.
For those looking for more comprehensive vocal training, which offers both an affordable and convenient way to develop your vocal skills, then we recommend trying out the 30-day singer program. With their 14-day free trial, it’s the perfect way to get started on your journey to becoming a soulful singer.
So, if you’re ready to take your singing to the next level, why not give it a try?