5 Reasons why Guitar Players do well in Singing Lessons:
As a vocal instructor for nearly 20 years, I have found that guitar players usually do very well learning to sing! If you’ve ever taken voice lessons with me as a guitar player, you would already be familiar with the comparisons I like to make between the vocal cords and the guitar.
1. Accompaniment: As a guitar player, you can accompany yourself while singing. This allows you to control the rhythm, tempo, and dynamics of the song, making it easier to stay in sync with your vocals. The only issue that can arise from this is that when you don’t play regularly with other musicians your timing can slip. This is something we work on in lessons! It also gives you the freedom to experiment with different chord progressions and arrangements, enhancing your overall musicality.
2. Pitch and Intonation: Playing the guitar helps develop your ear for pitch and intonation. By strumming chords and hearing the notes, you become more attuned to the musical scale and can better recognize and reproduce different pitches. This improves your ability to sing in tune and stay on key.
3. Timing and Rhythm: Guitar playing involves maintaining a steady rhythm and timing. This rhythmic sense can transfer to your singing, helping you stay in time with the music and develop a strong sense of timing. It also allows you to understand the relationship between the melody and the underlying rhythm, enabling you to phrase your vocals more effectively.
4. Songwriting and Arranging: Being a guitar player opens up opportunities for songwriting and arranging. You can compose your own songs, create unique chord progressions, and experiment with different melodies. This creative process helps you understand the structure of songs, the interplay between lyrics and music, and how to tailor your vocals to fit a particular arrangement.
5. Performance Confidence: Playing the guitar while singing can boost your confidence on stage. It provides a sense of security and control, as you have a musical instrument to rely on. This can help alleviate stage fright and allow you to focus more on your vocals and connecting with the audience.
Overall, being a guitar player while learning to sing offers a range of benefits, from improved pitch and timing to enhanced creativity and performance skills. It can greatly enhance your musical journey and make you a more well-rounded musician.