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writing vocal lines


Mr Explosion

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I write music since 4 years, play guitar a little longer, and generally I have no problem with writing music, but I've never tried to make up any vocal melodies. Recently I start writing a song from bass part pretty often, and I want to just play some licks over the bass leaving much space for vocals. The guitar will play only when nobody sings, kind of like in many blues tunes. So I have to come up with some vocal melody that will sound good with the bass line.

 

But I have no experience with writing vocal melodies. I don't know how to come up with good vocals. Everything is important: rhythm, pauses, melody. Also I have to sing totally my way, not imitate anybody, so I don't want to learn from other singers, because I know I would rip off from them.

 

So: how to learn different vocal harmonies and singing rhythm? Can I use my experience from writing guitar or bass parts?

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Usually I also start with the music before I get into vocal lines.

 

What I tend to do is record the music (rythm, chord changes, etc...) and then just play it over and over while 'scat' singing. Usually vocal lines develop..... then it's on to the lyrics...

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I think it was bono who said he used the guitar to come up with melodies sometimes.

 

I would say don't let the music determine how the vocal line develops- think of the best melody and change the chords and arrangement to match. sing it and mean it. the best melodies come naturally and unforced (in my opinion)- so trying to cram them over an arranged piece doesn't often work for me- although the exceptions have been some of my better songs:D

 

good luck!

 

/johnny

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one thing i've been learning to do lately is singing above the chord progression. alot of beginning songwriters tend to sing very conventional melodies that are dictated by the chord progression. singing above the chord progression is when you are singing the part independently of the chords, but yet mindful of the interaction of the two. scat singing can be helpful in learning to do this. for me, its trial and error. i'll scat for a while until i find a melody or rhythm that interests me. from there i just build the part. also listen to jazz. the way that the solo instruments work with the rhythm instruments can give good ideas for building vocal lines.

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