Tips for Out of Tune Singers

Some people seem to be able to hear a song and pick up the tune instantly, while others hear completely different notes!

It is estimated that only 2-3% of the world’s population is actually tone-deaf, which means there is probably hope for you yet!

Read this useful blog post on how to go from pitchy to perfect with just a little practice.

What is ‘Out of Tune’?

If you’ve ever heard someone say that your voice is ‘pitchy’, they mean that the notes you are singing fall slightly sharp or flat off the note you are supposed to be projecting. This is the same as being out of tune.

If you are too sharp, you are singing a note that is slightly too high. And if you are flat, the note is slightly too low.

Why You’re Probably Singing Out of Tune

Here are three main reasons why you might be out of tune. Identifying which one(s) apply to you can help you address and improve the issue.

• You’re not listening to the song properly: Hearing the notes in a song is a skill that can take a bit of practice to perfect. Some people are naturally musical and can pick up tone instantly, but this is not the case for everyone.
• Your mouth is too narrow: Think of your mouth as an acoustic instrument – notes will naturally sound better if they have enough space to bounce off of before coming out of your mouth.
• You don’t have enough airflow: Breathing correctly is so important when you sing, as adequate airflow will help project your voice on the right note.

Exercises to Improve Your Pitch

Exercise #1

If your reason for poor tone-matching is that you haven’t quite mastered the art of listening to a song yet, then there are things you can do.

The best trick for this is to learn how to play the notes of a song on a musical instrument. One that doesn’t use your mouth is best, as you can wear your breath out on a flute or trumpet. So, something like a keyboard or guitar is great.

Then, pick each note in turn and play it five times. As you play it, count and sing that note. For example, if you start with a c, press it five times and then sing “one, two, three, four, five” in that note.

You should start to hear when your voice falls off-key slightly. When you get to the number five, lengthen the note and hold it as long as possible – that will help you learn to hold the same note without dipping. Practise this daily to improve your listening technique.

Eventually, your muscle memory will take over, and you’ll be able to hear the notes without having to try so hard.

It’s important that you always practise in the exact same key as the song you are trying to sing. Don’t be tempted to go up or down an octave, as you’ll fall back out of key when you have to perform.

Exercise #2

If the reason you are out of tune is because you’re not opening your mouth wide enough, it’s time to practise your elocution! Most people keep their mouth small either because they have a lazy tongue or because they have a low soft palate.

Practise saying “how now brown cow” in your poshest voice, really enunciating every syllable. This will get your tongue moving around more so that it is more supple and better able to push your mouth open when required.

If your problem lies with your soft palate, you need to practise yawning. When you yawn, your soft palate naturally lifts. Try a basic yawn a few times, and then add a note to your yawn. The more you practise this, the more naturally it will come when you sing.

Exercise #3

If none of that solves your tone problem, then it’s likely down to the airflow in your throat.

Despite the fact that breathing is the most natural thing that we all do without thinking, it turns out most of us are doing it inefficiently. To appreciate your voice at its best, you need to practise diaphragmatic breathing.

The easiest way to do this is with a sigh. A sigh comes directly from your diaphragm and pushes the air out of your mouth in a way that is conducive to great singing.

Before you start your singing practice, do a few deliberate sighs and notice how that changes your breathing. Then, add a few notes into your sighs and extend them. You should notice that your practice goes a lot more smoothly afterwards.

How do I know I’m Out of Tune?

It can be difficult to tell if you are out of tune by listening to yourself – you just don’t sound the same in your head as you do in other people’s ears. So, the best thing to do is bring in a trusted observer – someone who will tell you the truth.

Ideally, they should be a much better singer than you.

Sometimes, the only way to really do this is with a vocal coach. If you want someone who can be trusted to tell you the truth but in a constructive way, then contact us at the London Singing Institute today and let’s get you on the path to perfect pitch!