Expert: Chad DuBose - 7/19/2009

Question
Hi Chad,

I'd just like to know what are the different vocal styles/techniques used by rock singers. I don't mean the range (tenor, soprano, bass, baritone), but rather the vocal style such as belting, death growling, clean vocals, falsetto, etc. What other vocal styles were employed by rock musicians?

Thanks a lot!

Answer
The best way that I can answer that one is to give you some examples of some of the more unique styles of rock vocals I have heard over the years. I will give you a list of bands/vocalists to check out. As far as labeling their style, I will try. (1) Black Oak Arkansas singer Jim Dandy used sort of a sarcastic "twang" that was most emphasized on the song Uncle Lijah. (2) The "whiny" sounding background vocals accompanying many David Lee Roth era Van Halen songs was actually bassist Michael Anthony, Roth himself, spoke many lyrics rather than singing them,flavoring all early Van Halen songs with his signature Indiana accent. (3)Faith No More singer Mike Patton employed the now famous rap/singing technique with great results. Tale a listen to "We Care Alot", if you are not already familiar. (4) No defining remarks for Ozzy, other than a dirt poor kid from Birmingham, trying to break away from poverty through singing for a rock band. His unrefined approach led to one of the most lucrative careers ever in rock and roll. He was once questioned about how he was suddenly able to hit such high notes on albums such as Sabotage, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. He replied simply, cocaine man, lots of cocaine. (5) Frank Zappa was a unique musician/vocalist that went heavy on satire. His songs were hilarious, yet well orchestrated. Vocally, I would describe him as that favorite uncle that liked to talk about things in funny/odd voices. Hard to describe him, take a listen if you have not yet. (6) James Hetfield of Metallica. There's one of the best rhythm guitar players ever alongside Scott Ian. James seems to force out the words like purging anger following an epiphany. These are at least a few thoughts on the matter, I will come up with some more in depth comparisons a.s.a.p.