How not to suck at singing!

🎸 If you feel like you can't sing, this lesson is for you! Learn my favorite tips to get you singing without sucking! :) Vocal teachers don't tell you these secrets. ;) 👉 Over 600 Song Guitar Lessons With Chords, Tabs, & Lyrics: www.justinguitar.com/songs #justinguitar #guitarforbeginners #singinglessons
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👉 Video Chapters
00:00 Lesson Welcome
00:28 Before We Start
01:27 Practical Approach
02:09 Singing In Tune
06:08 Dynamics
09:49 Talk-Sing
14:28 Singing Scales
17:11 Working Out the Melody
20:38 Extra Tip & Breathing
23:09 How You Want to Sing
28:04 Experimenting With Your Voice
31:27 Absorb Their Style
33:56 Record Yourself
28:11 You Can Do It!
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[@justinguitar]

*More tips & free lessons:* www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/learning-to-sing-bg-1903

[@macklu7571]

Hey Justin, I am a returning guitar player using your iPhone leasons app and am on module 9 now. Will you have any singing with guitar lessons on your app?

[@Jeb4100]

how did you post this comment 8 days ago when this video uploaded 1 day ago?

[@perro0076]

@@Jeb4100 Justin is a talented guy. He's also figured out time travel :-)

[@Jeb4100]

@@perro0076 woah

[@stanharris368]

po

[@duttdits]

This man is a national treasure and we must protect him. 😇

[@anxylum]

OMG, when you started the “quiet singing” and the “talk singing” I literally teared up a little. This is the advice I’ve been looking for. I wish I would have had this video 36 years ago. Thank you. ❤️

[@fbekker1838]

OMG? Omiggoshini mankaboko Garadoda?

[@qldsafari]

You’re just such a breath of fresh air mate, music for the rest of us So many have quit because of purists. You make it ok to be just ok ❤️❤️❤️

[@wjs569]

Well said. Purists, both teachers and students have discouraged more players than anything else. Its about the joy of playing and singing

[@BryanM362]

Very true! We can train to be pretty good, but may start off not so good... Negative feedback can kill our desire to even try!

[@orangeiceice12]

Being okay is how you get good. Purists either don't remember, are jealous of their ability, or suck.

[@theabhorrentchef7226]

I can’t sing very well, but I can’t just play a song without singing lol. Nirvana and everlast. A lot of their songs work well enough for my voice to not send everything in earshot running

[@quirkygreece]

The point at the end about confidence is sooooo valid, as is your earlier point about feeling comfortable. I used to “sing in my head” because I thought my voice was so bad, but then I realised I wasn’t playing the tune I was “singing”. I’m a woodworker and I made a really nice guitar hanger that I was proud of, then, shortly afterwards we had a couple of very close friends over for dinner and they remarked on the guitar hanging on the wall. They asked if I would play something and I made all the excuses about singing, but they insisted and as they are good friends I decided I didn’t mind sounding like a clown - I knew they wouldn’t be too harsh on me, so I cracked out Streets of London and was both surprised and pleased when they all (including my wife) started clapping. I was happy that my friends were being kind to me, but then they asked me to sing another song! I was surprised, because I don’t think I would want to listen to me singing twice, but as I had the instrument in my hand I did Hotel California and got an even louder clap! The point of this tale is that I know (and so do they) that I’ll never be a great singer, BUT, what I did was to share some joy and that was the biggest motivator to make me sing more often. So, in summary (I know it’s a long post, sorry), I would say, find some songs you like, sing while you practice, play for friends and family and just be happy - happiness is what music is all about, surely? (unless you’re a Leonard Cohen fan, of course, lol).

[@eagles_s]

Thats such bulls***. People trolling you about your singing. Meanwhile youre giving high quality lessons of your lifes work for free. My favorite part if your lessons is when you sing the chord voicings.

[@gristamshackleford2102]

lol welcome to youtube, there could be a 5 star professional who made millions, giving a lesson and there still gonna be ppl saying they suck and are doing it wrong

[@andrewmanzevich1186]

Pay no attention to the very few negative people who have nothing better to do. Huge amount of positive responses to read and are well earned. Justin is an absolute gem

[@jpr4212]

Couldn't agree more.

[@Johnny1.0]

Haters gonna hate

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

this is one of the better start to sing vids I have ever seen. and he is a good singer, yes comments are often attacking on any music 🎵🎶 or artistic videos. thanks for calling them out!!!!

[@brianwoodard339]

Justin’s videos are like that good friend that you can sometimes lose touch with, but when you reconnect you remember why they are such a good friend. This was a helpful video. Thanks.

[@michaelmcevoy9281]

Hi Justin, I have never commented before.Recently, I met my guitar hero by pure accident. In Melbourne, I attended the Tommy Emmanuel concert which was superb! The following morning I went for breakfast with my wife at a little restaurant near the threatre. We were seated right next to Tommy and a friend. I had a lovely exchange with him and I treasure the meeting. Your lessons are absolutely sensational!! Apart from your guitar talent and singing, your personality is a real gift. You explain thins so well and you are a champion for all us aspiring guitar players. From the bottom of my 72 year old heart, thanks mate!!

[@mykneeshurt8393]

"when you are learning a new skill, its completely normal to suck at it". TRUTH. Keep falling down and getting back up. Great video Justin!

[@mrtambourineman6107]

My number 1 desire in learning guitar is not fast lead etc, but to be able to play and sing songs on acoustic to a decent standard. So I jumped on this!

[@theshwen2218]

I’ve been dealing w some serious depression for a long time and trying to learn guitar and sing helps me cope. I suck at both still but just watching your lessons honestly does give me hope. You’ve got a great character and refreshing honesty and directness that I love. I strive to be a little more that myself. Thank you.

[@barbaracostello8187]

Hang in there Shwen. I also find a lot of comfort in music and love Justin's videos. If you're having fun keep doing it, I also suck at both singing and playing but I don't care, it's fun. 🙂

[@Andy-6652]

I started playing just before I lost it with anxiety and depression. Guitar, even a few minutes a day was the only thing I could do and helped me immensely. Stick with it and know that there's always light at the end of the tunnel. You will feel better.

[@sophieoshaughnessy9469]

This is a wonderful lesson. You are one of the “demystifier”teachers that I really admire. You get down to students level and it shows your dedication as an educator. Thank you Justin.

[@mickdawes1297]

This is an outstanding lesson. You have hit the nail on the head. I picked up the guitar a couple of years ago and went onto many KZbin sites to learn the basics of guitar playing. Your tutorials are by far the best I have experienced - and there have been a lot - you are a born teacher. This singing tutorial is the best advice you have given. We are not all Pavarotti, but we all have a voice. I heard that Karen Carpenter had an extremely quiet singing voice and benefited from amplification. The world would have been a poorer place if she was told not to sing.

[@livinglifewholefoods]

Did a youtube search and now I'm in love with those songs and her voice. Thank you for mentioning.

[@ilikebanjo]

Hey Mick! You're exactly right about Karen Carpenter. Justin's comments about not straining/pushing or singing too loudly reminded me of an excerpt from a biography called "Little Girl Blue, The Life of Karen Carpenter". Karen was being driven to the studio with one of her friends and as she was warming up and singing in the car the friend was totally surprised how quiet her singing voice really was. It was mentioned in the book that Karen let the microphone do the work. It's a great read if you like the Carpenters.

[@jeremyb4102]

So talented, yet so humble. Just an awesome human.

[@StratsRUs]

I've found that over time, the vocal lessons do become part of you and work their magic.And your true voice comes through.Minus all that posture and ' Musical Show' tone. You are great, Justin.Mind-boggling how much help you have given to so many !Thanks

[@alcobb3365]

Exactly the lesson I was looking for - perfect!

[@demonhand]

Thanks Justin! You have the most welcoming and accessible music lessons out there. I started with your guitar lessons 10 years ago and I've always wanted to sing while I play.

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Just brilliant! The best guitar teacher on KZbin.

[@trilobitalbino]

I wish I could meet Justin in person one day, because, man, do I wanna hug this dude.

[@felixVanDiemen]

Thanks Justin, you are a wonderful teacher and a gifted communicator 🙏

[@shiannbengtay5810]

Love this guy! He's unpretentious, and such a natural teacher with whom you can easily follow and learn. ❤❤❤

[@sorlowski78]

Still the best singing lesson for guitarists on youtube. Thank you mate!

[@garagetinkrer]

Have been looking for something like this for a looooooong time! Thank you Justin!

[@robertprentiss6124]

You are my favorite online guitar teacher and I have noticed a marked improvement in your singing. Thanks for sharing these tips, they obviously worked for you!

[@cirisirpula152]

Keep on singing! I especially like when you sing the chord names in song tutorials, it is both useful and fun

[@stevesmith5481]

Justin this is a wonderful and encouraging lesson. I'm persisting with learning to sing along to my guitar tunes and this video helps on so many levels. You have such a genuine helpful character, simply one of the brightest stars in the universe of the internet!

[@grantmorgan4508]

Great tutorial Justin. What I like about your videos, is that you always come across as genuinely wanting to help people. You have a warm personable style and that allows people to be able to really understand what you are saying. In that way, you are a true communicator. Keep up the good work.

[@kimbedell9216]

Thank you Justin. It really helps me when you sing with the lesson. I appreciate the guitar lessons and I love to sing. Any time you help with singing it's a huge bonus. Thank you so much.

[@foolsgold8486]

You are such a fun and down to earth teacher.. great to listen to. Cheers

[@chefshap]

Justin I am so grateful for your videos. You have made a tremendous difference for me. Now you’ve taken it to a whole other level. Proper singing has been extremely difficult for me. This video has blown up my impression of what signing could be if I stop straining to reach a note the way I hear it. I’m excited to work with these exercises. So grateful for who you are and your commitment to teaching and improving.

[@WillPlano]

Thanks for this, I have to say, I super appreciate your singing in your tutorials.

[@joejohnston5859]

As I've learned from all your lessons, I absorb bits and pieces from all of them, and they all represent forward movement and improvement. You're an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent!

[@tobiaszunk9416]

Hey Justin, thank you so much for your tutorials in general and your help!! Without your videos I wouldn't have learned how to play the guitar so quickly! This video is also perfect and excactly what I was missing on my guitar journey atm!! You're absolutely correct: Most people just want not to suck at singing (including me). It seems to me that many tips you find elsewhere in the internet assume that you already know how to hit every note. You said so many true things in your video that reminded me of that I'm not alone with this problem. So thank you for that! It's also comforting to know that even you had some issues with your singing in the beginning and it is a long process to become a good singer. Some are more talented than others, but it also can be seen as an instrument that needs some practice to be learned. Anyway the most important thing I wanted to say (besides thank you) is: I highly appreciate it when you sing in your videos to demonstrate the songs. It just makes much more sense that way and I think you have a beautiful voice! So please keep it up!!

[@livetoride911]

I been watching your videos for at least 10 years and your singing has improved immensely...I'm am sincerely surprised how much you have improved! Well done!

[@LauraFowlerMassie]

Thanks so much! I always find your honest and straightforward approach to teaching SO helpful!

[@retlod]

How do you inspire people? Prove you share or have shared in their struggles. Kudos to you, sir, for doing just that. You're already helping teach me to play the guitar; now you might start teaching me to sing as well!

[@georgjosko436]

I learned for singing more than the last years. Thank you so much 👍👍😃😃😃Best wishes from Germany

[@danledbetter3264]

Thanks, Justin. Absolutely one of the best lessons I have found. Changed my whole thought process for learning to sing better.

[@jeannecappella2670]

You put so much careful thought into all of your lessons. Another great one. Thanks Justin!

[@tallpaul8880]

Perfect timing again! One thing I’ve noticed about your singing is that you’ve really nailed your Neil Young tone. One of my favorites. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@kaatnikaatni9012]

God bless you Justin! Keep up this wonderful work.

[@martoneill]

I’ve always loved that you sing. Thanks Justin

[@NewYork-zg9iu]

This is the best video ever for a guitarist trying to learn to sing. Most others deal with the fancy vocal coaching stuff which is probably more relevant for singer-only people. Awesome work mate.

[@gilrod4257]

Wow! There is not too many people talking about finding your own voice. Thanks, great tips!!

[@sanjoybhol6293]

Hi Justin, been following you for over ten years! You will always get a 10 out 10 from me. Thanks for all your hard work. 🎸

[@bartmitcham9697]

I found holding the back of the guitar close to my chest and feeling the vibrations really helped me.

[@HRJ1411]

Great vid Justin, I’m no singer, but any improvement I’ve made was directly due to recording and listening back! Thanks for all the tips

[@ethantanatsiwasesedza8305]

This was a solid lesson... Loved your authenticity and vulnerability... Keep singing it up J🙌🏿🎤💯

[@Bedlam83]

This is extremely encouraging for an amateur like me. Thanks. :)

[@burnscheadle]

A thousand thanks for this-the most useful advice I have ever heard to help me work on building confidence in my-quite frankly-absolutely mediocre singing. This lesson was a real gem!

[@cherryflower195]

This is amazing, thank you so much!

[@jlee54]

Yes! Please do a follow up. Thank you, Justin!

[@seankelly4228]

This is just what I needed. Thanks Justin

[@guidonelliot5926]

I learned a lot of guitar from you as a beginner years ago. I never minded your singing , it beats guitar teachers that won't even have a go at it. It helped, so good job

[@saidutube]

You´re awesome! i paid for your beginners course this year and feel so genuinely grateful for your contribution to this space. I sincerely hope you never get tired of hearing me say ¨Thank you" Greetings from Patagonia Chile!!

[@JoBrew]

I love your tutorials and really appreciate them. I never thought your vocals ‘sucked’ and I appreciate that you always sing with enthusiasm and ❤

[@simonhunt7798]

Thank you Justin. Picked up guitar this last few months and subscribed to your beginner course. I’m progressing great thanks to you. Don’t stop buddy you’re making a lot of people very happy 🎶🤙

[@jimgower5925]

Keep going man! Your singing is a helpful part of your guitar lessons.

[@jeffcote6649]

Justin's the best man! I love him. 1.5 million subscribers, he's doing something right. Did his free electric guitar lessons, ended up paying for his lesson app. Best investment ever made other then my buying my first electronic guitar. Learned so much from him, opened up a whole new world. I've watched and listened to other KZbinrs, they are great as well. Justin is the best though and I am grateful for everything he has taught me.

[@electron7373]

I can't sing but your ideas around hitting the right pitch, even in a soft voice, are really useful and I might even give it a go. Thanks Justin!

[@satz112]

Your singing really improved a lot over the last years, good job

[@ponzo1967]

This is a cool episode for us guitarists hesitant to sing although we understand music in general to a point. Thanks Justin you've always done solid job vocally and I'm ready to learn Let's Go!

[@mcamp1952]

I was just thinking last week how much your singing has improved. Happy for you because you’ve become a good singer.

[@PhotoPilgrim]

Thank you. You have given me some inspiration to give it another go.

[@davetownsend4407]

Brilliant lesson and totally agree with singing teachers taking me a different direction - this lesson was really helpful thank you so much.

[@babswright2664]

Another excellent video Justin. Thank you.

[@razmac175]

Justin have followed you for many years. Watched this video of your tips for singing. Its brilliant. So simple precise and honest. Well done mate. Ray.

[@nancydavis6750]

Great stuff man. I agree that confidence is crucial.

[@chuck2388]

Another great lesson. Thank you.

[@thomasseka334]

Thank you Justin! This was one of your best videos and I’ve been following your channel for years. I really related to this. You have a great voice!

[@christophernelson5481]

You’re a champ in my book. Thank you for the great lessons and breakdown of many songs.Your patience and explanations make you the best teacher on KZbin.

[@justfrancois]

Thank you so much Justin. You are helping me to realise the dream I've had all my life...ever so slowly but surely.

[@b2cool412tame]

I've been struggling to learn guitar/sing and I came across this channel and I've been down this rabbit hole for hours... but I feel like I've learned more than I have in months on my own. Thank you Justin for these videos, you have no idea how much it helps and how happy that makes me

[@marufru97]

Thank you for another wonderful lesson, Justin. You're a terrific teacher and your desire to help your audience improve comes through strong.

[@Alex_U]

Helpful as always, thank you, Justin!

[@helethead]

This was the most helpful video for me. I would love more in this singing vein. Thanks Justin!

[@christopherguse]

Awesome! Thanks Justin!

[@andyx6]

What an awesome post Justin 👌 That was really great advice 🤘

[@paulwilson1110]

Love this Justin. Just what is needed. So much value in this. Big thank you

[@kimomalley2032]

Thanks Justin, very helpful!

[@daveyarwine1513]

Justin- as a preformer of 20 years plus, I have to say I have STILL learned much from your video. And yes! You have improved! Thank you for humility and approach. I'm a folk singer and while voice lessons are great,I'm not Mr. American idol. This video was the best I've seen for helping in a super practical way. Most videos I see are without the addition of the guitar. Thank you so much!!

[@SilverthorneA27]

I love the honesty and great sense of humor! Youre the best!

[@moyt1813]

Woahhh! You taught me to play guitar 16 years ago through your tutorials. I’ve been playing ever since. Randomly stumbled across this video. Thank you for everything! What an impact guitar has had on my life!

[@PatriciaSpayd]

You’re the best Justin! Thank you! And I’ve always enjoyed your singing.

[@alihanvarkan]

Hi Justin! Thank you for this awesome free lessons. Learned so much from your channel and keep learning while enjoying it (isn't that the point?). What sparked my interest in your teaching was that I think your understanding of music and art in general is great. Expressing feelings via music is a gift and I think sometimes people are so concentrated on the music part and forget the feelings. Worry, fear of failure, pressure to make it sound "right" creates the strain and this is a beautiful paradox :) if you wanna sing better, don't worry too much about singing better. Let yourself to make mistakes and accept them joyfully, that's how any human learns anything. It's important to point this out because most artists and aspiring artists have a tendency to act perfectionistic and keep criticizing every mistake. That kind of behaviour can steal the joy and hinders the progress. You are very well aware of that and your videos have a therapeutic effect which fairly supports the learning journey and this is one of the prominent reasons why you are an awesome teacher. Thank you.

[@craigpriceguitarist]

Thank you for this video, after playing in bands for over 30 years and never considering myself able to sing this has given me the confidence to actually have a go and at my next gig I'm hoping to sing a lead vocal for the first time ever

[@drummartijn]

Thank you Justin, this is a really great and helpful video! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@niffumau]

Your singing has improved so much.

[@claytonljenkins]

Super helpful lesson I appreciate the in depth explanation of each point. I want to say having you singing along in the lessons has been super helpful, I’m so happy that you were able to silence the criticism and go for it because it makes the lessons so much better

[@loribrown6734]

You are the BEST Justin. Feel like you were speaking right to me. I LOVE to sing but alas was not gifted a great voice. Love all the helpful tips! I can carry my own singing softly!

[@giovannamonteiro7216]

This is a very sweet, helpful and honest video...thank you !!!

[@kd-md8ub]

Justin this was an awesome session. Thank you for sharing your experience and love of music and love of learning. I am on a similar path and am inspired by your words.

[@jsuntres1]

Justin you are awesome!

[@juliew6609]

You’re such a lovely guy, thanks so much for being so encouraging and sharing all this.

[@moreorlesslikeso]

This is very helpful and encouraging - thank you, Justin!

[@andywilliamson7856]

Great lesson Justin - a lot of honesty and truth in there. And as a guitar player just starting to look at helping out with backing vocals really really helpful. Thank You. Best Regards, Andy

[@michaelc6720]

Been waiting for a video like this forever, Thanks Justin!

[@edwinwoods8294]

i m a singer for 30 yrs .. this is good advice .. I ve given vocal lessons .. The biggest thing is that when you sing , you need project ...obviously pitch is important ..

[@dongossett110]

Nice lesson. Not enough of this sort of thing out there for guitar students who would like to begin singing a bit.

[@richiesykes3298]

I can't tell you how much this video helped me. Thank you so much. Please do a sequel video