How do you sing from the gut/ work on your own voice?

[TheBouncingSoul]

I've browsed in the other threads, and the only thing i can find out is the simple anwser, stand up straight, smile, and sing from the gut. Exactly, how may i ask do you "sing from the gut?" I'm using my own voice, and not trying to sound like someone, so is that it? And how can you work on the tone of your voice? Thanks.

[Rats]

When I started singing I didn't understand "singing from the gut" either. Probably the best advice I ever got from this board is to breathe into your stomach and try to keep a straight face when you sing. Once I started doing that, my voice improved greatly and I don't strain to reach high notes anymore.

[Merkaba]

http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219911

[AJR1]

Get another guy to sing with you! Like the bassist etc. And singing lessons is an alternative.

[Teri Jo]

It's a hard question to answer, because most of us have done it so long we really don't know HOW we do it. The best way I can describe it to to use your stomach muscles to PUSH the sound out.

My favorite "singer" site www.voicelsson.com has an FAQ... and although it doesn't tell you HOW it does tell you how to check if you are...

" Q. How do i know if i'm singing from my diaphram and if i'm not how can i start?

A. If your throat hurts while singing you are not using your diaphragm properly. You can't "sing" from your diaphragm but you can use it to control the air pressure used when singing. When the pressure is just right, the sensation is very free and slippery within the throat and it seems your voice is coming from somewhere else. If you feel you are doing it wrong, place a hand on your belly button. This area should expand when you inhale (don't lift the shoulders). As you sing a note, the area around your belly button should go in very gradually -- not gri[p like you're doing a sit up. Practice this smooth in and out motion while singing at a low volume. Once you get it correct, turn the volume up slowly without sacrificing form. Best of luck."

I hope this helps

Teri Jo

[neiltrett]

definately check out singing 101,or merkabas thread on vocals...very good,clear advice. me, i couldn't say it better my self...