Can You Sing? The Essential Skill Every Musician Needs - My Journey from Lessons to Live Gigs

In this video, I dive into one of the most critical questions every musician faces: "Can you sing?" Whether you're playing local gigs in your small town, touring the country, or even serenading someone special, being able to sing is a skill that can make or break your music career. In this candid discussion, I share my personal journey—from starting out as a kid taking voice lessons, finding my vocal range, to mastering popular songs that fit my voice.

I also emphasize the importance of being prepared for those unexpected moments on stage when the spotlight turns to you. Emergencies happen during gigs, and being ready to step up to the mic can be a game-changer. Singing is more than just hitting the right notes; it’s about confidence, preparation, and understanding your voice. Join me as I share tips, stories, and insights on why developing your singing ability is crucial for any serious musician.

[Souldoubtrocks]

I spent 6 months in the Philippines and you’re right, everyone can sing there. No joke.

[ErnestBordof]

I've been playing bass "professionally" for about 10 years now in Austin. I started late in life at around 45 years old. Singing and playing at the same time has been the biggest hurdle I've had to overcome. This is great advice for young players. I've lost plenty of gigs over the years because I have a hard time singing harmonies. If your young in your 20's learn it now. It's a LOT more difficult to learn after 50. It will definitely make the difference between getting a gig or losing it to another player that can sing. Thanks for the videos, Brad! You're spitting out great advice and knowledge on this channel.

[Peter]

As a guitar player, one of the shifts that happened when I started to sing and play - and it took some work - was I began to develop a greater appreciation of the song. It was in me at a deeper level. When improvising, I began to shift from just playing notes in a particular scale, to playing more with the songs melodic and harmonic structure. Also, I could express mood of the song while playing more clearly because it was in me, with the words, melody and harmony. It sounds kind of dumb but before I started singing I'd often be in my own little guitar playing world, not paying much attention to the vocals, other than the cues for changes in the song that I needed to make while playing.

[CraigOlove]

The key is to find your own voice. I hear so many young guys trying to sound like someone they are not. I know I tried to do the same thing and it never worked. I did not get it everyone told me I couldn't sing, so I didn't. I just kept trying to sing until it finally came to me. It was my own song that let me find my own voice. Then it finally clicked I could sing the other songs in my own voice and it worked as long as I found the right key for the song..Oh well I hope this helps someone. Thank you Brad for what you are doing.

[guitarplayer]

im a decent guitar player, i have always fronted 3 piece bands, me bass and drums, i get picked for gigs over better guitar players because i can sing and play lead/rythym at the same time, not many of us can do that, i agree learn to sing

[MjNortham]

Love your channel! You are so relaxed and not trying to prove anything. People who share experience are so generous!

[rodneyhutchins]

A friend and I were talking about this very thing yesterday. A player being able to sing a few songs a night is a great asset.Some people can sing pretty good but won’t even try. You are right on Brad. 👍🏻😉

[icdean]

This was a good 1 Brad. I played with a Filipino drummer Robert Dela Cruz in the 80's and his harmony work was spot on. Learning to sing will make anyone's musical journey more enjoyable and enlightening! Keep on rockin in the free world everyone!

[PaulLoughrin]

Thanks Brad! Great video. Kudos to you, for keeping your vocal chops up.

[larrnew]

I’ve noticed that my favorite singers are not the ones that are technically perfect but they have a unique and appealing tone and they sing from the heart!

[bjhendrickson]

Learn Harmonies! I grew up listening to my father's band in our garage and was shown the importance of harmonizing not just 5th above but also the 3rd below. My brother and I became great at harmonizing with out using monitors. If he took the high I would take the low and vice versa. So important and makes you more valuable to a band

[luthravin]

I totally agree Brad!! I struggled early on thinking I didn’t like my voice..but I learned the basic fundamentals on how to control my breathing and using my diaphragm..the difference between using my head sound and chest sound.. I started with simple songs like Gloria..to The Doors Soul Kitchen..to where I’m at now with Chuck Berry’s Nadine!! That’s not an easy one playing guitar and singing in a three piece…but it’s a real trip now and I’m probably singing half of our song lists..we all share my bassist sings his songs also along with our drummer who carries the main load!! Thanks Brad great video

[donovankelly]

Learning how to sing harmonies is one of the most important skills.

[williammccormick]

BRAD I GAŔYLEWIS LIVE 1978 GAINESVILLE FLORIDA. 3 PIECE IN A CONVERSION VAN. STILL HAD IT. GARY PLAYED DRUMS GUITAR . I'M A 45 YEAR DRUMMER. I PLAYED HIS ALBUMS IN THE EARLY 60S .GOT A COCKTAIL NAPKIN AUTOGRAPH 😂 GREAT SHOW. LOVE YA BRAD 🎉

[SPY-LL]

Singing is an essential skill. I took lessons and worked it, and it paid off in spades. I went from drummer to Mick Jagger! By the way the Amazon Wig still looks great! ha ha! I know it's your hair, but I love the "wig confession". Love the channel Brad.

[acepalacio]

I always wanted to do that, I would have gotten more gigs for sure or hired, I have guitar skills but sometimes that wasn’t enough

[jercetti]

Singing "Blue Moon" by Elvis Presley indeed helped me found my singing voice, although I'm not the greatest singer

[Maleman.]

My first singing + guitar solo gig next week (normally just a lead guitarist) - so many doors are going to open

[williammccormick]

I LOVE THE WHISPER LIKE ON A BUS TELLING THE STORIES. 😅

[Pieguy]

Spiller to me right now is one of the great singers out there today.