There are certain techniques that can elevate a singer from good to great. Among these techniques are four essentials that every aspiring great vocalist should master:

1. Sliding Up – THE MOTORBIKE

Sliding Up, also known as a glissando, is a technique where a singer slides their voice from one note to another. The easiest way that I imagine doing this is to imitate a motorbike sound. Check out the complete video on Youtube.

This technique is often used in Indian classical, semi-classical, jazz, blues, and almost every other genre where the singer wants to add a bit of flair to their singing. Sliding up can also be used to add a bit of emotion to a song, as it can create a feeling of anticipation or excitement.

2. Gamaka – THE SOFT LAUGH

Gamaka is a technique used in Indian classical music that involves oscillating between two or more adjacent notes. This technique adds a lot of texture and depth to a singer’s voice and can be used to create complex melodies. Gamaka is often used to embellish a melody and can add a lot of emotion and feeling to a song. The easiest way I imagine doing this is to laugh out loud at a particular note. Basically, go “HA HA HA HA” and then soften that initial “Huh” sound.

There are some great gamaka drills in this Udemy course

3. Sliding down: THE BOMB

Sliding down, also known as a glissando, is the opposite of sliding up. Instead of starting on a lower note and sliding up to a higher note, the singer starts on a higher note and slides down to a lower note. Sliding down can be used to add a sense of finality to a song. The easiest way that I imagine doing this is to imitate a bomb being dropped. Like the ones they show in cartoons.

4. Aakars

Aakars or Aakarams are a series of vocal embellishments used in Indian classical music. These embellishments involve adding extra notes or sounds to a melody to create a sense of movement or excitement. Aakars can be used to create complex rhythms and melodies and can add a lot of emotion and feeling to a song. Practicing aakars is simple. Just sing patterns in any given Raga. Instead of singing the swaras or sargams, sing it in “Aa”. However, you will find it hard initially to let go of the swaras and sing aakars. You might also not be able to sing it as fast as you could sing the swara counterpart. It will get better with time.

In conclusion, these four essentials – sliding up, gamaka, sliding down, and aakars – are essential techniques that every great vocalist should master. Whether you are singing jazz, blues, Indian classical music, or any other genre, these techniques can add a lot of texture, depth, and emotion to your voice. So, if you are looking to take your singing to the next level, be sure to incorporate these four essentials into your vocal training.

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