The Best Advice For Singing A Duet
- Balancing Your Duet
- Harmonizing
- Blocking/Movement
Have you ever wanted to sing a duet but were unsure of how to go about it?
Some of the most important aspects of singing a duet is balancing your voice with your partner, harmonizing, and your blocking/movement.
Mastering these things will take but a consistent rehearsal and a positive attitude.
Balancing Your Duet
The number one issue singers have while singing a duet is balancing. This is when you blend your voice with your partner.
The easiest way to do this is to section the verses and choruses and pick who’s going to sing what.
After that has been decided, work on using your volume to make sure you are not singing over each other.
The lead of verse one can have backup harmonies, that depending on the song will determine whether both should be singing with volume.
The backup singer should be using a lighter tone while the lead is singing.
If you both are holding notes and using vibrato, it may be wise to have one person using vibrato so the frequencies don’t overlap.
Listening is very important as your ears will be the judge of whether to push more.
Practice by working with slides, preferably the ones that transition your voice from low to high, softening at the top.
Harmonizing
Harmonizing is a great way to add garnish to your singing.
Having a background harmony can make a performance all the more unique.
When executing harmonies practice them through rehearsal and make sure each person singing knows their notes.
If you have memorized the original song and wish to add your own harmonies.
Look for words that have sustain, since they are held longer it may be easier to add your harmony there.
If you don’t have a trained ear but know about music theory and chords, then you can pick the note you wish to generate a harmony on.
Whoever is leading the verse should sing the original harmony and the backup should sing a harmony above or below their note, depending on the song.
Timing is everything, and rehearsal is the best way to work with pace and tempo.
Blocking/Movement
While singing a duet, you have to remember, it is not a solo performance.
Think about how you and your partner can play off of each other.
This can be as simple as leaning into each other for a final belt.
Eye contact at some point is a must. If you are singing the chorus together, try breaking eye contact from the audience and focusing on each other.
If you are not currently singing, keep the mic a safe distance from your mouth so you do not interrupt your partner.
With 2 singers your stage presence is divided, people are inclined to look at the one currently singing.
If you add in movement or vocals, this can draw more of the attention to you.
Be wise about where you decide to add vocal dynamics and riffs, if you and your partner are singing different notes.