Transcribing vocalists

[Kmatuhin]

Beginners are usually advised to transcribe simple instrumental solos — something from Charlie Christian, Grant Green, Chet Baker, and "So What"... But I wonder if anyone transcribes vocalists? I listen to Ella Fitzgerald and realize how beautifully she sings and beautifully varies the melodies (rhythmically and melodically), adding vibrato, trills, and growls here and there. Not to mention her scat parts.

[pamosmusic]

Beginners are usually advised to transcribe simple instrumental solos — something from Charlie Christian, Grant Green, Chet Baker, and "So What"... But I wonder if anyone transcribes vocalists? I listen to Ella Fitzgerald and realize how beautifully she sings and beautifully varies the melodies (rhythmically and melodically), adding vibrato, trills, and growls here and there. Not to mention her scat parts.

Transcribing vocal melodies is pretty standard advice for learning tunes. Ella can be tough though. Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole are good ones to start with.

[AllanAllen]

I've learned tunes from Chet Baker vocals, and I've pulled lines from Louis Armstrong's vocal phrasing. Sinatra is recommended to learn songs from, but I have a hard time hearing the notes he's hitting, the timbre is too smooth or something. I love listening to him sing, just don't use him to learn.

[RLetson]

I don't do guitar solos and can't transcribe, but I do sing, and when I do, I often steal from my favorite singers--for example, Keely Smith's phrasing on "Sunny Side of the Street" or Duke Robillard's on "I Can't Believe that You're in Love with Me."