I started singing in bands when I was 14 years old. It's not that I thought I was good, I just didn't know anyone else who could sing or write lyrics. Doing it myself taught me a lot for many years, but around age 20 I opted to let someone else take the lead so I could focus on guitar.

I would always sing back up, and many time would write the vocal parts for the singer. Fast forward a few years, and I was living in LA finally with people who could really sing and write. Meeting great singers made me realize how much I needed to work on my tone and intonation. I took more vocals lessons, and was a mediocre singer at best after nearly 10 years.

Last year, I recorded some vocals for an original project, and was so mortified by the result that I was certain something was wrong with the mic or some plug-in was on my voice. Nope. I sounded bad. After that I went to another voice teacher, sang the parts and she helped me tremendously. I was singing out of my rage, and not producing good tone. She gave me some tips that now allow me to sing confidently pretty much all the time. I am not a great singer, but I can confidently sing in tune with good tone most of the time.

The reason for this story? I had been trying to sing for 13 years before I figured out that it's about finding what fits your voice. Some people want to sound like someone else so bad, while ignoring their own potential. Once we settle into what range your voice works best in and what stylistically suites you, you WILL be a good singer. I like the comment about Bob Dylan, as he sounds like him and the rest is history.

Find YOUR voice, and I think you will be surprised at how good you can sound.

- Douglas :D