How to Scat Sing
Fun sing-along exercises to help you master jazz scat singing!
So you want to scat sing? In this post, I’ll show you how! I’ve got a series of fun sing-along exercises that will help you learn how to sing scat, even if you’ve never tried it before.
Scatting for jazz singing is creating nonsense syllables instead of words which gives you the freedom to solo just like a saxophone or trumpeter would. By removing words you have more freedom to play with phrasing and you don’t feel that you have to stick to the main melody so much, which is why its a fantastic tool to use to hog the mic for the whole song (hahaha).
Now, it’s not 100% agreed on, but many jazz musicians say that it was Louis Armstrong the trumpeter who started the whole scat craze. He would inject little bits of scat singing into his performances by copying the sounds he’d make with his trumpet but would use his voice instead.
Now, to scat properly you need a couple of techniques down pat; good rhythm, great musical ears, and to have found your groove using syllables that feel right for you. Is it easy to scat sing? As in all things, some singers will find it easier than others but it is definitely a skill you can learn.
So with all that said, let’s jump into your first scat singing lesson!!!!!
Nicola xx
Thanks so much, Nicola. I look forward to learning how to scat a bit. Always love jazz.
My pleasure! Let me know how you go with it 🙂
I have not scatted in a while. This was a great refresher!
Thanks so much. I am a soprano so used to singing music exactly as written. Learning to sing Jazz.
Hello Nicola! Thanks for sharing! Look forward to more jazz techniques from you 🙂
You’re welcome! Will definitely be doing more jazz stuff so stay tuned 🙂
hi Nicola! thank you for your singing tips, I always enjoy them and learn new things all the time, God bless you!!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Hi Nicola, I really enjoy your lessons and Tips, good work! Look forward to your more videos!
thank you. just found you. will be back
Thanks Joy! x
Thank you so much, have always been nervous about scatting so very keen to learn the ‘rules’
That’s great thanks Nicola
Loved it! Where can we learn more syllables? Also, what is that song at the end of your video?
Thanks for that, I will try this for the next few weeks to see how it will work with me..