Embarking on a singing journey can be both exciting and challenging, especially for beginners. To make your debut singing experience a smooth one, I created a curated list of seven simple songs tailored for all voice types, from bass to baritone to soprano and alto and beyond!
Behind the insights
I have been singing professionally for 15 years, and at this point in my career, I finally feel like I’m no longer “faking it.”
I started singing at open mics in the East Village of New York City when I was 21, and for some reason, the producers of these events kept inviting me to return.
I ended up studying at Berklee College of Music to acquire technical knowledge beyond a stage presence that felt natural to me.
I understand the feeling of wanting to sing for an audience so badly but not knowing where to begin, especially if you don’t feel confident in your musical knowledge. I also understand what years of study can do for a voice. I know what it means to create your instrument.
I’m delighted to share the songs that helped me “fake it” for many years and some others that I think would be a good fit and a lot of fun for a beginner singer like yourself.
Criteria
When creating this list of songs I chose ones that have:
- simple lyrics, so you don’t have a lot of words to memorize,
- the range (the measurement of the highest note to the lowest note) of each song is no more than two octaves,
- there are no big melodic leaps,
- the tempos are set at a relatively slow pace,
- the song structure is simple and easy to follow.
A note on voice classification
When I sang in the high school choir, I was placed in the alto section. When I studied abroad in Chile and sang in the University choir – they told me I was a soprano and there I sang. It was confusing.
I never really understood what all this terminology meant until I took an Introduction to Vocal Technique course at Berklee College of Music and saw a Voice Classification chart on page 116 of the book “The Contemporary Singer” by Anne Peckham.
Remember, that one never has to be forever identified as only one voice classification. With study, growth, time and life experience your voice will change and evolve.
The most important thing to know is – listen to your body. Are you straining to sing a particular note? Get a sense of what your lowest and highest comfortable notes to sing are and this will help you with your song choices.
A note on key changes
Remember, you can always change the key of a song to make it fit perfectly for your voice. If changing the key is something you aspire to do, I recommend working with a vocal coach who can safely assist you with this task.
Exploring your vocal range is one of the first activities I do with my voice students to help them get to know their instrument.
Remember, if you are going out to sing karaoke, you may not be able to change the key of the artist you are singing along with – please keep that in mind!
Here is a list of seven easy songs I recommend for beginner singers:
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- Angel – Sarah McLachlan
- Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
- Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan
- Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
- Normal Now – Marye Lobb
1. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
For beginners setting foot into the realm of singing, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond emerges as a beacon of accessibility and joy.
Voice types
- Range of original key (Neil Diamond): Gb2 to E4 (Gb Major).
- Ideal for: Basses and baritones.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song: Altos (up the octave), sopranos (up 2 octaves).
Why this song is great for beginners?
“Sweet Caroline” is a crowd-pleaser with an infectious melody. Its popularity and the iconic “ba-ba-ba” chorus make it a confidence-boosting choice, enhancing your comfort on the vocal stage.
A piece of actionable advice: Focus on clarity in pronunciation, especially during the chorus.
2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
(sung by Elvis Presley written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss)
I added this song to my repertoire 10 years ago. One of my six-year-old students wanted to learn the song so she could sing it to her dad. (Adorable, I know). After many lessons and her precious recital performance, I thought to myself “Hey, this song is beautiful!”
Ever since that night of my students’ recital, I consistently add this song to my performance set list more frequently than not. I love it because there is always at least one person in the audience who sings along.
I recently sang it at a nursing home and the residents started calling me “Mrs. Presley” (I am so OK with that, by the way).
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is tenderly expressive and captures the rawness and vulnerability of falling in love. That is such a profound human experience.
I believe that is what it means to be a singer: to be an expression of what it means to be a human being walking around on this planet. If that is what you are looking for in your singing journey, I recommend giving this song a try.
Voice types
- Range of original key (Elvis Presley): A2 to C#4 (D Major).
- Ideal for: Basses, baritones and tenors.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song: Altos, mezzo sopranos, and sopranos (up the octave).
Why this song is great for beginners?
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a gem for beginners as it not only resonates emotionally but also provides a melodic playground for singers to cultivate their skills. Its moderate pace allows for careful enunciation and controlled expression.
A piece of actionable advice: Focus on sustaining the notes gracefully.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” serves as a foundational piece for beginners, blending simplicity with emotional depth for a truly enriching singing experience.
3. Angel – Sarah McLachlan
During my first semester at Berklee, I was enrolled in a class required for singers called “Rhythm Section Grooves.” Essentially it was a course that taught you how to work with a band. At this time in my life, I had little previous experience singing as a soloist with a band. I was so excited and so nervous.
The first song I wrote a chart for and sang with a band was “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. I didn’t quit (or get kicked out of) music school after that experience, so hey – why not give this song a chance?!
Voice types
- Range of original key (Sarah McLachlan): G#3 – B4 (Key of G# minor / B Major).
- Ideal for: Altos and tenors.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song in the original key: Mezzo sopranos and sopranos (up the octave), baritones (down the octave).
Why this song is great for beginners?
I recommend this song because the tempo is slow and the lyrics are simple and heartfelt. The song structure is verse, chorus, verse, chorus, chorus. There are no big melodic leaps. The melody gracefully flows from one note the to next.
A piece of actionable advice: Play with dynamics to make your performance even more interesting.
4. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Embarking on a singing journey requires a blend of emotion and simplicity, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers encapsulates these elements perfectly, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Voice types
- Range of original key (Bill Withers): E3 – G4 (E minor).
- Ideal for: Tenors, baritones, and altos.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song: Mezzo sopranos and sopranos (up the octave), bass (down the octave).
Why this song is great for beginners?
The slow tempo and straightforward lyrics offer beginners an opportunity to delve into the expressive side of singing while navigating a manageable vocal range.
A piece of actionable advice: Work on smooth transitions between low and high notes, capturing the soulful essence of the melody.
5. Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan stands as a timeless anthem, and for beginners, it’s an open invitation into the poetic world of singing.
Voice types
- Range of original key (Bob Dylan): C#3- B3 (key of D Major).
- Ideal for: Basses and baritones.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song: Tenors, altos, mezzo sopranos (up two octaves), sopranos (up three octaves).
Why this song is great for beginners?
The song’s moderate pace and clear, meaningful lyrics make it an ideal starting point. “Blowin’ in the Wind” allows beginners to focus on conveying emotion through their voice while navigating a manageable vocal range.
A piece of actionable advice: Pay attention to the song’s poetic narrative. Let your voice carry the message with sincerity and clarity.
6. Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash ignites the singing journey for beginners, becoming a torchbearer through its distinct country flavor and straightforward structure.
Voice types
- Range of original key (Johnny Cash): F#2 – A3 (key of G Major).
- Ideal for: Basses.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song: Baritones, tenors, and altos (up the octave), mezzo sopranos and sopranos (up two octaves).
Why this song is great for beginners?
The toe-tapping rhythm and clear lyrics make “Ring of Fire” an inviting choice for beginners. Its mid-range vocal requirements ensure accessibility and the country twang adds an element of fun to the learning process.
A piece of actionable advice: Focus on the storytelling.
7. Normal Now – Marye Lobb
This is a song on my third original album Top of the Trees. Ever since reemerging from quarantine after the pandemic, I sing it at almost every concert I give. I teach the chorus to my audience and have them sing along. They always do a fantastic job.
This song is incredibly cathartic – a huge emotional release.
Voice types
- Range of original key: B3 – B4 (Key of G Major / E minor).
- Ideal for: Baritones, tenors, altos, mezzo sopranos and sopranos.
- Other voice classifications that can enjoy singing this song: Basses (down the octave).
Why this song is great for beginners?
The song’s moderate pace and relatable lyrics make it an inviting choice. “Normal Now” allows beginners to delve into singing with a contemporary touch, focusing on clear enunciation and expression.
A piece of actionable advice: Embrace the song’s contemporary vibe. Work on conveying the emotional depth of the lyrics through nuanced phrasing.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read about fun beginner songs to sing. I hope you enjoy your melodic music adventure! Please let me know how it goes and/or if you have any questions in the comments below.
