Is there a such thing as 'pitch deaf' in singing?

Question

I have been told I have a nice singing voice yet people usually dont recognize any of the songs I sing even if they are popular radio hits.I 've heard of being tone deaf but I can carry a tune,so what's the problem?

Answer 1

I think the problem may lie in perception. Actually, a musical sound is pretty complicated. There is the actual "pitch" which is usually the lowest "note" in the sound. But there are also many higher notes (called harmonics), which are used to change the color of the sound. That means that even though a trumpet, violin, and singer may be singing THE SAME PITCH, they will sound different. It has been my experience that people who are "tone deaf" are usually distracted by the harmonics of a sound (have have a pretty good ear in detecting differences in singers, etc), so that they lose track of the actual pitch on the bottom. Get a "musical" friend to play pitches on some instrument (or even sing them to you), and then try matching them back. It may take a lot of practice, but you may break through to a different level of perception.

Answer 2

Could be that the sound reinforcement where you do your singing is at fault.

Are you singing Karaoke or with a live band? Pro or semi pro or amateur? This would be helpful to know so that I could better answer your question, but here are a few educated guesses.

If you are singing in a Karaoke club, or even live at a particular club, and your pitch is correct (or close), and the WORDS are not understood, then there may be a problem with equipment or engineering. On the other hand, perhaps you are not enunciating properly and the words are muddled.

The bad news is, if people don't recognize the song, then you may have a serious problem. This is different from not understanding that which is being sung. If this is the case, then you need more practice or some vocal training.

The proof is in the melody. If you are not carrying the tune, then you may be pitch deaf. You can still have fun with it, but, don't quit your day job. I don't mean to be unkind, but if I didn't give an honest answer, then any answer I might give has no value at all.

Good luck and break a leg.

Answer 3

When people say tone deaf then they probably mean pitch deaf really because people who sing out of tune cannot find the right pitch, not tone. So if people can't recognise what you sing then perhaps it is to do with your pitching of notes.

Answer 4

Better ask a rugby team!