Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Learn the basic “Drive” chords and sing along

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Introduction to guitar and vocals on “Drive” by REM

“Drive” by REM is a great track for those who want to practice basic chords while singing. To perform this piece well and sing along, it is crucial to focus on finger position, regularity of playing and coordination with your voice.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Chord position

To start, make sure you play the D minor (Dm) chord in normal position, unlike the arpeggio version. Use the classic positions for each chord: Dm, G, F, Am, Em, and C. Make sure all the strings resonate correctly for each chord, especially the bass, which should be played evenly.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals:  Working on chords and rhythm

The chords must be played in the round, that is, each chord lasts four beats, with the exception of the Em and G passage where the G is played on the fourth beat. This gives a particular dynamic to the piece, and it is important to clearly mark this change.

Start by playing the chords slowly to get used to the transition between each one. Once you feel comfortable with the finger positions and the sound of each chord, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the original speed of the song.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Coordination of vocals and guitar

To synchronize guitar playing with singing, practice chord changes while singing the lyrics in a low voice. This will help you coordinate your movements and breathing. A good tip is to sing each phrase slowly, focusing on the placement of the words in relation to the chords.

When you sing and play, make sure you mark each chord change with your voice. For example, when you come to the G chord in the Em-G passage, be careful to make sure your singing aligns with this rhythmic change.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Sing and play simultaneously

Start by singing the lyrics slowly, focusing on each phrase while playing the chords. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the original speed of the song. Using a metronome can also be very beneficial for keeping a consistent rhythm and ensuring good synchronization.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Transition to Arpeggios and Vocals

Once you've mastered the basic chords keyed to singing, you're ready to move on to the next step: integrating arpeggios while singing. This transition is crucial to enrich your playing and give more depth to your musical performance. Here's how to do it:

Chords and Vocals Review

Before moving on to arpeggios, make sure that you are completely comfortable with the basic chords and can sing without hesitation. Fluency and confidence in this first step are essential to succeed in the next one. Review the tricky passages and make sure you're keeping the rhythm, especially the Em-G change on the fourth beat.

Introduction to Arpeggios

Start by playing the arpeggios without singing. Focus on the precision of each note and make sure all the strings resonate correctly. Let each note resonate well, especially the bass, which gives all its richness to the introduction to “Drive”.

Coordination of arpeggios and vocals

Once you feel comfortable with the arpeggios, start incorporating the vocals. To do this, play the arpeggios slowly while singing the lyrics in a low voice. This will help you coordinate your right (or left, depending on your dominant hand) hand movements with your voice.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Step by step progression

1. Play the arpeggios slowly : Start by playing the arpeggios at a slower tempo than the original. This will allow you to concentrate on each note and on coordination with the singing.
2. Sing the words quietly : At the same time as you play the arpeggios slowly, sing the words in a low voice to get used to synchronizing the two actions.
3. Gradually increase the tempo : Once you feel comfortable with slow arpeggios and singing, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the original speed of the song.
4. Use a metronome : To help you keep a consistent rhythm and ensure good synchronization, use a metronome. This will allow you to remain consistent and precise in your game.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Michael Stipe's Vocals on REM's “Drive”

Characteristics of Michael Stipe's Song

Michael Stipe, the singer of REM, has a unique and recognizable voice. In the song "Drive“, his singing is distinguished by several specific aspects that you can adopt to reproduce his style.

Tone and Vocal Technique

Michael Stipe's vocals in “Drive” are quite low, which can pose a challenge for some voices. For female voices, it is recommended to sing an octave higher. It is crucial to control breathing well to maintain the notes, especially because this song is sung in chest voice. An essential point is to lighten the singing on all the “babies”, which gives a softer and more emotional effect to these passages.

Stipe sings with a calm voice and a fatalistic side, which results in a very expressive and nuanced interpretation. Although the sound is generally straight, attention must be paid to the rises of notes to execute them precisely and maintain the emotion of the song.

Michael Stipe's Vocal Techniques

1. Embrace imperfection : Stipe's singing style is often described as messy or indistinct, with moments of mumbling or slightly off-key notes. Rather than aiming for perfection, take a more natural, conversational approach to your singing.
2. Play with dynamics : Stipe uses dynamics to add emotion and emphasis to his singing. Experiment with variations in volume, singing softer or louder at different times to give more depth to your performance.
3. Focus on phrasing : Stipe's phrasing often includes unexpected pauses and stops. Practice singing by listening carefully to how he places phrases differently than you might expect.
4. Use airy voices : Stipe often uses an airy, breathy vocal style. Experiment with adding this quality to your singing to achieve a similar effect.

Examples of Songs Illustrating these Techniques

• losing my Religion : Stipe's airy vocals and conversational tone are a perfect fit for this song's intimate subject matter. He plays with dynamics to add emphasis where needed.
• Everybody Hurts : This ballad highlights Stipe's use of phrasing, lengthening some words while shortening others for maximum effect. His use of dynamics in the chorus is also notable.
• What's The Frequency, Kenneth? : This fast tempo song demonstrates Stipe's use of airy vocals. He also employs a slightly gravelly tone in the chorus for added character.
• Stand : On this upbeat track, Stipe's natural, conversational vocal tone is fully at work. He also plays with dynamics throughout the song and uses a large dose of airiness.

Drive REM Chords and Vocals: Learn guitar arpeggios and sing “Drive” at the same time

Introduction to guitar and vocals on “Drive” by REM

“Drive” by REM is a must-have track for perfecting your arpeggio technique on the acoustic guitar while singing. Played with a pick, the introduction to this song requires a good mastery of arpeggios and rhythms. To perform this piece well and sing along, it is crucial to focus on finger position, regularity of playing and coordination with your voice.

Special position of the D major chord

To begin, adopt a specific position for the D major chord. Like REM guitarist Peter Buck, use your ring finger, middle finger, and pinky finger to play the highest note. This position is essential for successful sequence of notes. Make sure all the strings resonate, especially the bass, which should be played evenly. Once you have mastered this position, you will be able to concentrate on your singing.

Working on arpeggios and rhythm

Start by playing the arpeggios with the pick, making sure that each note is distinct. Let all the strings resonate well, especially the bass, because this resonance gives all its richness to the intro. Respecting the movements of the pick is crucial to playing the introduction with fluidity and precision.

To synchronize guitar playing with singing, it helps to practice the pick movements while singing the lyrics in a low voice. This will help you coordinate your movements and breathing. Practice identifying downward and upward pick strokes, often noted by symbols: a small bridge for a downward stroke and a V for an upward stroke. These directions are essential for maintaining rhythm while singing.

Sing and play simultaneously

To incorporate singing into your guitar playing, start by singing the lyrics slowly, focusing on each phrase while playing the arpeggios. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the original speed of the song. Practicing with a metronome can also be very beneficial for keeping a consistent rhythm