Pitch Correction in Singing: Myths and Realities

Many aspiring and professional singers often question whether using pitch correction makes them a 'bad' singer. This age-old debate has been a topic of much discussion in the music industry. Let's delve into the realities of pitch correction and its impact on singing, backed by personal experiences and expert opinions.

The Debate on Pitch Correction: Not Necessarily a Bad Singing Technique

Is using pitch correction making you a bad singer? Not necessarily. Some well-known singers, like Taylor Swift, have made use of pitch correction software in the past. However, the use of pitch correction is more a reflection of one's singing technique or the ability to hear pitch accurately. A flawed technique or the inability to hear pitch correctly can necessitate pitch correction. But does this make one a bad singer? Definitely not.

Personal Experiences with Pitch Correction

From my personal experience, I have used pitch correction software on my singing recordings, but it hasn't been very helpful. If my perfect pitch allows the notes to play correctly, the software will have no need to intervene. Additionally, a YouTuber by the name of Malinda made a compelling case for pitch correction. She shared that she uses autotune not as something to be feared, but as a tool for creative expression and to save good performances.

Expert Opinions and Best Practices

Steve K., in an essay, succinctly summarized the importance of using pitch correction judiciously. According to him, pitch correction should be primarily used to salvage an otherwise good take. If an engineer is having to use pitch correction frequently, it might indicate a need for the singer to improve their pitch skills, particularly when it comes to hearing pitch accurately. A slight deviation, a few cents in either direction, is not always worth re-recording unless it significantly affects the performance.

The use of pitch correction as a stylistic choice has also seen a decline in popularity in recent years. It was once seen as a cool and innovative technique, but the music industry has moved past its novelty. Today, pitch correction is more about achieving a specific sound or effect, such as a glitchy, robotic, or sterile sound. These effects can be useful in certain contexts, like blending a backing vocalist with a lead singer or creating a sterile clinical sound.

The Impact of Over-Enforced Equal Temperament

Even proficient singers with excellent pitch and minimal inflection can face issues with an overly zealous sound engineer. Engineers might strive for perfect pitch, but this can result in a performance that feels dull and lacks individuality. Conversely, some singers simply cannot hit the pitch. This could indeed indicate a lack of good vocal technique, but it's important to broaden the definition of good singing to include various styles and techniques.

Some great singers intentionally use odd intonation to enhance their vocal inflections. However, this might be perceived as 'out of tune' by recording engineers or as 'personal flair' by performers. Musicologists might call it vibrato. This highlights the importance of aligning recording engineers and singers to achieve the desired sound. There are valid reasons to use pitch correction to achieve a specific sound or aesthetic, but there are also good reasons to deviate from the perfect pitch.

Best Practices for Singers and Engineers

To recording engineers, I would advise not to be scared of microtones and harmonic series resonance. To singers, the primary advice is practice singing in tune. This way, imperfect tuning and musical taste can coexist and contribute to good music. Sometimes slight variances in pitch can enhance a group of singers' performance, making it seem more epic. However, at other times, these variances might sound bad. The key is to know the difference and how to use it effectively.

Ultimately, a singer should have a solid understanding of how to pitch in tune, and then use deliberate deviations from that pitch for stylistic purposes. These techniques include vibrato, portamento, glissando, and wider intervals for microtonal modulation.

A Closer Look: Pitch Correction and Just Intonation

Consider the case of pitch correction where a piano performance is altered away from equal temperament tuning into just pitch tuning based on the harmonic series to modulate by a quarter tone. This example demonstrates the complex interplay between pitch correction and expressive performance. It highlights that sometimes slight variances in pitch can enhance rather than diminish a performance.

In conclusion, pitch correction is a tool rather than a hallmark of bad singing. Understanding when and why to use it, based on the specific needs of the song and the desires of the artistic vision, can help both singers and recording engineers achieve their goals. The key is balance.