The Art of Scat Singing: Tips and Techniques to Get Started

Scat singing is one of the most exciting and expressive elements of jazz vocal performance. It allows singers to use their voice as an instrument, creating spontaneous melodies and rhythms through improvised, wordless syllables. Pioneered by jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, scat singing continues to captivate audiences and challenge vocalists with its blend of creativity, technical skill, and musical intuition.

If you’re new to jazz or interested in adding scat singing to your vocal toolkit, this blog will guide you through the fundamentals and offer practical tips to get started confidently.

What Is Scat Singing?

At its core, scat singing is vocal improvisation using nonsense syllables instead of actual lyrics. Singers mimic the sounds and phrasing of instrumental solos, creating fresh and unpredictable musical lines. The syllables—like “bap,” “doo,” “shoo,” and “ba”—serve as vehicles for rhythm, melody, and expression.

Scat is not about singing random sounds; it’s a focused musical language that requires listening, creativity, and mastery of timing.

Why Learn Scat Singing?

Scat singing is a powerful tool for jazz vocalists because it:

  • Develops improvisational skills and musical flexibility.
  • Enhances your understanding of jazz phrasing and rhythm.
  • Allows you to interact dynamically with instrumentalists.
  • Adds excitement and personal flair to performances.
  • Strengthens your vocal agility and control.

Learning to scat can transform your singing, making it more spontaneous, expressive, and connected to the jazz tradition.

Getting Started with Scat Singing

Listen and Absorb

The first step to scat singing is immersing yourself in the art form. Listen to classic scat performances by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughan. Pay attention to how they shape phrases, use rhythmic variation, and respond to the band.

Try to mimic short phrases to get a feel for the sound and flow. This active listening builds your musical vocabulary and sense of jazz style.

Learn Basic Syllables

Start by practicing common scat syllables: “doo,” “bop,” “bah,” “shoo,” “dee,” and “la.” These sounds are flexible and easy to shape into melodic lines. Experiment with different combinations and rhythms, focusing on clarity and articulation.

Don’t worry about complex melodies at first; simply getting comfortable producing these sounds with precision and rhythm is the goal.

Practice with Scales and Patterns

Scat singing closely follows jazz harmony. Begin by practicing simple scales and arpeggios on your voice using scat syllables. This helps you internalize the notes you can improvise over and develop smooth, accurate vocal runs.

Use a piano or backing track to play a scale, then sing the scale using your chosen scat syllables, focusing on evenness and tone quality.

Use Call and Response Exercises

Call and response is a classic jazz method for developing improvisation. Play or sing a short melodic phrase, then respond by improvising a scat phrase that echoes or complements the original.

This back-and-forth builds your ability to create spontaneous phrases and interact musically, skills vital for jazz singing.

Experiment with Rhythm and Dynamics

Jazz is deeply rooted in rhythm and expression. Practice varying your rhythmic patterns while scat singing, mixing short staccato bursts with longer, flowing lines.

Incorporate dynamics—sing some parts softly and others louder—to add emotional depth and interest.

Record Yourself and Reflect

Recording your practice sessions helps you hear your phrasing and tone from an audience’s perspective. Listen critically and identify areas for improvement, such as timing, pitch accuracy, or articulation.

Over time, this self-awareness will accelerate your progress and help you develop a distinctive scat style.

Tips for Building Confidence

  • Start slow and keep phrases simple until you feel comfortable.
  • Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—scat is about creativity and exploration.
  • Practice regularly in low-pressure settings like at home or with friends.
  • Join workshops or classes focused on jazz improvisation and vocal techniques.
  • Remember that even the greatest jazz singers started as beginners.