Of course most of the men and women who lead sea shanties, including myself, tend to be armchair sailors rather than old shellbacks. There do exist a few experienced deep-water sailors who do sing these songs but they are pretty rare.

But if you love this kind of singing do the best you can with what you have. Do listen to what the more experienced singers are doing, and read as much as you can from the early collectors as others have suggested.

If you prefer a more contemporary take on how to sing these songs, check out William Pint and Falecia Date of Seattle or Spinnacker in Portland-West.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble