How do I tell my friend she sounds like a broken sprinkler?

Question

I've been friends with Stephanie since last year, i think. She has a guitar at home and writes songs all the time and then she sings them to me on the phone, but she doesn't know how to play the guitar so she just randomly plays notes. She told me she wants to be a singer someday but I don't like her songs (all of them) and her voice is kinda girlie and weird and a little scratchy. I don't wanna be mean and tell her but I don't wanna listen to another one of her songs ever again so how do I tell her?

Answer 1

broken sprinkler? thats pathetic

Answer 2

Well you should support her and don't hurt her feelings... instead of listening to her sing on the phone, simply tell her you have to go. Don't tell her that she sounds horrible. Maybe you should suggest her taking some voice lessons. I guess there is no way around hurting her feelings, but just be gentle and nice.

Answer 3

very gently. it's good to be honest with your friends, and that way she can improve her singing. you'd be doing the right thing.

Answer 4

Don't tell her. Next time she starts to play or asks if you want to hear a song just say "actually I gotta run, I have a bunch of stuff to do." If you do it enough times she might just get the hint and then you won't have to outright hurt her feelings.

Answer 5

I'm deaf for the time being.

Maybe you should go for the simpler approach. BREAK HER GUITAR.

Or just wait for the right moment when you all go out together. You don't have to say that her voice is a little bit scratchy. Say that, i don't think this genre suits you, try others.

Ask her to try taking guitar class, or find somebody to teach her guitar and say good artiste must know to play their instrument very nicely.

Answer 6

record her while she plays and then let her listen to it.

or just tell her to quit making your ears bleed...

Answer 7

whatever genre of music she sings

be like

ya know what i havnt been interested in that type of music for a while and talk about something like crazy you do like and stuff lol

or be a friend and tell her the truth but be less harsh about it

Answer 8

Dont say anything. Let her have her moments where she is awsome (or thinks she is) like we all do. When she tries out for a play or talent show, stop her then (gently). Dont let her humiliate herself. :) Have a good day

Answer 9

Very Gently.

Answer 10

Uhm, this is a tough one, a really tough one.  You could say that you have no time or ask her to record it to mp3 and then tell her you listened to it, lie, or....uhm.....break into her house and break her guitar.  

Answer 11

I think too many people encourage people who can't really sing by saying they sound good when they dont.  That's obvious by people I've heard on 'America's got Talent' and 'American Idol'. Try to get her to record herself and let her listen to her voice and music herself.  Hopefully she'll get it.

If that doesn't work, suggest voice and guitar lessons.  Sometimes coaching will make a difference and, unless the coach is just greedy, they  should tell her if she's got any hope.

Singers need writers so if the lyrics are any good, encourage her there. Just don't lie to her by saying she sounds good. I prefer honesty over flattery.

Answer 12

Don't. Just point her in other directions while giving her words of encouragement on what she can do.

Answer 13

tell her to take lessons.

or record her and let her hear it.