How can I learn how to sing?

How do you learn to sing? Or at least fix the "off key" problem? and Can you learn to sing on your own?

• I want to try to fix my "off key" problem, I like to sing but just seem to really lack the ability to sing. I have this "off key" problem very very often. I can hardly stay on the key unless I have the song on the background playing. But still, regardless, I still go off key. I personally love music (listening, such as Classical music (piano/guitar etc) and other different kind of music) and would be happy to learn to sing. So, is it possible to fix the "off key" problem? And can you learn to sing on your own (like with a website or book or something instead of playing for tutors to teach etc. I am not looking for career or anything, just a personal hobby and little goal/dream that I want to achieve. Thanks in advance.

• Answer:

  Off key, in common speech, can mean two things. One is that you are singing close to the right note, but not quite hitting it. That can be worked on. Some people can't really even get close because they can't really tell the difference. Musical ability is genetic, to a great extent. If you can't 'carry a tune' at all, you will struggle to make any progress. Maybe you aren't that hopeless. One thing that helps is to record yourself and go back and listen to what you did.