E...A...D...G...B...ollocks

Been trying to get back into playing the guitar recently. After going to a few concerts it fired up my desire to play again, not something I am very good at, but something I enjoy. I have been trying to remember all the stuff I used to know, but not much is coming back :-/

After attempting to play and sing a few I was looking up some chords to a song I adore, and it suggested an alternative tuning. I gave it a go and it sounded bloody awful. I reverted to the standard, but when tuning it back the top E string snapped! The instrument's way of telling me off for neglecting it I suppose (and yes it needs a clean!)

The fingertips are toughening up again and I will buy a new string: I am determined to keep it up. Famous last words!

Also - is it possible to learn how to sing? I am about 75% (a generous personal rating that one!) and wondered if it's possible to improve on that to rid myself of the flat notes?