Sing on Pitch: 3 Exercises to Make It Happen Every Time

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Published 2020-04-28
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Introduction: 0:00
Top 3 reasons people sing off pitch: 2:20
Your voice is not well coordinated yet: 5:03
You need to work on ear training: 6:02
You may need a combination of both: 6:53
5 tone solfege: 7:50
1.5 Octave “Gee” (if you’re singing flat): 9:52
5 tone “Gug” (if you’re singing sharp: 12:11

Have you had a hard time telling if you're singing on pitch or in tune? You're not alone! Many beginning singers find it difficult to sing on pitch when they're first starting off. However, everyone needs to learn to sing on pitch if they want to become a better singer.

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The truth is that learning to sing in tune and on pitch is the first step in a singer's journey. So, if you've been having a hard time singing on pitch, get started here.

First, we need to discuss what pitch is. Pitch is the tone or the note that you're singing. Pitch is created by the vocal cords vibrating together. The faster the vocal cords vibrate the higher the pitch that you hear.

The slower the vocal cords vibrate lower the note that you're going to hear. How do the vocal cords change the speed that they're vibrating? By stretching or slackening the length of the chords. Basically, if the vocal cords are longer, then they will vibrate faster just like a rubber bands. Or, if the vocal cords are very slack, they will vibrate slower with a low note.

Now that you understand pitch, it's important that you realize that everyone sings off pitch sometimes. Even phenomenal singers like Freddie Mercury sometimes sing off pitch. But the most important thing is that you're able to correct it.

In my experience, there are three main reasons that a singer will be off pitch. The first reason that a singer may not be on pitch is that they need to train their ear. It simply means that they need to coordinate what they hear in their head with what they sing. The second reason some singers may not sing on pitch is that they need to coordinate their voice. In other words, since they haven't done a lot of singing, they just haven't experienced all the different parts of their voice yet. The third reason that someone may not sing on pitch is because they need to work on both their ear training and their coordination.

Luckily, learning to coordinate your singing tone is easy with the right exercises. In fact, many singers may have a great ear, but their voice just isn't coordinated correctly yet. So if you haven't learned to sing in tune, try these exercises.

In his first exercise, I'll show you to sing a five tone scale on solfeggio. Basically, you sing each note of a 5-tone scale on the words, Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So and back down.

In the second exercise, I'll help you if you tend to sing a little bit flat. If you tend to sing flat, it's really important to stay on longer scales. In this exercise, you will sing an octave and a half scale on the word ghee as in peace.

In our final exercise, you'll sing a 5-tone scale where you sing each note of the five tone scale on the word gug as in gutter. Don't worry if that you're having a hard time learning to sing on pitch. Learning to sing in tune takes a little bit of time and the most important thing is that you continue working on it.

All Comments (21)
  • @s4lroachclip
    My problem singing pitch is hearing . I think im singing the note, record it, then feel like giving up.
  • @dandamerville
    Hi, Ramsey -- Here's a method I've used to help dozens of long-time non singers realize they can warble. Instead of asking Mr. I Can't Sing to match a tone on piano, which sets them up for failure, I ask them to make a tone, any tone (I might have to model what I mean with my voice). When they make some sound, I say, "Good can you do it again and hold it for a few seconds?" When they do, I do my best to match their tone with my voice. Just matching one tone usually makes eyes light up. From there it's on to "Can you make another sound . . . then a different one?" Again, I may have to model sounding two different notes. Whatever they do, I match their tone. Laughter ensues, and so does the realization that Mr. Can't Sing actually can. What do you (and your gentle viewers) think of this method? Thanks for reading this.
  • @officialspock
    Sing on Pitch: 3 Exercises to Make It Happen Every Time 1:16 - What is Pitch 2:20 - Reasons off Pitch 8:07 - 5 Tone Solfege 10:41 - 1.5 Octave GEE 12:45 - 5 Tone GUG
  • You are an amazing teacher! Making me under WHY to do these “ silly” exercises… / warm ups, no one ever explained about the vocal chords, and how to clear them, posture,etc and how to keep going excellent
  • @curtismclean6697
    So glad you mentioned feeling the voice vibrations. When Im on its the most incredible feeling through my whole body. When not it just feels bad and gets worse the farther off I am. Thanks for the lesson. New to actually learning to sing. I appreciate your help very much 🙏
  • Good info. I spent 25 years in recording studios. One of my best 2 vocals took place after I’d slept very little the night before the session. The recording studio was an hour drive away. I was very tired but my mind was too tired to think. With my thinking mind utterly silent, every aspect of the vocal was my best ever.
  • Such an exquisite teacher. He is a master. Such light in this man here
  • @bangbang_music
    Thank you! I have recently got back into singing and really enjoy your lessons. Its been really nice to gently strengthen things I have forgotten! Keep up the great work!
  • @imogensharma
    You are so motivating! I'm in the UK but if I ever come to Texas, I'm getting lessons. Thanks so much for these amazing resources :)
  • @bilal7997
    You are my proffesional vocal coach 💪
  • @Onestonedbake
    Been singing since I was a kid. I have a good voice, but it's nothing compared to singers who have talent and lessons on top of it. Thank you for your videos
  • @anonymous5850
    1:19 - What pitch is 3 main reasons people sing off pitch 5:03 - Voice is not well coordinated yet 6:02 - Need to work on ear training 6:53 - A combination of both 3 exercises to sing on pitch 7:50 - 5 tone solfege 9:52 - 1.5 Octave “Gee” (if you’re singing flat) 12:11 - 5 tone “Gug” (if you’re singing sharp)
  • @eileenchua6963
    Hey, thank you for making such awesome videos! I really love them. Please continue to do more! Plus you are really very positive and encouraging as well :)
  • @shinaerazo1023
    This has been SOOO HELPFUL!!! Thank you SO MUCH!! This has answered all of my questions! My vocal coach says today I had a pitch problem but she's so rushed and trying to get through every student in virtual class before rushing off I have no idea what that means and how to improve on what shes looking for!! Thank you so much! Every question I had was answered in this video! Next I need tips on how to overcome nerves. I love my vocal coach, shes absolutely great but very busy and I have a limited window with her on zoom. I really want to deliver for her. She says I can overcome nerves "by pushing the butterflies in my stomach evenly" But I don't feel my nerves in my stomach, I feel nerves in my chest, arms and throat. I get very jittery and it effects how i sing compared to when I'm at home in my own kitchen. HOW DO I OVERCOME MY NERVOUSNESS??!! HELP??? So I can sing naturally and comfortably and work on what I really need to improve on.
  • @Larry_Apodaca
    Great tutorial! You are a fantastic video teacher. Not everyone can be so concise, engaging, and really educational without rambling.
  • @shavendahampath
    This lessons are helpful in every way with my singing.thanks mate.