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Arpeggio to the tenth 1-3-5-8-10
A major triad through the octave up to the third above it (a tenth) and back. Almost an octave and a half – the harder relative of the 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 arpeggio.
A major triad that continues through the octave to the major third above it, which is a tenth from the root. The pattern goes root, third, fifth, octave, tenth, then back down and ends on a held root. That's sixteen semitones, almost an octave and a half, so it's a stretch for your range and your agility. The open “ah” keeps the jaw relaxed while the top notes get light.
How to do it
- Listen to the piano play it once, then sing along on “ah” with the piano playing with you.
- Sing the triad up to the octave in an easy, steady pulse.
- Lighten the sound for the tenth. It's the same third, just an octave higher.
- Come down at the same tempo and hold the last root for two beats.
- Watch the roll. Each repetition starts a semitone higher, then the pattern comes back down.
Coach's tip: Lighten the top notes as in the octave arpeggio: the tenth is the same third, just an octave higher. Don’t reach for it with your jaw – keep the vowel narrow.
What to watch out for
The top two notes cause trouble. People reach for the tenth with the jaw or the chin, which makes it sharp and tense, so keep the vowel narrow and the mouth quiet. The octave sometimes lands flat after the leap from the fifth, so hear it first. Rushing is common on the way down. Keep the tempo even. If the top notes tighten, lower the start or stop.
Who it's for
Level 3, for singers who have already mastered the octave arpeggio and want a wider span. Use it in the main block once your voice is warm. Practice 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 first, then come back to this one. It's a good test of range and breath control. It has no style tag, so it comes up in the daily training whichever styles you choose.
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Related exercises
- Dominant chord 1-3-5-b7-8 A minor seventh between the fifth and the octave – a bluesy sound.
- ii–V–I arpeggios The most common chord progression in jazz, sung through its chord tones: minor seventh up, dominant down and major seventh at the end. Eighth notes in swing.
- 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 Chord with the octave. The most popular exercise in singing lessons.
- Minor triad The broken minor chord.