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Power fifths
Root twice and the fifth, two times over, then the octave held for three beats. The same notes as a guitar power chord.
Root, root, fifth, twice over, then a jump up to the octave held for three beats. Root, fifth and octave are the notes of a guitar power chord, which gives the line its open, driving sound. The repeated notes on “dah” train quick, clean restarts on one pitch, and the final leap from the fifth up a fourth to the octave trains landing a bigger interval. The “d” gives every note a clear start without a push from the throat.
How to do it
- Listen to the piano play the pattern alone, then join in. The rhythm is two short notes, then a longer one.
- Start each “dah” with a light tongue tap on the “d”. Let the tongue start the note, not your throat.
- Keep both short root notes at the same pitch. On the piano roll they should sit level.
- For the octave, leap from your support and hold it three beats. Keep your chin level.
- Each repetition moves up a semitone, then back down. Stop going higher if the top starts to feel tight.
Coach's tip: Separate the repeated notes with the “d”, not with your throat. Take the final octave from support, without lifting your chin.
What to watch out for
The two quick root notes can turn into a stutter. If you feel a click in your throat, soften the “d” and think of one steady stream of air. The fifth often lands a little flat, and the octave goes sharp when you push. Short notes also tempt you to rush, so stay on the beat. If your voice scratches, turns hoarse or your throat hurts, stop, rest, and sing lower and softer.
Who it's for
Level 2, so it suits you once simple intervals feel comfortable. Place it in the main block, after Twang on “nyah” has made your sound bright and forward. Afterward, try 1-5-8-5-1, which uses the same three notes smoothly instead of in a rhythm. Choose the Rock style and Daily training will pick this exercise a little more often.
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Related exercises
- 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 Chord with the octave. The most popular exercise in singing lessons.
- Minor triad The broken minor chord.
- Octave leap 1-8-1 One leap, but a big one. Connects registers.
- Staccato 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 Short, separated notes. Trains a fast, accurate onset.
- Twang on “nyah” A bright, narrow “nyah” on the first five scale degrees, holding the fifth. Twang is the safe base of rock edge – the voice sounds sharp while the throat stays loose.
- Minor pentatonic The minor pentatonic up to the octave and back, the basic scale of R&B and soul runs. The minor third and the seventh give it a darker color than the major pentatonic.