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Run in groups of three
The minor pentatonic going down in groups of three notes, each group starting one step lower. This is how longer R&B runs are built.
A run that descends the minor pentatonic in cells of three notes: minor seventh, fifth, fourth; then fifth, fourth, minor third; then fourth, minor third, root. Each cell starts one pentatonic step lower than the one before, so one small shape slides down the scale. Singers build longer, faster R&B runs from exactly this kind of piece. “Nah” gives each note a gentle onset, so the notes stay separate without sounding chopped.
How to do it
- Listen to the piano play the whole run, then sing it back on “nah” after the two count-in clicks.
- Think in groups of three. Lean slightly on the first note of each group and keep the other two light.
- Watch the roll: nine blocks, each green. Fix the red one first, at a slower tempo.
- Land on the final root and hold it calmly for its full length.
- After each repetition the run moves up a semitone through your range, then returns down.
Coach's tip: Lean slightly on the first note of each group and keep the rest light. Think of three small waves, not one long slide.
What to watch out for
Speed is the usual enemy. When the groups get fast, the middle note of each one gets swallowed and the run turns into a slide. Slow the tempo until all three notes of a group show up as separate blocks. The fifth and the fourth appear in more than one group, so check that they land in the same place each time. Pushing harder won't make the run cleaner. Stop if you feel any scratch in your throat.
Who it's for
A level 3 exercise for singers who can sing a slow minor pentatonic scale in tune and want to start building runs. Use it in the main block. Warm up with Minor pentatonic first, and move on to Gospel run with turns when this one feels easy. Choosing the R&B / soul style puts it near the top of the daily training.
Opens the app in your browser. Free to start, no account needed. Put on headphones first.
Related exercises
- Blues run (minor pentatonic) A darker, R&B version of the run. Seventh and minor third.
- Mordent 1-2-1 and 1-7-1 A quick “touch” of the neighboring note and back. Upper and lower mordent.
- Long run 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 The whole scale down at a fast tempo.
- Gospel run with turns A run from the octave down the minor pentatonic, with two turns on the way. A typical gospel and soul ornament.
- Hum with a blue third Root, second, a minor third that slides smoothly up to the major third, second and root – with lips closed. That slide from the minor to the major third is the “blue third”, a signature sound of soul and R&B.
- Major pentatonic Five notes that almost all pop runs are built from.