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5-note scale
The classic: five notes up and back. The most important intonation exercise.
The first five degrees of the major scale, up and back down: root, major second, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, then the same steps in reverse to a two-beat root. Nine notes at a moderate tempo. It's the foundation intonation drill because it contains both whole steps and the half step between the third and fourth. Sung on an open 'mah', which exposes tuning more than any hum. Six repetitions, up a semitone each.
How to do it
- Listen to the piano play the nine-note pattern once through.
- Sing it on 'mah' with a relaxed jaw, keeping each note the same length as the piano.
- On the piano roll, look for a small hill: up four steps, down four, long note at the end.
- Check the color of the third and the fourth; those two are the closest together.
- Six passes, each a semitone higher than the previous one.
Coach's tip: Watch the third degree – it most often comes out flat.
What to watch out for
The third degree is the classic weak spot; it tends to sit flat, and the fourth then follows it down. Think of the third as bright and the fourth as only a half step above. On the way back, singers often hurry and clip the notes; match the piano's length. If the top note gets loud, that's pushing. When the last two passes feel tight, stop there and lower the range.
Who it's for
Suitable for beginners once they can match single pitches, and still a daily habit for advanced singers. It belongs in the main block right after warm-up. Prepare with Gentle 1-2-3-2-1; continue with Major triad 1-3-5-3-1 or, later, Fast 5-note scale. Listed in the Intonation and Agility and runs programs.
Part of programs: Intonation · Agility and runs
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