How To Stay On Pitch?

by Jaclyn
(United States)

My biggest singing struggle is I can't seem to stay on pitch.

From The Editor

These are great questions Jaclyn, thank you.

Staying on pitch is a singing issue that you can definitely improve on.

I've known many singers who in the beginning thought they were tone deaf. But it wasn't the case at all.

It simply takes some practice and patience to get to the point where you can understand the note you want to hit, and then hit it perfectly in key.

One thing that's going to help is positioning your tone correctly. Because when you do this you'll be able to hear your pitch more clearly.

When you can hear your sound in the middle of your forehead, you'll notice your ability to hit notes on key will dramatically improve.

One way to practice this is by having your hands on your cheeks, and focusing on singing with your sound above your cheeks.

The second part to hitting notes on pitch is really about training yourself to develop a good ear for pitch.

And this is a skill that can definitely be learned.

If you have a piano at your disposal, a great singing exercise you can do is this:

1. Play a random note on the piano. Listen very carefully to the note.

2. Attempt to sing this same note once it's died away.

3. Play the note again and see if you hit it correctly. If so, move onto another random note. If note, adjust the note you sang until you find it.

As you do this, pay close attention to where about your sound "sits" in your head to sing it easily.

Also, check to make sure your swallowing muscles aren't coming down by placing your thumb under your chin.

Continue practicing this exercise until you begin recognizing pitch easier, and then attempt to sing a song you used to struggle with pitch wise.

Good luck and enjoy your singing journey!

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About The Author

Roger Burnley - Vocal CoachRoger Burnley - Vocal Coach

Roger Burnley is a vocal coach located in Hollywood, California. He has been teaching singers for over 30 years and singing for even longer than that. 

Notable past and present clients include Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J, The Beastie Boys, James Torme, Taylor Lautner, Nona Gaye, and many more.

His clients have collectively sold more than 30 million albums, with several reaching Platinum and Gold status. 

Roger has been featured on VH1, TV Guide Channel, TV One,
and MTV appearing as a vocal expert.

About The Author

Roger Burnley - Vocal CoachRoger Burnley - Vocal Coach

Roger Burnley is a vocal coach located in Hollywood, California. He has been teaching singers for over 30 years and singing for even longer than that. 

Notable past and present clients include Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J, The Beastie Boys, James Torme, Taylor Lautner, Nona Gaye, and many more.

His clients have collectively sold more than 30 million albums, with several reaching Platinum and Gold status. 

Roger has been featured on VH1, TV Guide Channel, TV One,
and MTV appearing as a vocal expert.

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