Arpeggios and leaps · Beginner · Pop and R&B, Musical theatre, Every style
"Nay" arpeggio
"Nay" keeps the larynx steady and the sound forward. Short notes going up stop any push; the smooth "ah" coming down joins the voice back up.
How to do it
- Bouncy, slightly bratty "nay" on the way up.
- Land the top note with a small accent.
- Come home on one smooth "ah".
Remember Bright going up, smooth coming down.
| Numbers | 1 3 5 1′ 5 3 1 |
|---|---|
| Sargam | S G P Ṡ P G S |
| Solfa | do mi sol do sol mi do |
| Notes | G B D G D B G |
| Sung on | nay nay nay nay ah – – |
Where it comes from
More arpeggios and leaps
Octave arpeggio · 1 3 5 8
The chord tones up to the octave and back: the most common warm-up arpeggio in choirs and studios.
"Gee" octave-and-a-half
The G closes the back of the throat for a moment before each vowel, which keeps the larynx from rising as the arpeggio goes past the octave..
"Goog" arpeggio
The dark "oo" and the G on both sides keep the voice from spreading and shouting as it climbs, especially for singers whose voice cracks at the bridge..
"Mum" arpeggio
The M on both sides of the vowel brings the buzz to the lips, so the tone stays forward even as the mouth opens..