Owning Those Riffs and Runs
30/06/2024
If you’re on a mission to up your vocal skills, mastering riffs, licks and runs might be that magical next step for you. Well, you’re in for a treat, because the brilliant Kim Chandler has recently led the webinar Pop Vocal Riffs & Runs, and she shared invaluable insights on how to nail these tricky stylistic embellishments.
Think iconic tracks like Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and those legendary Mariah Carey runs — yeah, we went there!
Subscribe to The singsing! Sofa Library, watch the fun, interactive webinar Pop Vocal Riffs & Runs led by Kim Chandler and learn how to sing a variety of licks, riffs and runs.
By the way, Kim has also shared lots of other resources, so prepare for a deep dive in a treasure trove of extra material!
Here’s a sneak peek and overview of what we have learned.
Breaking Down the Licks: What You Need to Know
Let’s dive into Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”. Kim showed us how to break down those funky licks and really get into the nitty-gritty. For example, when she discussed the “Broke the looking glass” lick, it wasn’t just about hitting the notes — it was about feeling the music, understanding the subtle bends and nuances that make the phrase truly shine.
Kim made a key point: “You can’t really easily notate everything.” And this is such a good point. Music isn’t just about the notes on the page. It’s about the emotion and personal interpretation you bring to each phrase. So next time you’re working on a riff, don’t just sing it — live it.
Owning Those Riffs and Runs
Now, let’s dive into Mariah Carey territory. Kim was all about that Lead the Way 20-note run, and let’s be real — it’s no joke. She pointed out this “spicy bit at the end” where Mariah steps out of the usual pentatonic scale and adds something extra that just makes the whole run so juicy.
Kim’s advice? Don’t be scared of challenging yourself with these kinds of runs. Break them down, practice them slowly, and use tools like YouTube’s speed settings to gradually build up to full speed. It’s all about taking it one step at a time and enjoying the process.
Practical Tips for Vocal Agility
Kim didn’t just talk about the history of riffs & runs and the theoretical rules, she also gave us a lot of practical advice! Here are a few key points that you can start using right now:
- Regular Practice of Scales and Arpeggios:
Include both articulated (using syllables or words) and unarticulated (on a vowel or simple word like “yeah”) exercises. - Use a Metronome:
Keep track of your progress by practicing with a metronome, gradually increasing the speed as you get better. - Work on Both Generic and Song-Based Licks:
Balance your practice with exercises that are made up just for training and those taken from real songs. - Adlib Over Different Chord Progressions:
This will help you develop your ear-to-voice coordination and spark your creativity.
Watch the webinar for a lot more tips and tricks!
Mastering the Mood: Exploring Major and Minor Pentatonic Scales
The pentatonic (five-note) scales are your best friends when it comes to singing riffs. You’ve got two main ones to work with: the major pentatonic and the minor pentatonic.
The major pentatonic scale is bright and uplifting — think of it as your go-to for those happy, feel-good moments in a song. The notes in the major pentatonic scale provide a strong foundation for creating riffs that are both melodic and accessible.
On the other hand, the minor pentatonic scale brings a moodier, more soulful vibe. It’s got that edge to it, perfect for adding a bit of grit to your vocals. The minor pentatonic is all about expressing deeper feelings, and it works wonders in creating tension and release in your riffs.
Resources and Lots of Laughs
Next to sharing her own expertise, Kim has also shared a whole bunch of amazing resources from other great voice teachers. Here are a few of her own:
- Funky ’n Fun Vocal Training Series:
With 94 MP3 exercises, this collection provides a wealth of material to keep your voice in top condition. - Chandler Curriculum poster:
Ideal for structuring your lessons or self-study. If you’re teaching, it’s a brilliant source of ideas.
Make sure to watch the webinar to learn about all the other resources Kim has shared! She has walked us through each one and how they can help you take your riffing skills to the next level.
The participants of the webinar had an absolute blast with all the riffs and licks we tackled. You could really see the excitement as everyone dived into those funky exercises and let their voices loose. It was like a joyful jam session where everyone just let go and had fun with their vocal skills!
Kim’s biggest takeaway? Vocal mastery is a journey. Whether you’re nailing those tricky riffs or experimenting with new vocal exercises, it’s all about consistency and having fun.
Subscribe to The singsing! Sofa Library, watch the interactive webinar Pop Vocal Riffs & Runs led by Kim Chandler and have lots of fun while learning how to nail these tricky stylistic embellishments.
Laura Doyle, Brazilian Jazz Singer
Sara So Far, jazz vocalist & singing teacher
As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments below this blog, via the contact form or in the singsing! online community 
Cordially,
Sarah