“How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s Moana has become a sensation, captivating singers of all levels. Penned by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda, this song is undeniably catchy, brimming with rhythmic surprises and clever lyrics. While it might not seem as technically demanding as some power ballads, “How Far I’ll Go” presents unique challenges that make it a valuable piece for vocal development. Whether you’re aiming for the soaring rendition by Auli’i Cravalho or the pop-infused version by Alessia Cara, understanding these challenges is the first step to mastering this modern classic. This guide will break down the trickiest parts of “How Far I’ll Go” and provide practical tips and exercises to help you sing it with confidence and control, drawing primarily from the Alessia Cara version due to its heightened technical demands.
Decoding the Vocal Hurdles in “How Far I’ll Go”
1. Navigating the Chorus’s Note Jumps
The chorus of “How Far I’ll Go” throws singers into action with noticeable note jumps. Specifically, the leap from E4 to B4 can be surprisingly tricky to execute smoothly. While B4 itself isn’t an exceptionally high note for many singers, the sudden upward interval from a mid-range E4 requires vocal agility and precise control. This jump can feel abrupt if not approached with the correct technique, leading to strain or a less polished sound. Singers may find themselves struggling to land the B4 accurately and with the desired lightness.
2. Conquering Sustained High Notes
Beyond the jumps, “How Far I’ll Go” also features sustained notes in the higher range that can test a singer’s breath control and vocal stamina. Listen closely to phrases like “wrong with me” around the 2:03 mark and, crucially, the extended “go” at 2:47. These sustained high notes, particularly the final “go,” are notorious for causing singers to tense up. The natural inclination to push harder for longer notes can actually backfire, leading to vocal strain, a squeezed tone, and a loss of vocal quality. Maintaining a relaxed and supported sound throughout these sustained sections is paramount.
Instant Techniques for “How Far I’ll Go”
1. Setting the Stage for High Notes: Preparation is Key
Each note in your vocal range demands a specific physiological setup. Singing higher notes isn’t simply about reaching higher; it requires a different engagement of breath support and energy compared to comfortable mid-range notes. A common mistake is approaching high notes with the same relaxed posture and breath management used for easier passages. When this happens, the body isn’t prepared for the demands of the higher pitch, and adjustments become rushed and uncontrolled, resulting in a strained or weak high note.
To gain command over those higher notes, especially in “How Far I’ll Go,” proactive preparation is essential. Isolate and practice the higher notes within the song first. Focus on phrases like “it calls me” and “behind me.” Experiment to pinpoint the precise level of breath support and muscle engagement needed to sing “calls” and “hind” with clarity and ease. Once you’ve established this “energized” vocal setup, the key is to embody this posture before you even sing the approaching notes. Engage your support system and adjust your vocal tract in advance, rather than attempting to make last-second corrections as you hit the high note. This proactive approach allows for a smoother, more controlled ascent and a richer tone.
2. Refining Diphthongs for Smoother Transitions
Diphthongs, or vowel sounds that glide from one sound to another within a single syllable, can sometimes create awkwardness in singing, especially on faster notes or when aiming for legato phrasing. In “How Far I’ll Go,” words like “behind,” “blinding,” and “find” contain diphthongs that can be subtly modified to enhance vocal flow.
Instead of fully articulating and “closing off” the “I” sound in “behind” as a distinct second vowel, try extending the “ah” vowel sound. Soften the “d” at the end, almost allowing “behind” to sound closer to “be-hahn.” This slight modification creates a smoother, more open vowel shape that is easier to sustain and blend into the surrounding notes. Similarly, “blinding” can be subtly altered towards “blah-nding,” and “find” towards “fahn.” These are not drastic changes in pronunciation, but rather subtle adjustments in vowel shaping that prioritize vocal ease and resonance.
3. Modifying Sustained Vowels for Tone and Stamina
Sustained vowels at higher pitches, such as the “me” in “wrong with me” and the final “go,” are prime candidates for vocal fatigue and strain. The high “me” can easily become shrill or pinched if not managed correctly. To combat this, try subtly opening the vowel towards an “ih” sound, as in the word “kick.” Simultaneously, introduce a slight “dopey” or rounded quality to your vowel. This sensation, as strange as it sounds, encourages the soft palate to lift, creating more space in the vocal tract and preventing the sound from becoming nasal or constricted. Once you feel the sound becoming more open and resonant, you can gradually reduce the “dopey” quality, as it’s merely a temporary tool to achieve the desired openness.
For the final, sustained “go,” which requires both pitch accuracy and endurance, initiate the note with a similar “dopey” approach, starting closer to a “guh” sound. Then, gradually transition and “close off” the vowel towards a pure “ooh” sound right before the end of the note. This technique helps to maintain breath support and resonance throughout the sustained note, preventing vocal fatigue and ensuring a controlled and beautiful finish.
Long-Term Vocal Development Exercises
Vocal Exercise 1: Humming Up a 5th for Breath Control
Humming is an invaluable exercise for developing breath control and vocal resonance. It requires minimal air, making it excellent for gauging breath efficiency. If you’re exhaling too quickly, the characteristic frontal resonance of the hum will diminish.
Start by humming a five-note ascending and descending scale (a musical fifth). Pay attention to the breath support needed for each note. On the repeat, hum the same pattern but skip the in-between notes, jumping directly from the lower note to the higher note of each interval. This variation is crucial for developing the breath control required for the note jumps in “How Far I’ll Go.”
Focus on the breath support needed for the highest note of the interval during the first repetition. Then, when you perform the jump, consciously engage that level of support from the very beginning of the lower note, before you ascend. If you experience breathlessness at the top, a flatting pitch, or have to force the note out, it indicates a need for more consistent breath engagement from the outset. This exercise trains the anticipatory breath control essential for navigating the melodic leaps in “How Far I’ll Go” with precision and ease.
Vocal Exercise 2: “Guh Guh Guh” for Relaxation and Resonance
The “Guh Guh Guh” exercise is designed to promote vocal relaxation and optimize resonance. Begin by relaxing your jaw and gently articulating a “guh guh guh” sound. The “guh” sound naturally encourages the soft palate to lift, retracts the false vocal folds (which can contribute to a breathy or unclear tone if overly engaged), and helps to maintain a slightly lowered larynx position – all of which contribute to a more open and resonant vocal production. In simpler terms, this exercise helps to release tension and create space within your vocal tract.
Once you’re comfortable with the “guh guh guh” articulation, transition to an arpeggio ascending an octave using the same “guh” syllable. At the peak of the arpeggio, sustain the high note on “guh.” Focus on maintaining the relaxed jaw, lifted soft palate, and supported breath throughout the arpeggio and sustained note. Regular practice of this exercise cultivates the vocal coordination and relaxation needed to approach the sustained high notes in “How Far I’ll Go,” particularly the final “go,” with greater confidence and stamina. By internalizing this relaxed and resonant vocal production, you’ll find those challenging high notes becoming significantly more manageable and enjoyable to sing.
By understanding the specific vocal challenges in “How Far I’ll Go” and diligently practicing these targeted techniques and exercises, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this popular song with increasing skill and artistry. Remember that consistent practice and patient attention to detail are the keys to unlocking your vocal potential and truly mastering “How Far I’ll Go.”
