“How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s Moana has become a sensation, captivating audiences and aspiring singers alike. Penned by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda, this song is undeniably catchy and rhythmically intriguing. If you’re finding yourself among the many wanting to belt out this popular tune, you might also discover it presents some unexpected vocal challenges. While it may not be the most technically demanding song in the world, “How Far I’ll Go” requires specific techniques to truly master, especially if you’re aiming for a performance like Alessia Cara’s powerful rendition, which we’ll focus on here due to its slightly increased difficulty.
Why “How Far I’ll Go” is Vocally Demanding
This seemingly straightforward song throws a couple of curveballs that can trip up even experienced singers. Let’s break down the primary challenges.
1. The Chorus Note Jumps
While the B4 in the chorus isn’t stratospheric for most singers, the rapid leap from an E4 to that B4 can be surprisingly tricky to navigate smoothly. This jump demands vocal agility and precise breath control. Without proper technique, singers can find themselves straining or losing pitch accuracy during these upward intervals. It’s not just about hitting the high note, but landing it cleanly and with confidence after the jump.
2. Sustained High Notes
Phrases like “wrong with me” and the prolonged “go” towards the song’s end can be stamina tests for your voice. Holding out notes, particularly on vowels at the higher end of your comfortable range, often leads singers to tense up. This tension can manifest as pushing from the throat, resulting in a strained and less resonant sound. The key here is to maintain consistent breath support and vocal cord relaxation throughout these sustained passages.
Quick Tips for Singing “How Far I’ll Go” (Instant Gratification)
Want to improve your “How Far I’ll Go” performance right away? Here are some actionable tips you can implement immediately:
1. Prepare for High Notes
Each note you sing requires a subtly different setup in your vocal mechanism. Higher notes, naturally, demand more energy and efficient breath support compared to notes in your comfortable mid-range. A common mistake is approaching high notes with the same relaxed posture and breath engagement used for easier sections. This often results in a poorly controlled high note because there isn’t enough time to adjust mid-phrase.
To combat this, isolate and practice the higher notes within the song first. Focus on phrases like “calls in ‘it calls me'” and “hind in ‘behind me.'” Experiment to find the precise amount of breath support and vocal energy needed to sing these notes cleanly and comfortably. Once you’ve established this “high note setup,” consciously engage it before you reach those notes in the actual song. Think of it like preparing to jump – you crouch before springing upwards.
2. Smooth Out Diphthongs
Diphthongs, or vowel sounds that glide from one sound to another within a single syllable, can sometimes be tricky in singing, especially on faster notes or higher pitches. In “How Far I’ll Go,” words like “behind,” “blinding,” and “find” contain diphthongs that can be simplified for smoother singing.
Instead of fully articulating the “I” sound in “behind,” try elongating the “ah” vowel and softening the “d” sound, almost singing it as “be-hahn.” Similarly, modify “blinding” to “blah-nding” and “find” to “fahn.” This slight vowel modification can make these words easier to sing in the context of the melody, especially when focusing on pitch and rhythm.
3. Adjust Sustained Vowels
During sustained high notes, vowel sounds can become problematic. In “wrong with me,” the high “me” can sometimes sound shrill or pinched. To remedy this, try slightly modifying the vowel towards an “ih” sound, as in “kick.” Simultaneously, introduce a subtle “dopey” or rounded quality to your sound. This helps to lift your soft palate, creating more space in your vocal tract and preventing the sound from becoming nasal or constricted. Once the sound feels more open and resonant, you can gradually reduce the “dopey” quality if desired, as it’s just a temporary tool to achieve better resonance.
Similarly, the sustained “go” at the song’s conclusion can be challenging to hold without strain. Start this note with a “guh” sound, maintaining that lifted soft palate and relaxed throat, then gradually transition to a pure “ooh” vowel just before releasing the note. This approach can help maintain breath support and prevent vocal fatigue during the sustained high note.
Long-Term Vocal Improvement (Not So Instant Gratification)
For lasting improvement in your singing, including tackling songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” consistent vocal exercises are essential. Here are two exercises particularly beneficial for this song:
Humming Up a 5th
Humming is a fantastic exercise for developing breath control and vocal resonance. It requires minimal air, making it excellent for practicing efficient breath management. It’s also easy to self-monitor – if your hum loses its resonant buzz, it’s a sign you might be exhaling too quickly.
Practice humming up and down a five-note scale. Start by humming each note smoothly, then, on the repeat, skip the in-between notes, jumping directly from the lower note to the higher note. This jump simulates the note jumps in the “How Far I’ll Go” chorus.
Focus on your breath support, especially as you ascend the scale. If you feel like you’re running out of air at the top, the pitch is flattening, or you have to force the note out, try engaging your breath support more from the very beginning of the exercise. This exercise directly translates to the breath control needed for the note jumps in “How Far I’ll Go.”
“Guh Guh Guh!”
This exercise might sound silly, but it’s incredibly effective for relaxing your vocal mechanism and improving high note access. Relax your jaw and sing a “dopey” “guh guh guh” repeatedly. The “guh” sound naturally encourages your soft palate to lift, your false vocal folds to retract, and your larynx to remain in a slightly lower, more relaxed position. In simpler terms, it promotes an open and unstrained vocal production.
Once you’re comfortable with the “guh guh guh” articulation, try arpeggiating up an octave using this sound, and then sustain the high note at the top. Regular practice with this exercise will make accessing and sustaining high notes, like those in “How Far I’ll Go,” significantly easier and more comfortable.
By understanding the specific challenges in “How Far I’ll Go” and incorporating these targeted techniques and exercises into your practice, you’ll be well on your way to singing this captivating song with confidence and vocal prowess.
