“How Far I’ll Go,” from Disney’s Moana, has become a sensation, captivating audiences and aspiring singers alike. Penned by the incredibly talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, this song is undeniably catchy and filled with rhythmic surprises and clever wordplay. If you’re among the many wanting to tackle this popular tune, you’ve likely discovered it’s not as simple as it sounds. While it might not be the most technically demanding song on a “hard songs to sing” list, “How Far I’ll Go” presents unique challenges that require specific vocal techniques to master. Whether you prefer Alessia Cara’s rendition or Auli’i Cravalho’s original movie version, understanding these challenges is the first step to singing this empowering anthem effectively. This guide will focus on breaking down those tricky parts and providing practical tips to help you sing “How Far I’ll Go” with confidence and skill, drawing primarily from vocal techniques applicable to the Alessia Cara version, known for its slightly heightened demands.
Why ‘How Far I’ll Go’ Presents Vocal Challenges
Despite its seemingly approachable melody, “How Far I’ll Go” incorporates subtle vocal hurdles that can trip up even seasoned singers. Two key areas stand out as particularly challenging:
1. The Note Jumps in the Chorus
The chorus of “How Far I’ll Go” features leaps that require vocal agility and control. Specifically, the jump from an E4 to a B4 might seem modest, but executing it cleanly and consistently can be surprisingly difficult. This interval demands precise breath control and vocal cord coordination to avoid straining or sounding pitchy as you ascend. Singers often find themselves reaching for the higher note (B4) without proper preparation, leading to a less controlled and potentially weaker sound. This jump requires a conscious effort to set up your breath and vocal resonance to smoothly transition between these notes.
2. The Sustained High Notes
Sustaining higher notes is another area where “How Far I’ll Go” tests a singer’s technique. Phrases like “wrong with me” and the prolonged “go” near the song’s conclusion demand stamina and controlled breath support. During the “me” in “wrong with me,” around the 2:03 mark, and especially the extended “go” at 2:47, singers are prone to developing tension or pushing their voice. This can lead to a strained sound, vocal fatigue, and a lack of resonance. The challenge lies in maintaining a relaxed vocal mechanism while providing consistent breath support to sustain these notes without sacrificing vocal quality or pitch accuracy.
Instant Gratification Vocal Techniques
While mastering vocal technique takes time, there are immediate adjustments you can make to improve your performance of “How Far I’ll Go” right away. These “instant gratification” tips focus on refining your approach to the challenging sections:
1. Setting Up For High Notes
Each note you sing, especially those in your higher range, requires a specific vocal setup. High notes aren’t simply louder versions of mid-range notes; they demand different energy levels, breath support, and resonance adjustments. A common mistake is approaching high notes with the same relaxed vocal posture used for easier parts of the song. When this happens, the body doesn’t adequately prepare for the higher pitch, resulting in a poorly controlled sound.
To gain command over those higher notes in “How Far I’ll Go”—like the “calls” in “it calls me” and the “hind” in “behind me”—isolate them for practice. Experiment to discover the precise breath support and vocal energy needed to sing “calls” and “hind” cleanly and with good tone. Once you’ve found this “setup,” consciously engage it before you reach the high note in the song. Think of it as preparing your vocal instrument in advance, rather than trying to adjust mid-note. This proactive approach significantly increases your control and accuracy on those critical high notes.
2. Simplifying Diphthongs
Diphthongs, or vowel sounds that glide between two sounds, can sometimes complicate singing, especially on faster or higher passages. In “How Far I’ll Go,” words like “behind,” “blinding,” and “find” contain diphthongs that can be subtly modified for easier singing.
Instead of fully articulating the “I” sound in “behind,” try extending the “ah” vowel sound and softening the “d” to create a smoother transition, almost like singing “be-hahn.” Similarly, “blinding” can be modified to “blah-nding,” and “find” becomes “fahn.” These slight vowel modifications can streamline the vocal line, making it less choppy and easier to sing, particularly when navigating the song’s rhythmic complexities. This technique helps maintain vocal flow and resonance without getting caught up in overly precise pronunciation.
3. Modifying Sustained Vowels
Sustained vowels at higher pitches, such as the “me” in “wrong with me” and the final “go,” can often sound strained or pinched. To combat this, try subtly modifying the vowel shape. For the high “me,” consider opening it slightly towards an “ih” sound, as in “kick.” Simultaneously, introduce a touch of a “dopey” sound—imagine the sound you might make if you were acting silly—to encourage your soft palate to lift. This subtle lift creates more space in your vocal tract, promoting resonance and reducing strain. Once the sound feels more open and relaxed, you can gradually reduce the “dopey” quality while retaining the improved resonance.
For the final, sustained “go,” begin with a similar “dopey” “guh” sound and then transition towards a clearer “ooh” vowel just before the note ends. This starting “guh” helps engage the vocal resonators and provides a more relaxed onset for the sustained note, preventing strain and improving vocal support throughout its duration.
Vocal Exercises for Long-Term Improvement
For lasting vocal improvement that will benefit your performance of “How Far I’ll Go” and beyond, incorporate these exercises into your regular practice routine:
Humming Up a 5th
Humming is an excellent exercise for breath control and resonance awareness. It requires minimal air, making it ideal for developing efficient breath support. If you’re exhaling too quickly, the resonant buzz you feel in your face will diminish, providing instant feedback.
Practice humming a five-note ascending and descending pattern. The first time through, focus on exploring the amount of breath support needed for the highest note. On the repeat, when you skip the intermediate notes and jump directly to the higher note, consciously engage that necessary support from the very beginning, even on the lower starting note. If you feel like you’re running out of air at the top, the pitch is flattening, or you have to push to reach the high note, it indicates a need for more consistent breath support from the outset. This exercise directly translates to the breath control needed for the note jumps in “How Far I’ll Go,” building the necessary muscle memory and coordination.
“Guh Guh Guh!” Exercise
The “Guh Guh Guh” exercise is designed to promote vocal relaxation and optimal resonance. Begin by relaxing your jaw and gently singing a “guh guh guh” sound. This sound encourages your soft palate to lift, your false vocal folds to retract, and your larynx to remain in a more neutral, less elevated position. In simpler terms, it helps release tension and constriction in your vocal mechanism.
Once comfortable with the “guh guh guh” sound, practice it as an arpeggio ascending an octave, and then sustain the highest note. This exercise helps build stamina and control in your upper range while maintaining a relaxed vocal posture. Regular practice of this exercise will contribute to a more relaxed and supported approach to the higher notes in “How Far I’ll Go,” particularly that final sustained note, making them feel less daunting and more achievable.
By understanding the specific vocal challenges within “How Far I’ll Go” and applying these techniques and exercises, you’ll be well-equipped to sing this inspiring song with greater ease, confidence, and vocal artistry. Embrace the journey, practice diligently, and enjoy unlocking your vocal potential with this modern Disney classic!
