“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 not only incredibly catchy but also surprisingly intricate in its rhythm and lyrical playfulness. While it may seem approachable, “How Far I’ll Go” presents a unique set of vocal challenges that make it a worthwhile study for singers looking to hone their technique. This guide breaks down the tricky aspects of the song and offers practical tips and vocal exercises to help you master it, drawing primarily from the Alessia Cara version which presents a slightly higher degree of difficulty.
Why “How Far I’ll Go” Presents Vocal Challenges
1. Navigating Note Jumps in the Chorus
The chorus of “How Far I’ll Go” isn’t about soaring to stratospheric high notes, but rather about agility and control within a comfortable range. Specifically, the jump to B4 from E4 can be deceptively challenging. While B4 itself isn’t exceptionally high for most singers, leaping up to it smoothly and accurately from E4 requires precise vocal cord coordination and breath control. This interval demands vocal agility, ensuring a clean and controlled transition without scooping or straining.
2. Sustaining High Notes with Ease
Sustained notes, even when not extremely high, can test a singer’s breath support and vocal stamina. In “How Far I’ll Go,” moments like the sustained “me” in “wrong with me” (around 2:03 in the Alessia Cara version) and particularly the extended “go” (at 2:47) are crucial. Singers often encounter tension or push too forcefully on these sustained notes, leading to a strained or wavering sound. The key is to maintain consistent breath support and avoid tightening the throat, allowing the note to ring freely and resonate.
Instant Techniques for Improvement
1. Proactive Setup for High Notes
Singing high notes effectively isn’t just about hitting the note itself; it’s significantly about what you do before you reach it. Each vocal register requires a subtle adjustment in your vocal anatomy, breath support, and energy level. Mid-range notes often feel more relaxed, but relying on this relaxed setup for higher notes is a common pitfall. Singers may not adequately prepare their bodies for the demands of higher pitches, resulting in a poorly controlled and strained sound.
To gain command over those higher notes, anticipation is key. Practice the higher notes in the song, such as “calls” in “it calls me” and “hind” in “behind me,” in isolation first. Focus on identifying the precise amount of breath support and vocal energy needed to produce these notes with clarity and ease. Once you’ve established this physical sensation, consciously engage that energized posture and breath support before you sing the preceding notes leading up to the higher pitch. This proactive approach, rather than reactive adjustment, allows for a smoother and more controlled ascent.
2. Streamlining Diphthongs for Smoothness
Diphthongs, vowel sounds that transition between two sounds within a single syllable, can sometimes create unnecessary complexity, especially on sustained notes or in faster passages. 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 closing sound of the “I” diphthong in “behind,” try holding the initial “ah” vowel sound for a slightly longer duration and soften the “d” consonant. This modification shifts “behind” towards “be-hahn,” creating a more open and flowing sound. Similarly, “blinding” can be streamlined to “blah-nding,” and “find” can become “fahn.” This subtle vowel modification can significantly enhance vocal flow and ease, particularly in legato passages.
3. Modifying Sustained Vowels for Resonance
Sustained high vowels can sometimes sound shrill or pinched if not approached with proper technique. In “How Far I’ll Go,” the sustained high “me” in “wrong with me” is a prime example. To prevent a strained or thin sound, try subtly modifying the vowel towards a more open and resonant sound.
Experiment with opening the “ee” vowel of “me” slightly towards an “ih” sound, as in the word “kick.” Simultaneously, introduce a slight “dopey” or rounded quality to your vocalization. This sensation encourages the soft palate to lift, creating more space in the vocal tract and promoting resonance. While the “dopey” sound isn’t the desired final tone, it serves as a valuable tool to achieve vocal openness. Once you feel the sound become more open and resonant, you can gradually reduce the “dopey” quality while maintaining the lifted soft palate and open vowel shape. Similarly, for the final sustained “go,” initiate the note with a rounded “guh” sound and then gently transition towards a pure “ooh” vowel just before releasing the note. This approach helps maintain breath support and avoids vocal strain throughout the sustained passage.
Vocal Exercises for Long-Term Development
Humming Up a 5th for Breath Control
Humming is an invaluable exercise for developing breath control and vocal resonance. It requires minimal breath expenditure, making it excellent for gauging breath efficiency. If you’re exhaling too rapidly, the characteristic frontal resonance of the hum will diminish, providing immediate feedback.
Practice humming a five-note ascending and descending pattern (a musical fifth). Initially, hum through each note of the scale. Then, on the repeat, skip the intermediate notes, humming directly from the lower note to the higher note of the fifth. This variation helps you focus on breath support and anticipation for the higher pitch.
Pay attention to the amount of breath support needed for the highest note in the five-note scale during the first repetition. In the subsequent repetition, where you skip notes, consciously engage that level of support from the very beginning, before you reach the higher note. This exercise directly translates to the breath control required for the note jumps in “How Far I’ll Go.” If you experience breathlessness, pitch flatness, or a need to “push” to reach the top note, it indicates insufficient initial breath engagement. Focus on holding your breath more efficiently from the outset.
“Guh Guh Guh” for Vocal Relaxation and Opening
The “Guh Guh Guh” exercise is designed to promote vocal relaxation and optimize vocal tract configuration. Begin by relaxing your jaw and articulating a soft, breathy “guh guh guh” sound. This articulation encourages the soft palate to lift, retracts the false vocal folds (which can contribute to a constricted sound), and helps maintain a slightly lower larynx position – all contributing to a more open and relaxed vocal production.
Once comfortable with the “guh guh guh” articulation, apply it to an arpeggio ascending an octave. On reaching the top note of the arpeggio, sustain it. This exercise helps transfer the relaxed and open sensation achieved with “guh” to higher pitches and sustained notes. Regular practice of this exercise will facilitate a more relaxed and less constricted approach to the high notes in “How Far I’ll Go,” particularly the sustained note at the song’s conclusion.
By understanding the specific vocal challenges within “How Far I’ll Go” and diligently practicing these targeted techniques and exercises, singers can confidently approach this popular song and refine their vocal skills in the process.
