Why Learning Vocal Riffs and Runs Can Transform Your Singing
Learn how vocal riffs and runs can boost your vocal skills, add style to your singing, and build confidence—one note at a time.
Every singer hits a point where they want to do more than just “sing the notes.” They want to feel the song. Own it. Bend the melody. Slide between notes. Add a little magic.
That’s where vocal riffs and runs come in.
You know them—the stunning flurries of notes that artists like Jasmine Sullivan, Usher, or Ariana Grande toss in effortlessly. But here’s the secret: what sounds spontaneous is often built on hours of practice, deep understanding, and fearless creativity.
And the best part? You can learn to do it too—even if you’re starting from scratch.
My First Attempt at a Run (And Why It Flopped)
The first time I tried to copy a vocal run from a Beyoncé song, I was so confident. I thought I had the notes figured out. But when I played back my recording, it was all over the place—off pitch, uneven, and rushed. It didn’t sound impressive. It sounded... embarrassing.
That moment taught me something important: riffs and runs are skills, not tricks. And just like any skill—whether it’s dancing, painting, or playing an instrument—it takes strategy and practice to master.
What Makes Riffs and Runs So Powerful?
When you learn how to use riffs and runs well, you’re doing more than just adding “flair” to your voice. You’re adding:
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Expression: You can stretch or shorten phrases to fit the emotion of the moment.
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Individuality: Your vocal runs become part of your signature sound.
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Freedom: You're no longer locked into the melody—you can explore and expand it.
It’s no wonder so many great singers rely on them.
But... Are They Really That Hard?
Honestly? Not as hard as they seem—once you break them down.
Here’s how to make the process easier:
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Choose a run with 3–5 notes to start
Don’t jump into 12-note vocal flips just yet. -
Slow it WAY down
Use 50–60 BPM on a metronome. Focus on clean transitions between each pitch. -
Sing it on vowels first
Like “ah-ah-oh-oh-ee,” to help you hear and feel the notes more clearly. -
Practice daily in small doses
Even 10 minutes a day builds muscle memory faster than one big weekend session. -
Use your phone to record & review
This is your mirror. What feels good might not sound clean—yet.
Why I Recommend Learning from a Structured Course
If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried bouncing around YouTube tutorials. And while some are great, they often lack consistency or progress tracking. You get inspired—but not necessarily better.
That’s why I loved discovering Cheryl Porter’s focused training on vocal riffs and runs. Her course turns what seems intimidating into an easy, fun routine. With warm-ups, call-and-response exercises, and real vocal examples, she helps you feel what you're doing, not just copy it.
Her energy is contagious—and if you need encouragement as much as instruction (don’t we all?), you’ll feel right at home.
What I Wish I Knew Earlier
Looking back, I would tell my younger self these three things:
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You don’t need to sing fast to sound impressive.
Clarity > speed. Every time. -
Runs aren’t just “extra” — they’re a form of storytelling.
Used correctly, a single 4-note riff can carry more emotion than a full verse. -
There’s no “wrong” voice for this.
You don’t need to sound like Mariah. You need to sound like you—with confidence and control.
Final Takeaway: Riffs Are a Journey, Not a Trick
Learning vocal riffs and runs is like unlocking a new language in your singing. It gives you a way to speak through your voice—not just repeat notes. You’ll stumble at first (we all do), but every clean run, every smooth transition, builds your identity as a singer.
So next time you hear a gorgeous run, don’t just admire it—start learning it. And when you’re ready for real growth, take the leap and learn with someone who knows how to guide you.
