Want to Sound Like an R&B Star? Here’s the Secret!

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Apr 2

Let’s be real—there’s something magical about the way R&B artists sing. Whether it’s Brandy’s silky harmonies, Jazmine Sullivan’s powerhouse belts, or Usher’s effortless vocal runs, R&B singing has a way of hitting deep.

If you’ve ever belted out a song in the shower and thought, “Why don’t I sound like that?”—you’re not alone.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be born with it. While natural talent helps, the real secret to sounding like an R&B star is training, technique, and emotion. And guess what? You can learn all of it.

1. The Foundations of a Great R&B Voice

Breath Control: Your Secret Weapon

Ever tried to sing a long phrase and run out of air? That’s a sign you need better breath support. R&B singers make it seem like their notes float effortlessly, but behind the scenes, they’re controlling their breath like pros.

Try This Exercise:

Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your belly (not your chest).
Slowly release the air while counting to 10.
Increase the count as you build stamina.

Master this, and your voice will instantly sound stronger and more stable.

Vocal Agility: The Key to Those Smooth Runs

You know those quick, intricate riffs that make R&B special? That’s vocal agility—moving through notes cleanly without sounding sloppy.

Try This Exercise:

Start with a simple five-note scale (C-D-E-F-G) and sing it slowly first.
Gradually speed up while keeping it clear.
Mimic runs from your favorite songs and record yourself to check accuracy.

The key? Patience and daily practice.

Tone & Texture: Finding Your Unique Sound

R&B isn’t just about having a “pretty” voice—it’s about soul. Your tone makes you unique, whether it’s husky like Toni Braxton or light like Aaliyah.

Experiment With This:

Sing the same song in different styles—breathy, full, raspy.
Notice which tone feels the most natural for you.
Play with vocal placement (chest voice, head voice, mixed voice).

2. The Art of Emotion in R&B Singing

It’s Not Just About Notes—It’s About Feeling

Great R&B singers don’t just hit notes—they make you feel something. Think of Mary J. Blige’s raw pain in Not Gon’ Cry or SZA’s emotional delivery in Supermodel.

How to Bring Emotion Into Your Singing:

Think of a personal experience that matches the song’s theme.
Use dynamics—contrast soft and powerful moments.
Sing like you’re telling a story, not just reciting lyrics.

Melisma & Riffs: The Magic of R&B Stylization

Melisma (singing multiple notes on one syllable) makes R&B rich and expressive. But doing too much can sound forced.

The Best Way to Learn:

Start slow and precise.
Use songs with simple runs (like We Belong Together by Mariah Carey).
Gradually build speed while keeping control.

3. Techniques to Elevate Your Vocals

Falsetto & Head Voice: The Sweet Spot

Falsetto gives R&B that dreamy, ethereal quality. Think of The Weeknd or Janet Jackson’s airy vocals.

Practice This:

Sing soft, high notes without tension.
Try whispery “hoo” sounds to engage your head voice.
Transition smoothly between chest and head voice.

Belting Without Straining

If you want to hit those powerhouse notes like Jazmine Sullivan, belting is key. But doing it wrong can wreck your voice.

Belting Tips:

Engage your diaphragm, not your throat.
Keep your jaw and neck relaxed.
Use a mix of chest and head voice for balance.

Harmonies & Stacking Vocals Like a Pro

R&B harmonies are everything. If you love the lush layers in Brandy’s or Chloe x Halle’s music, you’ll want to practice harmonizing.

Start Simple:

Sing along with harmonies in your favorite songs.
Use an app like Smule or GarageBand to record and layer vocals.
Train your ear to hear thirds and fifths (common harmony intervals).

4. Developing Your Own R&B Style

Influence vs. Imitation: Finding Your Sound

It’s great to study your favorite artists, but don’t become a copycat. Take inspiration, but add your own flavor.

How to Find Your Sound:

Mix influences: Maybe you love Summer Walker’s chill vibe and Jazmine Sullivan’s grit—blend both.
Play around with phrasing, vibrato, and ad-libs.
Record yourself and analyze what feels the most natural to you.

Confidence is Key: Owning Your Voice

If you don’t believe in your voice, no one else will. Confidence changes everything, from how you hit notes to how you perform.

Tips to Build Confidence:

Sing in front of a mirror and make eye contact with yourself.
Perform for a small group of friends.
Remember—no artist sounds perfect all the time.

Conclusion: Start Training Like an R&B Pro

Singing like an R&B star isn’t about magic—it’s about practice, patience, and passion. Work on breath control, agility, tone, emotion, and confidence. Over time, you’ll notice a huge difference.

So here’s your challenge:

Pick an R&B song you love.
Practice one of these techniques.
Record yourself today.
A few months from now, listen back and see how much you’ve improved.

Trust me, you’ll surprise yourself.

Now, go hit those runs like a pro!

*use tips at your own risk

Cherelle, K. (2018, September 24). R&B vocal secrets unlocked: 5 steps to singing R&B. Medium.

Goodman, G. (2022, August 25). Singing R&B and pop: Vocal improvisation techniques. Berklee Online.

Simon, T. (2021, September 15). How to sing R&B. Tara Simon Studios.

Aussie Vocal Coach. (2019, February 20). R&B vocal workout. [Video]. YouTube.

30 Day Singer. (2020, June 10). R&B vocal style lesson. [Video]. YouTube.

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