by Mark JW Graham – Vocal Coach in Nottingham, UK | Book Now
Riffing is something many people think is harder than it actually is. Let me illustrate…
So here is a video of the amazing American artist Tori Kelly. There is just incredible control and artistry in this riffing powerhouse video by Tori.
Check out her stuff – really fresh and inspiring!
There is a KILLER vocal run she does at 2m22s – it’s tough! That said, the riffing is not as difficult as it might seem once you’ve broken it down, provided it’s in a manageable range. Here’s a link to a great singer Natalie Weiss Breaking Down This Riff – she was even teaching at a training conference I went to back in August 2013!
There are a great many things we all think are very difficult, but actually, EVERYTHING is difficult… until we’ve done it so many times that it becomes easy. Not only that, but sometimes it just takes a different perspective and simpler approach to make even the most seemingly-complex issue become pretty straightforward to solve.
With that in mind, if you want to start learning to riff, and learn the riff she pulls off at 2m22s, then check out this awesome video from Natalie Weiss from ‘Breaking Down The Riffs’
See? It might sound crazy but if you take it slow and break it down, it’s actually not as insurmountable as it first seemed.
So do me (and you!) a favour – ask yourself – what was the last thing you decided you COULDN’T do vocally? Is it too fast? Too high? Too low? Once you break it down, you may start to see in-roads to help you tackle the issue you’re struggling with. Honestly, all you need to start moving towards doing the very thing you’re scared of is adopting a different perspective and utilising the right tools.
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Mark JW Graham - Mark is a high-end vocal coach and singing teacher based in Nottingham, UK.
Certified in Speech Level Singing, and with over 20 years of musical experience, he is known as the "go-to vocal coach" for singers wanting dramatic improvements in their singing voice in a short space of time.
Trusted by singers worldwide, Mark’s expertise as a coach, singer and musician helps clients transform their voices and raise their musicianship to new levels.
SLS Certified Vocal Coach · 20+ Years Experience · Trusted Worldwide
I want to sing correctly without damaging my voice. I want to keep a healthy voice and also want to learn rifffs that tori kelly does. I love how she sings.
Melisa, it’s great you understand the importance of keeping a healthy voice. That should always be our goal – we only get one voice right! Where abouts are you based?
And yes, Tori is a fab singer – no idea how she isn’t a bigger star, but hey! means a great kept secret for us a fans!
Do you have a email or a phone number
I can see you’ve got in touch via the booking form – my PA let me know you’d been in touch and that she’s sent you a reply!