Unlocking the Bieber Sound: A Comprehensive Guide to Singing Like Justin Bieber

Want to capture the signature sound of Justin Bieber? His vocal style, while seemingly effortless, involves a combination of technique, stylistic choices, and understanding of contemporary pop music. This comprehensive guide will break down the key elements of Bieber’s singing, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you emulate his distinctive sound. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just starting, these tips will help you on your journey to singing like the Biebs.

Understanding Justin Bieber’s Vocal Style

Before diving into specific exercises, it’s crucial to understand what defines Bieber’s vocal style. Here are the core characteristics:

* **Smooth and Effortless Tone:** Bieber’s voice is known for its smooth, almost liquid quality. He avoids harshness or straining, aiming for a relaxed and natural delivery.
* **Rhythmic Precision:** His phrasing is incredibly precise, tightly locked in with the rhythm of the song. This precision is vital for replicating his signature flow.
* **Vocal Runs and Riffs:** Bieber frequently incorporates melismatic runs and riffs, adding flair and complexity to his melodies. These runs are often subtle and never over-the-top.
* **Breath Control:** His breath control is exceptional, allowing him to sustain notes and phrases with ease and without sounding breathless.
* **Use of Falsetto:** Bieber seamlessly transitions between his chest voice and falsetto, often using falsetto for emotional effect or to add a lighter touch to his vocals.
* **Contemporary Pop Inflections:** He incorporates stylistic inflections common in contemporary pop and R&B, such as vocal slides, scoops, and ad-libs.
* **Emotional Connection:** Despite the technical aspects, Bieber conveys genuine emotion in his singing. This connection is crucial for capturing the essence of his performances.

Step-by-Step Guide to Singing Like Justin Bieber

Now, let’s break down the process into actionable steps:

Step 1: Mastering Breath Control

Breath control is the foundation of any good singing, and it’s especially important for Bieber’s style. He sustains notes with apparent ease. Here’s how to improve your breath control:

* **Diaphragmatic Breathing:** Practice breathing from your diaphragm. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. When you inhale, your stomach should expand while your chest remains relatively still. This indicates you’re using your diaphragm effectively. It’s crucial to feel the lower abs expanding during inhalation.
* **Sustained ‘Ah’s’:** Practice sustaining the vowel sound ‘ah’ for as long as possible without straining. Aim for at least 20-30 seconds initially, gradually increasing the duration as you improve. Focus on maintaining a consistent tone and volume throughout the exercise. This exercise should be done at different pitches starting with a comfortable pitch. For example, start at C4 (middle C) and move up by semitones.
* **Controlled Exhalations:** Practice exhaling slowly and steadily. Imagine you’re blowing out a candle without flickering the flame. This exercise helps you control the release of air, which is essential for sustained notes and phrases. Make sure to monitor your posture during this exercise. A good posture can significantly enhance your breath control.
* **Breathing Exercises with Phrases:** Take short phrases from Bieber’s songs and practice singing them, paying close attention to your breath control. Identify the points where he takes breaths and try to mimic his breathing patterns. This will train you to manage your breath efficiently while singing actual musical phrases. For example, in the song “Sorry”, focus on the line “Is it too late now to say sorry?”.

Step 2: Developing a Smooth and Relaxed Tone

Bieber’s voice is characterized by its smoothness and lack of tension. Here’s how to achieve a similar tone:

* **Jaw Relaxation:** Pay attention to your jaw. Ensure it’s relaxed and not clenched. A tense jaw can constrict your vocal cords and create a strained sound. Gently massage your jaw muscles to release tension. Practice singing simple scales with your jaw completely relaxed. You can even try singing with your mouth slightly open to encourage relaxation.
* **Tongue Placement:** The position of your tongue affects your tone. Keep your tongue relaxed and avoid pulling it back in your mouth. Imagine your tongue lying flat and relaxed in the bottom of your mouth. Try singing with your tongue gently touching the back of your lower teeth. This position helps to open up your vocal tract and produce a more resonant sound.
* **Soft Palate Elevation:** Slightly elevate your soft palate (the back of the roof of your mouth). This opens up your vocal tract and creates a rounder, more resonant sound. Imagine you’re yawning gently. This will naturally lift your soft palate. Practice singing scales while consciously maintaining this lifted position. This may feel awkward at first, but with practice, it will become more natural.
* **Humming Exercises:** Humming is a great way to warm up your voice and focus on resonance. Hum simple melodies, paying attention to the vibrations in your face and chest. Experiment with different vowel sounds while humming to explore different tonal qualities. Notice how the resonance changes as you shift your focus. For example, try humming the ‘mmm’ sound, then the ‘nnn’ sound. Compare the differences in resonance.
* **Vocal Warm-ups:** Start your singing sessions with gentle vocal warm-ups. Lip trills, tongue twisters, and simple scales are excellent choices. Avoid pushing your voice too hard, especially when you’re just starting. Gradual warm-ups help to prepare your vocal cords for singing and reduce the risk of injury. Focus on maintaining a relaxed and consistent tone throughout your warm-ups.

Step 3: Mastering Vocal Runs and Riffs

Vocal runs and riffs are a signature element of Bieber’s style. Here’s how to develop your ability to execute them:

* **Start Slow:** Begin by practicing simple scales and arpeggios. This will build your vocal dexterity and coordination. Focus on accuracy and clarity before attempting more complex runs. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo. Start with slow tempos and gradually increase the speed as you improve.
* **Break Down Complex Runs:** When learning a new run, break it down into smaller segments. Practice each segment separately until you can sing it accurately and smoothly. Then, gradually piece the segments together. This approach makes complex runs more manageable and easier to learn. Use online resources or vocal coaches to help you identify and break down difficult runs.
* **Practice with Bieber’s Songs:** Listen carefully to Bieber’s songs and try to identify the runs and riffs he uses. Transcribe the runs into musical notation or use online resources to find transcriptions. Practice singing along with the recordings, focusing on matching his pitch and rhythm. Pay attention to the nuances of his phrasing and articulation.
* **Improvisation:** Once you’re comfortable with basic runs, start experimenting with improvisation. Try creating your own variations on existing runs or inventing new ones altogether. This will help you develop your own unique style and add your personal touch to your singing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at improvising.
* **Listen to R&B and Gospel Music:** Bieber’s vocal runs are heavily influenced by R&B and gospel music. Listening to these genres can expose you to a wider range of vocal techniques and inspire your own improvisation. Pay attention to the phrasing, rhythm, and ornamentation used by R&B and gospel singers. Try to incorporate these elements into your own singing.

Step 4: Perfecting Rhythm and Phrasing

Rhythmic precision is crucial for capturing Bieber’s signature flow. Here’s how to improve your rhythm and phrasing:

* **Practice with a Metronome:** Use a metronome to practice singing simple melodies. Focus on hitting each note precisely on the beat. This will help you develop your sense of timing and rhythm. Start with slow tempos and gradually increase the speed as you improve. Pay attention to the subdivisions of the beat, such as eighth notes and sixteenth notes.
* **Record Yourself Singing:** Record yourself singing Bieber’s songs and listen back critically. Pay attention to your timing and phrasing. Are you rushing or dragging behind the beat? Are you emphasizing the right syllables? Identifying your weaknesses is the first step to improvement.
* **Study Bieber’s Phrasing:** Listen carefully to Bieber’s songs and pay attention to how he phrases his lyrics. Notice which words he emphasizes, how he pauses, and how he connects phrases. Try to mimic his phrasing in your own singing. This will help you capture the nuances of his style.
* **Work with a Vocal Coach:** A vocal coach can provide valuable feedback on your rhythm and phrasing. They can help you identify and correct any weaknesses in your timing and articulation. A vocal coach can also teach you advanced techniques for improving your rhythmic precision and phrasing.
* **Sing Along to Instrumental Tracks:** Find instrumental versions of Bieber’s songs and sing along. This will force you to focus on your timing and phrasing without the distraction of his vocals. Pay attention to the rhythmic cues provided by the instruments. This exercise can help you develop your own unique style while still staying true to the original song.

Step 5: Mastering Falsetto

Bieber seamlessly transitions between his chest voice and falsetto. Here’s how to develop your falsetto:

* **Find Your Falsetto:** Start by gently sliding up from your chest voice into your head voice. Your falsetto should feel light and airy. Avoid pushing your voice too hard, as this can strain your vocal cords. Experiment with different vowel sounds to find the sound that feels most comfortable. Try the ‘ooo’ or ‘eee’ sounds.
* **Practice Transitions:** Practice transitioning smoothly between your chest voice and falsetto. Start with simple scales and gradually increase the complexity of the exercises. Focus on maintaining a consistent tone and volume throughout the transition. Avoid any abrupt shifts in your voice. Imagine a smooth, seamless glide between your chest voice and falsetto.
* **Strengthen Your Falsetto:** Once you can comfortably access your falsetto, work on strengthening it. Practice singing sustained notes in your falsetto. This will help you develop control and stability. Pay attention to your breath support. Proper breath control is essential for maintaining a strong and consistent falsetto.
* **Incorporate Falsetto into Songs:** Start incorporating falsetto into your singing of Bieber’s songs. Identify sections where he uses falsetto and try to mimic his technique. Pay attention to the emotional context of these sections. Bieber often uses falsetto to express vulnerability or tenderness. Try to convey these emotions in your own singing.
* **Avoid Strain:** Be careful not to strain your vocal cords when using your falsetto. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately. Rest your voice and try again later. It’s important to approach falsetto training gradually and avoid pushing yourself too hard.

Step 6: Incorporating Contemporary Pop Inflections

Bieber incorporates stylistic inflections common in contemporary pop and R&B. Here’s how to learn these inflections:

* **Listen to Contemporary Pop and R&B:** Immerse yourself in contemporary pop and R&B music. Pay attention to the vocal styles of different artists. Notice the common inflections, such as vocal slides, scoops, and ad-libs.
* **Study Bieber’s Inflections:** Listen carefully to Bieber’s songs and try to identify the specific inflections he uses. Pay attention to how he slides between notes, scoops up to notes, and adds ad-libs. Transcribe these inflections into musical notation or use online resources to find transcriptions.
* **Practice Mimicking Inflections:** Practice mimicking Bieber’s inflections in your own singing. Start by isolating the inflections and practicing them separately. Then, gradually incorporate them into your singing of Bieber’s songs. Pay attention to the nuances of his phrasing and articulation.
* **Experiment with Your Own Inflections:** Once you’re comfortable with basic inflections, start experimenting with your own variations. Try adding your personal touch to the inflections. Don’t be afraid to be creative and original. The goal is to develop your own unique style while still staying true to the genre.
* **Record Yourself and Analyze:** Record yourself singing with inflections and listen back critically. Pay attention to how the inflections sound. Are they too exaggerated? Are they too subtle? Are they in tune? Identifying your weaknesses is the first step to improvement. Use online resources or vocal coaches to get feedback on your inflections.

Step 7: Connecting Emotionally with the Song

Technical skill is important, but it’s equally important to connect emotionally with the song. Here’s how to do that:

* **Understand the Lyrics:** Read the lyrics carefully and make sure you understand the meaning of the song. What is the song about? What emotions is the singer trying to convey? Understanding the lyrics will help you connect with the song on a deeper level.
* **Connect with Your Own Experiences:** Try to connect the lyrics to your own personal experiences. Have you ever felt the emotions that the singer is describing? Drawing on your own experiences will help you bring authenticity to your performance.
* **Visualize the Story:** Create a mental image of the story that the song is telling. Imagine yourself in the singer’s shoes. What would you be feeling? Visualizing the story will help you immerse yourself in the song and convey the emotions more effectively.
* **Let Go of Inhibition:** Don’t be afraid to express yourself emotionally. Let go of your inhibitions and allow yourself to feel the emotions of the song. The more emotionally connected you are to the song, the more authentic your performance will be.
* **Practice Performing:** Practice performing the song in front of a mirror or a small audience. Pay attention to your body language and facial expressions. Make sure your body language is congruent with the emotions of the song. The more you practice performing, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

Additional Tips for Singing Like Justin Bieber

* **Listen Actively:** Immerse yourself in Bieber’s music and pay close attention to every nuance of his singing. Active listening is crucial for understanding his style.
* **Record Yourself Regularly:** Recording yourself allows you to objectively assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. Compare your recordings to Bieber’s performances.
* **Get Feedback:** Seek feedback from vocal coaches, fellow singers, or trusted friends. Constructive criticism can help you refine your technique.
* **Be Patient:** Developing a specific vocal style takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Consistency is key.
* **Protect Your Voice:** Avoid straining your voice. Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and warm up properly before singing. If you experience any pain or discomfort, consult a vocal professional.
* **Find Your Own Voice:** While emulating Bieber’s style is a fun exercise, don’t forget to develop your own unique voice. Use the techniques you learn to enhance your own singing, rather than simply copying his style.

Essential Exercises to Get the Bieber Sound

To really solidify these techniques, incorporate these exercises into your daily practice:

* **The “Bieber Slide” Exercise:** Focus on smoothly sliding between notes, especially ascending. Choose a simple phrase and practice sliding up to the target note from a half-step below. This creates that signature Bieber “scoop.” For example, on the word “baby” in his famous song, practice sliding into the ‘a’ vowel. This mimics his characteristic vocal approach and adds a distinct flair to your singing.
* **The “Breathless Whisper” Exercise:** Bieber often uses a slightly breathy tone. Practice singing softly, allowing a bit of air to escape with your voice. This creates a more intimate and vulnerable sound. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive breathiness can strain your vocal cords. Start with short phrases and gradually increase the length as you improve.
* **The “Rhythmic Syllable” Exercise:** Choose a complex rhythmic pattern and practice singing it using different syllables, such as “doo,” “dah,” and “bee.” This will improve your rhythmic precision and articulation. Focus on hitting each syllable precisely on the beat. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo. Start with slow tempos and gradually increase the speed as you improve.
* **The “Falsetto Flip” Exercise:** Practice flipping quickly and smoothly between your chest voice and falsetto. This will help you develop control and agility. Start with simple scales and gradually increase the complexity of the exercises. Focus on maintaining a consistent tone and volume throughout the transition. Avoid any abrupt shifts in your voice.

Conclusion

Singing like Justin Bieber requires dedication, practice, and a keen ear for detail. By mastering breath control, developing a smooth tone, perfecting vocal runs, improving rhythm and phrasing, mastering falsetto, incorporating contemporary pop inflections, and connecting emotionally with the song, you can significantly improve your ability to emulate his distinctive sound. Remember to be patient, persistent, and to protect your voice. Most importantly, have fun and let your own unique style shine through! With consistent effort and these detailed steps, you’ll be well on your way to capturing the magic of the Bieber sound.