Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column

Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column – by Jeff and Crystal Moore.

It’s been an amazing run. For the past year or so, The Singin’ Guru has shared tips, truths, and the occasional rant about the joys and struggles of singing. We’ve had a blast doing it—and we owe a huge thanks to Art Fredette and Radioradiox for helping spread the good word (and the good notes).

But like all good performances, this act is taking a bow.

Don’t worry—we’re not leaving the stage entirely. We’re coming back louder, deeper, and a little more eclectic with our brand-new column: Music Notes: The Art, Science & Technique of Music. We’re branching out—from rubber-band box instruments to experimental synths made from trash can lids, from crooners to shredders. Whether you’re a gear geek, a theory nerd, a singer, or a passionate listener, this column is for you.

From the Vault: Minor Key Magic

Let’s close out our Singing Guru run with a juicy theory tidbit:

Did you know there are three forms of the minor scale in Western music (not counting modes)? Here they are:

Natural Minor: 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7

Harmonic Minor: 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7

Melodic Minor (ascending): 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Let’s focus on that Harmonic Minor—why raise the 7th?

Because it gives us a leading tone—a half step below the tonic—which pulls us home.

Try this:

Play A Natural Minor: A, B, C, D, E, F, G

Now play A Harmonic Minor: A, B, C, D, E, F, G#

Hear that? The G# begs to resolve to A. It’s seductive. It’s dramatic. It’s rock and roll.

Use the Harmonic Minor scale in your vocal runs or solos to spice up a minor-key song—just be wary of the tritone (your ear will tell you when something’s off). When in doubt, rock it out.

May in Music History

May 1, 1956 – Johnny Cash releases “I Walk the Line”—his first Billboard #1.

May 12, 1967 – Pink Floyd debuts live surround sound at Games for May in London.

May 30, 1968 – The Beatles begin recording The White Album.

Technique Tip: Extending Your Belt Range

Want to belt higher without wrecking your voice?

Try this:

Find your vocal break (see Your Singing Questions Answered: A Handbook for Beginning Singers available on Amazon if unsure).

Start one whole step above your break.

Sing using a medium-mix voice for 10 seconds.

Rest for 10 seconds.

Go up half-step by half-step until you hear distortion or “gravel.” Stop there.

Practice daily for two weeks. You may gain a half-step of healthy belt range, and noticeably more power in your mix.

That’s it, singing fans. The Singin’ Guru is signing off—but stay tuned for Music Notes: The Art, Science & Technique of Music.

See you in the bars,

Jeff and Crystal Moore (Peak Music Studios)

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