A Masterclass in Pop-Country Smoothness
"10,000 Hours" became an instant wedding classic for a reason. Released in 2019 by country duo Dan + Shay featuring Justin Bieber, the song relies less on power and more on nuance, breath control, and seamless blending of three distinct voices.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the "grit" of traditional country and adopt a cleaner, pop-centric tone. The challenge lies in the rapid switching between a conversational chest voice in the verses and a delicate, sustained mix in the chorus. Let's break it down.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Attack
Many singers attack the word "Hours" too aggressively. Our analysis shows that a soft onset (glottal ease) correlates with higher scores. Treat the vocal line like a violin bow—smooth and continuous.
Phase 1: The Conversational Verse (0:00 - 0:45)
The song begins in B♭ major with Dan Smyers taking the lead. The lines "Do you love the rain, does it make you dance" sit comfortably in the middle register (F3 - A3). The goal here is intimacy.
The Trap: Because it feels "easy," singers often drop their pitch support, leading to flat notes at the end of phrases. Keep a slight smile while singing to brighten the tone and maintain pitch accuracy.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift (0:45 - 1:26)
The melody lifts into the upper chest/mix voice. The repeated line "I'd spend ten thousand hours" requires consistent breath pressure. You are singing around an F4 and G4 here.
- Resonance: Aim for "mask resonance" (vibrations in the nose and cheekbones) rather than throat resonance. This keeps the sound poppy and light.
- Dynamics: Do not belt this at full volume. It should be a mezzo-forte intensity.
Phase 3: Justin's Melisma (Bridge & Ad-libs)
When Justin Bieber enters, the style shifts slightly. He utilizes more "vocal fry" in the lows and intricate runs (melisma) in the highs. The ad-libs towards the end reach up to C5 in falsetto.
To nail the runs, slow the track down in the app. Practice the pentatonic scale movements cleanly before speeding them back up. Slurring the notes together will lower your timing score.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is a C5, usually sung in falsetto or a very light head mix during the ad-libs and harmonies.
The original key (B♭ Major) is optimized for Tenors. Baritones may find the constant G4s tiring. Use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -2 semitones to A Major or G Major.
The app isolates the harmony tracks so you can hear exactly what Shay Mooney is doing above the melody. It's often a major third above the lead line.
