The Ultimate Breakup Anthem
ABCDEFU is a masterclass in modern pop-rock attitude. Written by Gayle, this track went viral for its raw, unfiltered emotion and catchy, chant-like chorus. While it doesn't require operatic range, it demands stamina and "grit."
To sing this well, you need to balance conversational storytelling in the verses with controlled power in the chorus. The song sits in E Major, staying mostly in a comfortable mid-range for Alto and Mezzo singers, but the energy required to sell the lyrics is high.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The verses are fast and wordy. Common mistake: mumbling the lyrics "F*ck you and your mom and your sister and your job." Practice enunciating every consonant crisply to keep the rhythm tight.
Phase 1: The Conversational Verses (0:00 - 0:42)
The song starts with a simple guitar riff. The vocal delivery here should be almost spoken, sitting in your lower chest register (E3 - B3). Keep your volume low but your tone sharp.
The Trap: Don't sing this too "prettily." The character of the song is angry and dismissive. Keep the larynx neutral and avoid adding too much vibrato.
Phase 2: The Chorus Explosion (0:42 - 1:12)
This is the hook everyone knows. The melody jumps up, centering around C#5 and B4. You need to belt this, but avoid shouting from your throat.
- Support: Engage your diaphragm heavily before the line "ABCDEFU."
- Placement: Direct the sound forward into the "mask" of your face. This creates the piercing, bratty tone required for pop-punk without causing vocal strain.
- Vowels: Modify the "You" vowel to a more narrow "Eww" shape to help maintain the belt on the higher notes.
Phase 3: The Bridge Build-up (1:55 - 2:20)
The bridge drops in energy before building back up. This is your chance to catch your breath. Focus on the rhythmic staccato delivery of the lyrics. The final chorus requires your maximum volume, so save your energy here.
If you struggle with the explicit lyrics or simply prefer the clean version ("Forget you"), the vowel shapes remain largely the same, making the technique identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main belted chest-voice note hits a C#5. However, there are ad-libs and harmonies that reach up to an E5 in the final sections.
Absolutely. It works great for Tenors in the original key. Baritones might want to transpose it down -2 or -3 semitones using the Singing Coach AI app to make the chorus more comfortable.
The lyrics are dense. Plan your breaths specifically at the punctuation marks in the lyrics. Do not try to sing the entire chorus on one breath.
