Mastering the Emotional Pop Ballad
"Ghost" is a standout track from Justin Bieber's album Justice. It's a song about grief and memory, requiring a vocal performance that feels intimate and vulnerable rather than powerful and showy. The challenge lies in the dynamics—maintaining a consistent tone while singing softly in the verses and opening up in the chorus.
To sing this well, you need to master the "aspirate onset" (adding air to the start of the note) without running out of breath. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The chorus has rapid phrasing: "I miss you more than life." Our analysis shows users often slur these words. Focus on crisp consonants (M, L, T) to keep the rhythm tight and the emotion clear.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Breathy)
The song starts in a lower range (D3). The line "Youngblood thinks there's always tomorrow" sits in a comfortable speaking range for most. However, Bieber uses a very breathy tone here.
The Trap: Singers often lose pitch support when trying to sound "breathy." Ensure you are engaging your diaphragm even at low volumes. Think of it as a "loud whisper" that projects.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Emotional Hook)
The melody lifts here. The line "I want you to know..." jumps up in pitch. You should switch from the breathy verse tone to a cleaner "mix voice."
- Resonance: Move the vibration from your throat to your "mask" (the front of your face/nose area) for the chorus.
- Dynamics: Don't shout. The song stays relatively contained. It’s a "simmer," not a "boil."
- Rhythm: The lyrics are syncopated. Use the Singing Coach AI visualizer to lock into the beat.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Ad-libs
Towards the end of the song, Bieber introduces higher ad-libs reaching up to E5. These are sung in a reinforced falsetto or head voice. This adds an angelic quality to the track.
To hit these notes, relax your jaw completely. Any tension in the neck will strangle the high notes. Practice sliding from your chest voice up to these notes on a "Wee" sound to find the placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody reaches roughly a B4, but the ad-libs and harmonies soar up to an E5 in falsetto.
It's a great song for beginners to intermediate singers. The range isn't extreme, allowing you to focus heavily on style, emotion, and breath control.
Avoid heavy vibrato. Justin uses a very straight tone, only adding a slight vibrato at the very end of sustained phrases. Keep the tone forward and bright.
