The Ultimate Pop Vocal Challenge
"No Tears Left to Cry" marked a significant return for Ariana Grande, blending emotional depth with a driving UK garage-inspired beat. Vocally, it is a masterclass in placement. Ariana utilizes a very specific "forward" resonance (often called "mask" singing) which allows her to soar through the chorus without straining her throat.
To sing this well, you need to navigate three distinct vocal textures: the angelic choral intro, the rhythmic lower verses, and the high-energy mixed belt of the chorus. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Forward Resonance
If your throat feels tight on the chorus, you are likely singing too "heavy." Try to smile slightly while singing and direct the sound towards your nose and teeth. This "twang" helps you hit the E5 notes with less effort.
Phase 1: The Choral Intro (0:00 - 0:25)
The song opens with a slow, gospel-like section. This is sung almost entirely in head voice with a breathy texture. The challenge here is intonation (tuning).
The Trap: Because there is no heavy beat yet, singers often drift flat. Focus on listening to the close harmonies in the background. Keep your vibrato fast and light.
Phase 2: The Verses (0:25 - 0:50)
As the beat drops, the melody moves to the lower part of the register (down to G3 on "Right now, I'm in a state of mind").
- Diction: The lyrics are rapid-fire. You need crisp consonants to stay locked in with the groove.
- Placement: Don't let the voice get "muddy" in the low notes. Keep the chest voice bright so it matches the energy of the track.
Phase 3: The Chorus Mix (0:50 - 1:15)
The chorus ("Pickin' it up, pickin' it up") sits in a challenging passaggio area. You are consistently hitting C5, D5, and peaking at E5.
To survive this section, do not pull your chest voice up aggressively. You must use a mixed voice. Think of the sound as being narrow and laser-focused. If you try to yell these notes, you will fatigue before the second verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a belted/mixed E5. There are background harmonies and ad-libs that go even higher into the whistle register range.
Yes, but the chorus will require a strong head voice or falsetto. You can also use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the key down by -2 or -3 semitones to make it more comfortable.
Ariana places her voice very forward in her face (the "mask"). Practice humming "Ngang" sounds to feel the vibration in your nose, then open into the vowels while keeping that sensation.
