The Ultimate Wedding Ballad
"Perfect" is one of Ed Sheeran's most beloved tracks from the album Divide. Unlike his loop-pedal driven hits, this is a traditional waltz composed in 6/8 time, giving it a swaying, romantic feel. The challenge isn't speed—it's vulnerability and tone control.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "build up." The song starts intimate and breathy, gradually opening up into a powerful chest-voice belt in the chorus without losing the romantic sentiment.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Shaping
On the word "Perfect," many singers close their mouth too much. Drop your jaw slightly on the "Per" syllable to keep the sound open and resonant. This ensures you don't go flat on the descending melody.
Phase 1: The Verses (Breath Control)
The song begins in the lower register (around Eb3). The lyrics "I found a love for me" should be sung with a breathy, conversational tone. You want the listener to feel like you are whispering in their ear.
The Trap: Because it is low, singers often lose volume entirely. Keep your diaphragm engaged to support the note even when singing quietly (mezzo-piano).
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As you move to "Cause we were just kids when we fell in love," the melody begins to climb. Increase your volume slightly, but keep the tone warm. Do not switch to a bright, nasal sound yet.
- Rhythm Check: The 6/8 time signature means you count ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three. Don't rush the triplet feel.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (Ab4)
This is the emotional peak. When Ed sings "Baby, I'm dancing in the dark," he hits the higher range of the song (up to Ab4). This requires a switch to a confident Chest/Mix voice.
To hit the high notes on "Dark" and "Arms" without straining, think of placing the sound forward in your "mask" (the front of your face). If you pull the sound back into your throat, it will sound heavy and you might crack.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note in the main melody is an Ab4. There are also falsetto moments in the backing vocals that go higher.
Yes, this song sits very well for Baritones and Tenors. The low notes (Eb3) are very accessible, and the high notes (Ab4) are challenging but achievable with good mixed-voice technique.
Ed uses a technique called "vocal fry" at the very beginning of phrases to add texture. However, be careful not to overuse this as it can dry out your cords. Focus on clear pitch first.
