Mastering Country Pop Vocals
"Tequila" by Dan + Shay is a definitive track of the modern country-pop genre. Released in 2018, it showcases Shay Mooney’s incredible vocal agility and range. The song relies heavily on contrast—moving from soft, conversational verses into a soaring, high-energy chorus.
To sing this well, you need more than just range; you need control. The emotional delivery requires you to sound nostalgic and heartbroken, not just loud. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
On the high chorus note "Te-qui-la," don't sing a tight "ee" sound. It will close your throat. Modify the vowel to a slightly open "ih" (like in 'sit') to release tension while maintaining the pitch.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:52)
The song begins in B Major. The opening lines "I can still shut down a party" should be sung with a light, breathy chest voice. You are telling a story here. Keep the volume at a mezzo-piano.
The Trap: Many singers push too hard too early. If you start loud, you have nowhere to go when the chorus hits. Keep it intimate.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift (0:52 - 1:24)
This is the signature moment. The melody jumps significantly. You must switch from that conversational tone to a powerful mixed voice.
- The "When I taste Tequila" line: This hits the top of the range (B4). You need strong diaphragmatic support.
- Placement: Direct the sound into the "mask" of your face (around the nose and cheekbones) to get that bright, piercing quality that Shay is known for.
- Dynamics: Ensure you taper off the volume at the end of the phrase to transition back into the verse smoothly.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Emotional Climax
The bridge builds tension. The instrumentation swells, and the vocals become more aggressive. Use a "cry" in your voice (a slight whimper sound) to add emotional weight to the lyrics about remembering a lost love.
This section is less about perfect technique and more about raw emotion. Allow a little grit into the voice if it feels natural, but ensure you return to a clean tone for the final chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest/mix note is a B4. Some ad-libs and harmonies may reach higher into the falsetto range.
It is challenging for Baritones due to the sustained high notes. We recommend using the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones to make it more comfortable.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "chest weight" up. Practice the chorus in a pure falsetto first, then gradually add vocal cord closure to build a mixed voice.
