The Art of "Chill" Vocals
Young Dumb & Broke is the quintessential "American Teen" anthem. Released on Khalid's debut studio album, the track relies heavily on vibe rather than power. It’s laid-back, legato, and sits comfortably in the middle register for most of the song, but the challenge lies in the stylistic nuances.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of sounding effortless while maintaining strict pitch control. Khalid uses a lot of vocal fry and breathiness to convey the emotion of the lyrics.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Over-Sing
A common mistake users make is singing too crisply or loudly. This song requires a "lazy" jaw and a relaxed tongue. Try to keep your volume at a 4/10 to capture Khalid's specific tone.
Phase 1: The Verses (A2 - D4)
The song begins in D Major. The verses ("So you're still thinking of me") sit low in the chest voice. The melody is conversational. You want to use a little bit of "creak" or vocal fry at the start of phrases to get that authentic R&B texture.
The Trap: Because it's conversational, singers often go flat on the pitch. Keep your support engaged even though you are singing quietly.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus & Chorus (D4 - D5)
This is the hook everyone knows. "So we're just young, dumb and broke..." transitions into the repeated falsetto refrain.
- The Pre-Chorus: Requires a smooth mix. You are building energy but not volume.
- Young Dumb (High): This is the signature part of the song. You must flip into your head voice or falsetto. It needs to be airy and light.
- High School Kids: The melody drops back down instantly. This rapid switching between falsetto and chest voice is the main technical challenge.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Ad-libs
The bridge ("Jump and we think, do it all in the name of love") introduces more rhythmic complexity. The ad-libs at the end of the song explore the higher part of the vocal range with riffs and runs.
To nail these runs, practice them slowly on a vowel like "Oo" before trying to fit the words in. Accuracy matters more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is a D5, which occurs in the background ad-libs and harmonies during the final choruses. The main melody tops out around B4 in falsetto.
Yes! This is actually a perfect song for Baritones because the verses sit very low (A2). The high parts are in falsetto, which is accessible for lower voices if trained properly.
Relax your jaw completely and focus on vowel sounds rather than crisp consonants. Think of connecting the words together in one long stream of air.
