Learning how to sing riffs and runs is important, because it’s a signature element of R&B singing. When you sing riffs and runs well, it helps in adding style, agility, and emotion to your voice. If you’re a fan of Brent Faiyaz and Frank Ocean, you’ve probably noticed their distinct vocal riffs and runs that make their music instantly recognizable.
In this guide, I’ll break down their vocal riffs and runs, teach you how to replicate them, and help you build the agility needed to execute riffs and runs effortlessly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, these techniques will take your R&B vocals to the next level.
Want to master vocal runs and develop your R&B voice? Get 1:1 R&B Vocal Coaching at Indie Artist School!
Brent Faiyaz’s Vocal Run Style: Quick, Clean, and Simple
Brent Faiyaz is known for fast, short vocal riffs that fit seamlessly into his smooth, vibey tracks. His riffs are not overly complex, but they require precision and control to execute them correctly.
Key Characteristics of Brent Faiyaz’s Riffs
- Mostly 3-note riffs: Short and quick, often heard throughout his songs.
- Minimal embellishment: He keeps it simple but effective.
- Breath control is key: Runs are smooth and effortless, not breathy.
How to Sing Brent Faiyaz’s 3-Note Riff
- Break it down note by note: Sing each note separately before connecting them.
- Keep your tongue raised: Press the tip of your tongue against your lower teeth to move through the notes faster.
- Avoid holding onto the second note: Spend more time on the first and third note to keep the flow natural.
- Breathe through the riff: Don’t cut off your breath when moving between notes.
Practice Exercise: Sing "ah-ah-ah" in three short, controlled notes, making sure each note is clear.
Pro Tip: If your runs feel slow or heavy, you might be holding tension in your tongue or throat. Focus on relaxing your jaw and keeping airflow steady.
Frank Ocean’s Vocal Run Style: Smooth, Dynamic, and Expressive
Frank Ocean’s vocal runs are more complex than Brent Faiyaz’s, often featuring pentatonic scales, interval jumps, and rhythmic variations. His runs blend R&B and alternative styles, making them unique and expressive.
Key Characteristics of Frank Ocean’s Runs
- 5-note descending pentatonic scale: He often starts a run with a pentatonic pattern.
- Jumps between notes: His runs aren’t always linear, making them more dynamic.
- Lyrical and fluid: Runs feel more connected to the song’s melody rather than a separate embellishment.
How to Sing Frank Ocean’s 5-Note Run (from “Pyramids”)
- Break it into small sections: Start with the first two notes, then gradually add the next ones.
- Practice the descending scale first: Sing "ah-ah-ah-ah-ah" slowly to get pitch accuracy.
- Focus on speed control: The first part of the run is faster than the last note.
- Use breath support: Don’t rely on throat tension to speed up. Engage your diaphragm.
Practice Exercise: Slowly sing "ah-ah-ah-ah-ah" (descending scale), then repeat it faster.
Pro Tip: If you struggle with speed, start very slow and gradually increase tempo using a metronome.
Brent Faiyaz vs. Frank Ocean: What’s the Difference?
Run Complexity
- Brent Faiyaz: Uses simple 3-note riffs that are quick and clean.
- Frank Ocean: Often incorporates more complex runs with 5+ notes, adding variety to his phrasing.
Speed
- Brent Faiyaz: His riffs are fast and precise, maintaining a steady, controlled pace.
- Frank Ocean: His speed varies. Some runs are fluid and smooth, while others include quick bursts of notes.
Rhythm
- Brent Faiyaz: Keeps an even timing in his riffs and runs, making them feel effortless and consistent.
- Frank Ocean: Plays around with interval jumps, adding unexpected shifts in pitch that make his runs sound unique.
Best Technique for Execution
- Brent Faiyaz: Uses light tongue movement to keep runs crisp and agile.
- Frank Ocean: Relies on breath control and agility, allowing him to execute both subtle and complex runs smoothly.
What They Have in Common:
- Both singers repeat certain run patterns throughout their songs.
- Both use three-note riffs at times, though Frank Ocean’s are often longer.
If you love their music, mastering these runs will help you sound more authentic!
How to Improve Your Vocal Agility for Riffs and Runs
Even if you understand how to sing these runs, it takes practice and agility training to execute them flawlessly. Here are some exercises to help:
1. Speed Builder Exercise (For Fast Riffs Like Brent Faiyaz)
- Start with a simple 3-note pattern: "ah-ah-ah." The ‘3 note yeah riff’ exercise in my online course is ideal for this.
- Sing it slowly, then gradually increase speed.
- Keep your tongue relaxed and let airflow move naturally.
2. Pentatonic Scale Drill (For Complex Runs Like Frank Ocean)
- Sing 5 descending notes in a pentatonic scale (e.g., "ah-ah-ah-ah-ah"). The pentatonic and full run exercises in my online course are ideal for this. Learn more in The R&B Singer’s Arsenal.
- Break it into small sections, then put it together.
- Once accurate, speed it up without losing clarity.
3. Breath Control Training (For Stamina & Control)
- Take a deep breath in for 8 counts.
- Hold for 8 counts.
- Release slowly on a controlled hiss for 16 counts.
- Increase over time to 24, 32, and beyond.
These exercises will help you build control, speed, and agility, so you can nail riffs and runs like Brent Faiyaz & Frank Ocean.
Want to Master R&B Vocal Runs Like a Pro?
Learning to sing smooth, controlled runs takes time, but with the right techniques and personalized coaching, you can develop pro-level agility and precision.
Need expert guidance? Work with me 1:1! Get R&B Vocal Coaching with Professional R&B Vocal Coach Kristal Cherelle. Book your session at Indie Artist School.
Unlock your full vocal potential, refine your technique, and start singing with confidence today!