The Modern Wedding Anthem
"Perfect" is a masterclass in controlled dynamics. Written by Ed Sheeran for his 2017 album Divide, this track uses a 12/8 time signature (giving it that waltz feel) and demands a vocal performance that balances intimacy with power. It’s not just about hitting the notes; it’s about conveying the story.
To sing this well, you need to master your "mix" voice. The song stays mostly in a comfortable chest range but climbs to a sustained Ab4 in the chorus, which can sound strained if you don't manage your breath support. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Soft Onset
Most users attack the verses too aggressively. Our analysis shows that using a "breathy onset" (letting a little air out before the sound) on lines like "I found a love" improves the emotional score significantly.
Phase 1: The Intimate Verses
The song begins in Ab major (or G major if you are listening to the acoustic version). The entry "I found a love for me" sits low in the range. The challenge here is keeping the larynx neutral and relaxed.
The Trap: Because it is quiet, singers often lose pitch support. Keep your core engaged even when singing softly to ensure you don't go flat on the end of phrases.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
As the song builds to "Baby, I'm dancing in the dark," the volume increases. You need to transition from that breathy tone to a cleaner, more resonant sound.
- Vowel Shaping: On "Dark" and "Arms," drop your jaw vertically. A wide mouth shape will thin out the sound, while a tall shape adds warmth.
- Legato: Connect the words smoothly. Ed sings this very fluidly, almost dragging the notes into one another.
Phase 3: The High Note (Ab4)
The emotional peak happens when Ed belts "I don't deserve this." The top note here is an Ab4. For Tenors, this is a high chest belt. For Baritones, this requires a solid mixed voice.
To hit this without cracking, think of placing the sound "forward" in your face (mask resonance) rather than pushing it from your throat. If you feel tightness, try modifying the vowel in "deserve" slightly towards "des-ah-ve".
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest chest/mix note is an Ab4 (G#4) typically heard in the chorus and ad-libs. The melody mostly hovers between Eb3 and Eb4.
It is moderately difficult. While the notes aren't extremely high compared to rock songs, maintaining the pitch accuracy in the 12/8 time signature and controlling the breathy tone requires practice.
Use a technique called 'onset' control. Start phrases gently with a bit of air (soft onset) rather than a hard attack. Use the Singing Coach AI app to visualize your volume dynamics.
