The Ultimate Wedding Ballad
Released in 2014 on the album x (Multiply), "Thinking Out Loud" became an instant classic in the blue-eyed soul genre. Unlike high-energy pop tracks, this song demands vulnerability. It's not about hitting the highest note possible; it's about the texture of your voice and the honesty in your delivery.
Ed Sheeran navigates between a soft, breathy lower register and a powerful, gravelly upper chest voice. To sing this well, you need to master the art of "holding back" until the emotional climaxes of the song.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Ed often softens his consonants to keep the legato line flowing. Don't over-pronounce the "t" in "Out" or "Loud." Let the words blend into each other for that smooth, soulful effect.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Intimate)
The song starts in D Major. The opening line "When your legs don't work like they used to before" sits around A2-D3. This is quite low for many singers.
The Trap: Many singers try to "push" these low notes to make them audible, resulting in a muddy sound. Keep your volume low (mezzo-piano) and use a speech-level tone. Think of it as whispering a secret rather than singing a melody.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As you move to "People fall in love in mysterious ways," the melody lifts. You need to introduce a bit more chest resonance here. This section acts as a dynamic bridge.
- Dynamic Control: Don't give it all away yet. Increase volume by about 20%.
- Rhythm: Pay attention to the syncopation. The lyrics should feel slightly "behind the beat" to create that laid-back groove.
Phase 3: The Chorus & Ad-libs
The chorus "So honey now..." brings the melody higher. The word "now" and "arms" allow for vibrato and melisma (vocal runs). This is the emotional core of the song.
Towards the end of the song, Ed belts higher notes (up to A4/B4) with a raspy texture. To achieve this safely, support heavily from your diaphragm and keep the sound forward in your mask (nose/cheekbones), rather than grinding it in your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is a B4 (in the ad-libs towards the end). The main melody generally stays below F#4.
Not necessarily. While Ed uses a stylized rasp, focus first on hitting the pitch and rhythm. You can add texture later by relaxing the vocal cords and allowing more air through.
The phrasing is quite rhythmic. Take quick "sipping" breaths at the punctuation points of the lyrics, for example, after "70" and "23".
