The Opening Number that Changed Broadway
The titular opening track "Alexander Hamilton" sets the stage for the entire musical. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it functions as a condensed biography, introducing the main players and the unique musical vernacular of the show. It blends musical theater exposition with hip-hop cadence.
To perform this well, you need impeccable diction. The challenge isn't hitting high notes—it is about rhythm, flow, and storytelling. Leslie Odom Jr. (as Aaron Burr) delivers the opening lines with a cool, calculated precision that builds into intense passion.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Consonants
The AI detects that users often slur the words "scotsman," "dropped," and "forgotten." Over-enunciate your plosive sounds (P, B, T, D, K, G) to ensure the lyrics cut through the music.
Phase 1: The Burr Monologue (0:00 - 0:48)
The song begins with simple piano chords in E Minor. Your entry needs to be conversational but strictly on beat. The rhythm is the melody here.
The Trap: Rushing. Adrenaline often makes singers speed up during the line "How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore..." Stay in the pocket. Listen to the snare drum and lock your syllables to it.
Phase 2: The Ensemble Build (0:48 - 2:45)
As Laurens, Jefferson (Daveed Diggs), and Madison enter, the energy shifts. If you are singing the lead (Burr), you must maintain your cool demeanor while the music swells around you. The dynamics here are crucial.
- Tone: Keep the voice forward and "dry." Too much vibrato will ruin the hip-hop aesthetic.
- Breathing: The phrases are long. Plan your breaths at punctuation marks, not in the middle of a sentence.
- Articulation: The line "The ten-dollar founding father without a father" requires tongue agility. Practice it slowly.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:45 - End)
The full company joins in. The energy hits a fever pitch with "There's a million things I haven't done." This is sung, not rapped. Switch from your percussive rhythmic voice to a resonant, sustained singing voice to create contrast.
The final "Alexander Hamilton" requires you to drop back down to a whisper, bringing the audience in close for the final reveal: "And me? I'm the damn fool that shot him."
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily rapped with melodic hooks. The technique requires rhythmic precision more than melodic range, though the chorus sections are fully sung.
Leslie Odom Jr. is a Tenor, but the role acts as a Baritone/Tenor bridge. Most of this song sits comfortably in the mid-range (A2-E4), making it accessible for Baritones.
Use "staggered breathing." Practice the rap at 75% speed in the Singing Coach AI app and mark exactly where you will inhale. Stick to those marks every time.
