Mastering the "Puth" Groove
"Attention" is a masterclass in modern pop vocals. Charlie Puth famously started the production of this track with a beatboxing voice note, and that percussive influence is evident in the vocal melody. The song isn't about belting high notes with raw power; it's about control, dynamics, and "sitting in the pocket" of the groove.
To sing this well, you need to balance a conversational, almost lazy vocal fry in the verses with a clean, precise falsetto in the choruses. Let's break down the technical approach.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
Many singers use too much breath to achieve Puth's "airy" tone. This dries out your vocal cords. Try to maintain cord closure while keeping the volume low (mezzo-piano) to get the style without the fatigue.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:50)
The song starts in a lower register (around Eb3). The line "You've been runnin' round, runnin' round..." requires a staccato delivery. Don't sustain the notes too long.
The Trap: It's easy to sound bored here. Use a subtle vocal fry at the very end of your phrases to mimic Puth’s attitude. It adds texture without changing the pitch.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (0:50 - 1:07)
On "You just want attention, you don't want my heart," the melody lifts. The compression increases. You want to switch from the "lazy" verse sound to a more forward, "twangy" placement, but keep it in your chest voice.
Be careful with the timing on "Maybe you just hate the thought of me with someone new." This line is wordy and requires excellent breath control.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hooks (1:07 - 1:24)
This is the signature moment. The vocal melody jumps up to a Bb4 and Eb5. Puth sings this primarily in a reinforced falsetto (or a very light head voice).
If you try to belt "What are you doin' to me" in full chest voice, it will sound too aggressive for the song's vibe. Aim for a "hooty" sound quality, dropping your jaw to create space. The transition needs to be seamless—practicing yodeling exercises can actually help smooth out this "flip."
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sung note is an Eb5 in falsetto during the chorus/ad-libs. In full chest/mix voice, the highest note touches around Bb4.
It will change the vibe significantly. If you struggle with falsetto, try singing the chorus an octave down, or use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the key down by -3 semitones.
Puth's phrasing is percussive. Focus on the consonants (T's and K's) to drive the rhythm, rather than pushing air on the vowels. This conserves breath.
