The Ultimate Heartbreak Ballad
"Call Out My Name" is the standout track from The Weeknd's 2018 EP, My Dear Melancholy,. It represents a return to his darker, moodier R&B roots. The song is famous for its haunting 6/8 time signature and the dramatic shift from a restrained verse to an explosive, belted chorus.
To sing this well, you need more than just range; you need vulnerability. The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) utilizes a very forward, nasal placement (classic R&B technique) combined with a chesty mix to deliver power without straining his vocal cords. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Emotional Dynamics
Many users sing the verses too aggressively. Keep the volume low and the tone "breathy" for the first minute. Our algorithm scores higher when it detects a distinct volume contrast between verse and chorus.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Breathy)
The song starts in the lower register, touching down to C#3. For Tenors, this is comfortable, but the challenge is maintaining tone. Avoid "frying" your voice.
The Trap: Losing pitch on the low notes. Because the volume is low, singers often let the pitch sag flat. Support your breath even when singing quietly to keep the C#3 steady and resonant.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Belt)
The energy explodes on the line "I said I didn't feel nothing baby, but I lied." The melody shoots up to a D#5. This is a very high belt for male voices.
- Vowel Modification: Do not sing a wide "Ahh" sound on "Name." Modify it slightly towards "Uh" or "Eh" to keep the throat open.
- Compression: You need strong cord closure here. If you are too breathy in the chorus, you will not hit the note.
- Placement: Aim the sound towards your hard palate (behind your front teeth) to get that piercing "Weeknd" tone.
Phase 3: The Runs (Melisma)
The outro features classic R&B melisma (vocal runs). The Weeknd moves quickly between notes in the D# Minor scale.
To master this, practice the runs slowly on a "No" or "Mum" sound to ensure every note is distinct before speeding it up. Smearing the notes together will lower your pitch accuracy score in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a D#5 (in the chorus). There are also background vocal layers that go higher, but the lead vocal peaks there.
It is quite difficult due to the high belt. If you cannot hit the D#5 yet, try transposing the song down -3 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
Abel uses a "crying" vocal posture—a slightly lowered larynx with a raised soft palate, mixed with a very forward, nasal resonance. It creates a sound that is both dark and piercing.
