Mastering the Post-Grunge Ballad
"Here Is Gone" is a standout track from Goo Goo Dolls' 2002 album Gutterflower. Lead singer John Rzeznik is known for his signature acoustic tunings and, more importantly, his raspy, emotive vocal delivery. This song moves between intimate verses and a powerful, soaring chorus.
To sing this well, you need to balance "grit" with technique. Pushing too hard to emulate the rasp can lead to vocal fatigue. The key is to use safe vocal compression and rely on breath support rather than throat tension. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Onset
Many singers attack the first word of the chorus "I" too aggressively. Our analysis shows that easing into the vowel with a slight breathy onset ("H-eye") helps smooth the transition from the verse to the chorus.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:48)
The song begins in a lower, conversational register. The line "You and I got something..." sits comfortably for most baritones. The challenge here is not pitch, but texture. Rzeznik uses a breathy tone here.
The Trap: Because the pitch is low, singers often drop their energy. Keep your soft palate lifted and maintain active breath support even when singing quietly. This prevents the vocals from sounding "muddy."
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:48 - 1:18)
The energy lifts significantly. The melody centers around the mid-range chest voice. The lyrics "I am not so / You are not so" require a strong, forward placement.
- Vowel Modification: On the word "Gone" in the phrase "Here is gone," modify the vowel slightly towards "Gun" or "Gahn." This keeps the throat open and allows for a fuller sound without straining.
- Resonance: Aim for a "buzz" in your chest and mask (the front of your face). This cuts through the heavy guitar mix.
Phase 3: The Bridge (2:17 - 2:45)
This is the emotional peak of the song. The line "And I want to get inside of you" pushes into the higher part of the chest register (G#4). This needs to be belted, but safely.
To hit this without cracking, engage your core muscles and think of the note as travelling *down* into your body rather than reaching up. This mental imagery helps ground the sound and prevents the larynx from rising too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is approximately a G#4, found in the bridge section.
John Rzeznik has a natural rasp, but you can emulate it using "vocal fry" onset or safe compression. Do not just squeeze your throat! Singing Coach AI can analyze your tension levels to ensure you aren't damaging your cords.
Yes, this song sits very comfortably for Tenors. You may find the verses slightly low, so ensure you have good breath support to keep the low notes audible.
