Mastering the "Chill" R&B Vibe
Khalid’s "Location" is a masterclass in modern R&B phrasing. While it doesn't demand the high-belt acrobatics of pop divas, it requires an impeccable sense of rhythm and a warm, resonant lower register. The song relies heavily on a "conversational" singing style that sits right in the pocket of the beat.
To sing this well, you need to relax your jaw and focus on the flow. The challenge isn't volume—it's nuance. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the verses and the chorus hook.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Articulation
Many singers over-enunciate this track. Khalid uses "soft" consonants to maintain the legato flow. Try blending words together (e.g., "Send me your" becomes "Send-me-your") rather than chopping them up.
Phase 1: The Verses (G2 - A3)
The verses are sung in a very comfortable range for Baritones and Tenors. The focus here is on the "bounce." The melody lines are syncopated, meaning they play off the beat.
The Trap: Because the range is low, singers often drop their breath support, leading to a flat pitch. Keep your core engaged even when singing quietly to maintain a rich tone on the low G2 notes.
Phase 2: The Chorus Hook
"Send me your location, let's focus on communicating." This section is catchy because of its repetitive melodic structure. The notes circle around Middle C (C4).
- Breath Control: The phrases are long. Make sure to take a quick, silent "sip" of air before the line "I don't need nothing else but you."
- The Slide: Khalid often slides up to notes rather than hitting them dead-on instantly. This is a stylistic choice called a "scoop," but don't overdo it or you'll sound pitchy.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Ad-libs (Agility)
Towards the end of the song, Khalid introduces more complex runs and riffs. He briefly touches a C5 in head voice/falsetto. This provides a nice contrast to the heavy chest voice used throughout the rest of the song.
To nail these runs, practice them slowly on a vowel sound like "OO" or "EE" to get the pitch accuracy before adding the lyrics back in. Precision beats speed every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is a C5, which is usually hit in a light mix or falsetto during the ad-libs and harmonies.
Yes, absolutely. While Khalid has a Baritone quality, Tenors can sing this comfortably. If the low G2 is too low, you can transpose the track up +2 semitones using the Singing Coach AI app.
Khalid's rasp comes from relaxation, not tension. Don't squeeze your throat. Instead, allow a little more air to escape with the sound (breathiness) to mimic that soulful texture safely.
