Mastering the Darker Side of Rock
Released in 1966 on the album Aftermath, "Paint It Black" is a defining track of the psychedelic rock era. Famous for its driving drum beat and Brian Jones' haunting sitar riff, the vocal performance by Mick Jagger is a lesson in controlled intensity. It isn't about hitting high notes; it's about projecting mood and aggression.
The song stays relatively low in the chest register (F3 to F4), making it accessible for Baritones and lower Tenors. However, the challenge lies in the stamina required to maintain the "gritty" tone without straining your throat.
AI Coach Tip: Attitude over Altitude
Do not try to sing this "prettily." The AI scoring algorithm for this song favors strong attack on consonants and consistent volume dynamics. If you sound too polite, your style score will drop.
Phase 1: The Verses (Monotone Tension)
The song begins in F Minor. The opening lines ("I see a red door and I want it painted black") are delivered in a near-monotone fashion. This is deliberate. Jagger sings with a "closed" sound here, almost mumbling, to reflect the depressive lyrics.
The Trap: Many singers go flat here because they relax too much. Keep your breath support active even when singing quietly to ensure the pitch stays centered.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Explosion)
When the line "I see the girls walk by..." hits, the energy shifts. You need to open your mouth wider and increase vocal volume. This section sits higher in the chest voice.
- Articulation: Bite into the words. The 'T's and 'K's in "Painted Black" should be percussive.
- Vowel Modification: On higher notes near F4, modify the vowel "Black" slightly towards "Bh-lack" (dropping the jaw) to avoid a nasal sound.
Phase 3: The Outro (Rhythmic Phrasing)
The end of the song features the iconic "Hmm hmm hmm" humming section overlaid with ad-libs. This is an endurance test. The drums double in speed, and your vocals must lock in with that rhythm. Focus on short, punchy breaths between phrases to keep up with the tempo.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is roughly an F4. It is not technically high, but it is sung with a lot of force, which can make it feel higher than it is.
Yes, but Tenors may find the verses feel a bit low. You might need to add more "vocal fry" or breathiness to the lower notes to give them weight.
Use your diaphragm for power, not your throat. The distortion should come from the false vocal cords, not by squeezing your true vocal cords. Practice the "grunt" sound you make when lifting something heavy.
