The Ultimate Synth-Pop Vocal Workout
Released in 2014 from their debut studio album Reflection, "Sledgehammer" is widely considered one of Fifth Harmony's best vocal performances. It’s an EDM-pop track that demands precision, rhythm, and serious belting power. The song mimics the pounding of a heartbeat, and your vocals need to match that intensity.
To sing this well, you need to balance the rhythmic, staccato verses with the soaring, sustained lines in the chorus. It's a test of endurance and mix-voice technique. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Support
The chorus phrase "If you could take my pulse right now" requires a long, sustained breath. Our analysis shows users often run out of air here. Engage your diaphragm early and resist the urge to exhale all your air on the first word.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses (G3 - C5)
The song starts in a comfortable mid-range. The key here is articulation. The lyrics "If you could take my pulse right now" need to be punchy and distinct to cut through the heavy synth bass. Keep your consonants sharp.
The Trap: Don't get lazy with the rhythm. The song relies on a driving beat, and singing behind the beat will make the track lose its energy.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As you move into "Don't admit it, I play it cool," the melody begins to ascend. This serves as a ramp to the chorus. You should start blending your chest voice with your head voice (mix voice) here to avoid straining as you approach the break.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (C5 - E5)
This is the main event. The chorus sits high and stays there. You need a forward, bright placement to hit the E5s on "pulse" and "hammer" without hurting your throat.
Use a "nyah-nyah" or "bratty" sound (pharyngeal resonance) to help thin out the vocal cords while maintaining power. This is crucial for the repeated line "Sledgehammer," which needs to sound powerful but not shouted.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is an E5. However, there are ad-libs and harmonies in the final chorus that reach up to F#5.
Yes, it is considered moderately difficult/hard because of the vocal stamina required. The chorus offers very few places to breathe, so efficient air management is key.
Definitely. You can transpose the track down using the Singing Coach AI app. Lowering it by -2 or -3 semitones can make the high belts much more comfortable for lower voices.
