The Soul of LA Rock
Released in 1991 on the album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, "Under the Bridge" is Anthony Kiedis's deeply personal reflection on loneliness and addiction in Los Angeles. Unlike the band's typical funk-rock tracks, this is a melodic ballad that requires vulnerability over power.
To sing this well, you need to balance a "spoken word" rhythmic feel in the verses with a soaring, open sound in the climax. It sits comfortably in a Baritone or Tenor range, making it a great song for intermediate singers to master expression.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Kiedis uses a very specific rhythmic cadence in the verses. Don't "sing" the notes too operatically. Keep it dry and conversational, almost like you are telling a secret.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 1:35)
The song starts in E Major. The vocal entry is soft and isolated. The range here is low (around E3-B3). The challenge is not hitting the notes, but delivering them with the right timing against the guitar riff.
The Trap: Many singers drag the tempo here. Keep your delivery crisp. Ensure you breathe deeply before the lines "I drive on her streets" to sustain the phrasing without gasping.
Phase 2: The Chorus (1:35 - 2:38)
The melody lifts on "Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner." Here, you should switch from the dry verse tone to a slightly more resonant chest voice. The vowels should be more open (vertical mouth shape) to get a warmer sound.
- Connect: Ensure the words flow together (legato).
- Pitch: Watch the step-down notes at the end of the phrase "the city I live in, the city of angels."
Phase 3: The Choir Outro (3:12 - End)
The song modulates and builds to the famous "Under the bridge downtown" section. This is the vocal climax. The energy must increase significantly.
You need to navigate the call-and-response with the choir. Your lead vocal should be punchy and slightly more aggressive ("Is where I drew some blood"). Engage your diaphragm to support the higher notes in the ad-libs (up to E5 in falsetto or high mix) if you choose to sing the variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody peaks around C#5 in the climax, but Kiedis hits occasional E5s in falsetto/whoops during the outro ad-libs.
Yes. The range is very accessible. The main challenge for beginners is staying in time with the syncopated guitar intro and bridge.
Relax your jaw. Kiedis sings with a very forward placement but a relaxed, almost lazy enunciation in the verses. Don't over-pronounce the consonants.
