Learn Vocal Riffs and Runs: A Complete Guide for Singers at Any Level

Have you ever listened to a singer like Beyoncé, Jazmine Sullivan, or Tori Kelly and wondered how they glide so effortlessly through vocal runs that seem impossible to replicate? If you’ve tried to copy a run and ended up in a pitchy mess, don’t worry you’re not alone. Riffs and runs can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, anyone can learn them.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced vocalist looking to add flair to your performances, learning vocal riffs and runs will give you a creative edge and unlock new ways to express yourself. With some patience, practice, and the right tools, you’ll be able to sing like the pros and even develop your own signature style.

And if you're serious about improving, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A great place to begin is Cheryl Porter’s powerful and engaging course on vocal riffs and runs, which breaks down even the most complex runs into step-by-step, easy-to-follow lessons for singers at every level.

What Are Vocal Riffs and Runs?

Let’s start by understanding the basics. Though often used interchangeably, riffs and runs are slightly different:

• Vocal Riffs are short, repeated melodic phrases that usually appear in the same spot in a song. Think of them as rhythmic hooks stylish and catchy.

• Vocal Runs are longer, fluid sequences of notes sung quickly and with control. They often descend or ascend in pitch and can cover wide intervals.

Both are used to decorate a vocal line, show skill, and evoke emotion. These techniques are especially popular in genres like gospel, R&B, pop, and soul but you’ll hear them in country, jazz, and classical music too.

Why Are Riffs and Runs So Important?

Great vocalists use riffs and runs to:

• Personalize melodies

• Show off technique without sounding forced

• Connect emotionally with the audience

• Add texture and complexity to otherwise simple lines

But here’s the key: they only work when they’re clean, controlled, and intentional. That’s why learning how to execute them properly is crucial.

Common Struggles When Learning Runs

Before we dive into how to practice, let’s talk about what typically goes wrong:

 1. Lack of Pitch Accuracy

Most singers try to sing too fast before learning the notes. This leads to sloppy, inaccurate runs.

 2. Poor Breath Support

Without proper breath control, your runs will sound weak or rushed.

 3. No Structure or Muscle Memory

It’s not enough to “wing it.” You need to train your voice to move through note patterns automatically.

 4. Overuse

Yes, runs are cool but when every line has a run, they lose their power. Learning when and where to place a run is part of the artistry.

Step-by-Step Method to Learn Vocal Runs

Step 1: Start Simple

Pick a 3- to 5-note descending scale (like sol–fa–mi–re–do) and practice it slowly. Sing it on a vowel like “ah” or “oo.”

Step 2: Use a Metronome

Start at 60 BPM. Gradually increase speed only when each note is clean.

Step 3: Break Down Existing Runs

Pick a short run from a favorite song. Slow it down with software like “Anytune” or “AudioStretch” and isolate each note. Play it on a keyboard or app and try singing along.

Step 4: Repeat Daily

Repetition builds muscle memory. A 10-minute daily run drill will do more than one long session per week.

Step 5: Record Yourself

You might feel confident during practice, but listening back reveals gaps in timing, pitch, or tone.

Tools and Exercises That Work

Here are some practice tools to include in your warm-ups or vocal sessions:

 Lip Trills

Great for flexibility and breath control. Try doing your runs on a trill to reduce tension.

 Slides and Sirens

These help connect your registers and get your voice used to moving through pitch without strain.

 “Stair-Step” Runs

Practice going up and down a scale in a stepped rhythm (1–3–5–6–5–3–1) before smoothing it out.

 Riff Repeats

Pick one run and loop it 10 times at different tempos. The goal is to stay accurate, not fast.

How Cheryl Porter’s Method Helps You Level Up

Cheryl Porter has become a household name in vocal coaching and for good reason. Her method doesn’t just teach you what to sing, it shows you how to feel it, own it, and repeat it with confidence. In her online course on vocal riffs and runs, you get:

• Step-by-step breakdowns of iconic runs

• Call-and-response training for better ear development

• Techniques to improve breath, tone, and clarity

• Fun, motivational coaching that keeps you practicing

Her system works for total beginners and advanced vocalists alike. If you’ve tried YouTube tutorials but still feel stuck, her structured approach might be exactly what you need.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

With daily 15–20 minute focused practice, most singers see clear improvement within 2–4 weeks:

• Faster transitions between notes

• Stronger breath support

• Clearer tone and pitch on runs

• More confidence in improvising your own riffs

Remember: speed is the last thing you add. Start slow, stay consistent, and results will come.

Tips for Creating Your Own Runs

Once you’ve mastered a few basic patterns, start experimenting:

• Try altering a melody you already know with your own riff

• Mix major and minor scale patterns for a new sound

• Improvise during a bridge or ad-lib section

Eventually, you’ll stop copying and start creating. That’s when you know you’re truly growing as a singer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing: Singing too fast before you’re ready leads to poor control

• Over-styling: Too many runs in a song can sound excessive or distracting

• Ignoring emotion: A run should always add to the feeling, not just the technique

• Not warming up: Cold vocal cords are more likely to strain or crack

Final Thoughts

Riffs and runs aren’t just for superstar vocalists they’re for any singer who wants to add texture, emotion, and individuality to their voice. Whether you’re performing live, recording at home, or singing just for fun, learning how to use riffs and runs can transform your sound.

And you don’t have to go it alone. With expert resources like Cheryl Porter’s vocal riffs and runs course, you can follow a clear path that builds your skills layer by layer until those once “impossible” runs become second nature.

So start slow, stay steady, and sing boldly. Your next great vocal run is just a few practice sessions away.