This is probably the most famous Speech Level Singing exercise for expanding range.

And it’s for two reasons.

1)    It’s silly and,

2)    It works.

Now while the Bratty “Nay” has a very ugly sound compared to the Gee, it can help you hit high notes with more power than the “Gee” for a few reasons.

First, the bright, bratty sound we’re going to use keeps the vocal folds together, which keeps the registers connected.

Second, the “ay” vowel promotes stretch in the vocal folds which allows for more head voice.

Finally, the “N” consonant is excellent at resisting the air from your lungs, helping you hit high notes with a mix.

But the “Nay” is more open than the “Gee” which increases the chance that we might flip as we sing higher.

There are lots of open vowels on songs so this is good training for the real thing.

So all told, yes the bratty “Nay” sounds horrible but it is closer to real singing, since it’s more open.

Here’s how you do it:

1.     Begin by saying the word “Nay” (as in “Neighbor”) in a bratty way. The tone should be buzzy and nasal-sounding.

If you need help finding the right sound, try to imitate the wicked witch of the west from the Wizard of Oz.

We’re looking for that bright, brassy, “witchy” tone.

It may feel like you’re squeezing something in your throat. But remember, if you feel any pain or discomfort, you are doing something wrong.

2.     Now find a comfortable starting pitch (try E3 for guys and C#4 for girls) and begin to sing the bratty “Nay” on this pitch.

3.     Sing the following scale.

·      The biggest benefit of the Bratty “Nay” comes from the bratty sound.

·      If the sound isn’t right, the exercise won’t work and may actually cause strain. So tread lightly.

·      Keep the scale at a comfortable volume like we discussed above. However, focus more on the bratty sound itself than getting a lot of volume.

·      The volume will come if you’re doing the bratty sound correctly.

·      If you’re having trouble finding the bratty sound, go back to the Wicked Witch video and try again.

Next we’ll start to sing higher notes on slightly less funny sounding exercises.