How to Warm Up Your Voice Using Pop Songs You Already Love

Do you ever skip your vocal warm-up because scales feel boring? You’re not alone... And the good news is, you don’t have to. In this episode, you’ll discover how to use songs you already love to warm up your voice while protecting it from strain and damage.

Why Warming Up Matters

Most singers make the mistake of jumping straight into a song without preparing their voices. And while that feels tempting, it can actually cause vocal strain or even damage over time. Remember—your voice isn’t like a guitar string you can replace. You only get one voice, so taking care of it is essential.

Step 1: Start with Chest Voice

The first step is to warm up with a song (or part of a song) that uses only your chest voice within a small, comfortable range. For example, the chorus of Let It Be by The Beatles is perfect for this. Sing it a few times in its original key, and then slowly move it up half a step at a time. This way, you’re gently stretching your vocal cords without straining them—like warming up a rubber band before pulling it further.

Step 2: Don’t Avoid Your Head Voice

Many singers avoid their head voice because it feels weak, breathy, or shaky. But ignoring it won’t make it better. Instead, choose a song that lives completely in your head voice and sing it intentionally. A great example is the chorus of All I Want by Kodaline. Start in a comfortable key, and then move it higher to expand that range. By doing this, you’re waking up and strengthening the top of your voice.

Step 3: Activate Your Mix Voice

The magic happens in the middle—in your mix voice. This is the “bridge” between chest and head voice, and it’s often where singers feel cracks or flips. To smooth out that transition, use a song that sits right on your vocal break. One of my favorites is You Say by Lauren Daigle. For many singers, this chorus lands right in the sweet spot where chest and head voice overlap, making it the perfect warm-up for your mix voice.

Building a Strong Foundation

By using pop songs for your warm-up, you’ve already activated your chest, head, and mix voice without ever touching a boring scale. This approach not only prepares your voice—it makes warming up fun and sustainable. And remember, this is just the beginning. Once your voice is warmed up, the next step is learning how to sing with freedom, power, and confidence across your entire range.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to sing high notes easily and expand your range fast, I’d love to invite you to a FREE training where I walk you through the step-by-step process to develop your mix voice—so you can sing your favorite songs effortlessly and without strain.
👉 Register here: https://www.singinginsiders.com/shne-training-opt-in-fnl

👀 Secret Vocal Freedom Training Video: https://www.singinginsiders.com/secret-video-opt-in-yt-fnl-vfm 

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your singing progress despite regular practice, watching YouTube tutorials, or even taking vocal lessons, you’re not alone. Click here to unlock your true vocal potential, hit high (and low!) notes effortlessly, and sing in public with confidence—without relying on natural talent or years of training.

Grab the free secret Vocal Freedom Training here: https://www.singinginsiders.com/secret-video-opt-in-yt-fnl-vfm 

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Ready to sing high notes easily and expand your range fast? Register for this FREE training walking you through the step-by-step process to develop your mix voice:  https://www.singinginsiders.com/shne-training-opt-in-fnl