What kind of sound do you sing with?

How Do Singers Make So Many Different Sounds with the Same Body Parts?

It’s incredible how singers can create so many diverse sounds using the same body parts! 🎤

The secret lies in the vocal folds, which are amazingly dynamic and capable of producing a wide range of sounds across various singing styles. Whether you're belting out pop hits, screaming in heavy metal, singing operatic arias, or crooning jazz standards, the vocal folds are behind it all!

Isn't it just SO fascinating? 💃🏼

Understanding Phonation for Singers: A Guide to Breathy, Pressed, and Balanced Sounds

When you're thinking about singing with your own voice, ask yourself:

"What kind of phonation do I need for this style?"

But… what is phonation?

Phonation is the process of your vocal folds vibrating to produce sound. Because the vocal folds are incredibly dynamic, they vibrate in different ways to create various kinds of sounds across genres. 🎤

👉🏼 All of these sounds are a balance of air pressure and airflow. 👈🏼

For singers, understanding the three main modes of phonation can help you master your sound and enhance your vocal performance:

1. Breathy Phonation

Breathy phonation happens when the vocal folds come together but don’t fully meet, allowing extra air to flow through. This results in a soft, airy, and whispery sound.

This type of phonation has more airflow and less air pressure. While it's a beautiful and effective sound, especially for stylistic choices, it won’t create much volume because the vocal folds aren't fully vibrating. 🎶

Breathy phonation is commonly used in pop, jazz, indie, and singer-songwriter styles. Think of artists like Norah Jones, John Mayer, Lana Del Rey, Jack Johnson, and Sarah McLachlan.

Pro tip: When singing with a breathy sound, make sure you're close to the mic, as your raw vocal will never be as loud as the finished product produced with electronic amplification.

2. Pressed Phonation

Pressed phonation is the opposite of breathy phonation. It occurs when the vocal folds are pressed too tightly, restricting airflow. This results in too much pressure and not enough flow, creating a sound that can feel strained or overly forceful.

Pressed phonation is often heard in styles like pop, country, and heavy metal. Think of singers like Adele, Billie Joe Armstrong, Reba McEntire, and Kurt Cobain.

While pressed phonation can create bold, dramatic sounds, it can also lead to vocal fatigue. If you're finding yourself using too much pressed phonation, try singing at 80% of your maximum volume to prevent strain.

3. Balanced Phonation

Balanced phonation is the sweet spot. This happens when the vocal folds come together smoothly and vibrate efficiently, creating the perfect balance between air pressure and airflow.

Balanced phonation is ideal for vocal health, stamina, and strength, whether you're singing pop, opera, or any other genre. Artists like Dolly Parton, David Draiman, Usher, and Samara Joy all use balanced phonation to create their unique sounds.

Mastering balanced phonation is key to maintaining vocal health and ensuring longevity in your singing career. This mode of phonation should be your go-to for warm-ups and warm-downs.

Why Phonation Matters for Your Singing

By understanding and using different phonation modes, you can enhance your vocal expression and grow as a singer. Whether you're aiming for a breathy, intimate sound, a powerful, bold statement, or a healthy, balanced tone, mastering phonation is essential.

Remember: Singing with balanced phonation will support vocal health in the long run, giving you the strength and agility to tackle any style of music.

So, if you’re not already warming up your voice, now is the time to start. And if you are, listen to your sound—make sure your vowels are clear and intelligible, and that you’re not straining.

Modes of phonation are powerful tools to help you grow as a singer and as an artist. The more intentional you are, the more compelling and dynamic your voice will become. 🎤🎶

Have fun singing!