What is the difference between singing low notes and high ones?
Singing low notes and high tones vary significantly. What may be funny for a teacher, the vocalists usually are afraid of hitting the high notes. Mainly because a vocal break on the high pitch is more audible and embarrassing than on the lower one. Any false sound in the lower register they can simply conceal in the vocal box vibrations. But there are musical genres like bossa nova or jazz. And just more difficult keys that give no mercy to the singer at all. In such circumstances, no tricks, simplifications, or vocal shortcuts do work at all. Sometimes, even a common rock ballad, sung slowly and emotionally, can be a challenging tune. Therefore, what is a key (sic!) to properly performing the lowest notes? Is it possible to hit them powerfully and accurately? And what makes them so different from the high tones? Finally, what is hiding in the deepest depths of our voice?

The hard work of the vocal cords while we sing the low sound
Well, a lot strictly depends on our vocal range. But utilizing the proper singing techniques, we can learn to sing the lower tones deeper and precisely. It is common knowledge that the high sounds arise when the vocal cords are simply moving forth. And when they are moving back, the lower tones appear. Moreover, in the first occurrence, the vocal cords become thinner, shorter, and vibrate fast. Yet, in the second case, they get thicker or longer and vibrate slow. Easily sliding from the higher to the lower available sounds in our vocal range and back is the key to good, professional singing. Obviously, it needs a lot of practice to achieve satisfying results. The characteristic thing is that the low notes have slow vibrations. This fact allows our brain to notice almost every vibration. And that makes singing low notes seem easier to control.
Hitting the tones from the bottom clearly is just like singing the highest ones without the head-voice
Well, even though performing the low tones clear is slightly different from performing the high ones, we decisively should not neglect this topic. Hitting these sounds correctly is in every singer’s daily experience as crucial as to get right with the high ones. So why sometimes it just does not work? Well, the singers’ bad habit occurring most frequently is allowing their larynx to drop. Exactly in the moment when they try to reach the low sound. And this is the worst thing we can do. That’s because a larynx just has to be balanced during singing. We should never push it too far. Vocal cords are like a string. We should train it slowly but progressively. The best exercise for beginners trying to hit a specific tone is firstly trying to say it. The next step should be giving it a more melodic sound. What is comforting, even without an enormously broad vocal range, we can satisfyingly deal with the lowest sounds.
Looking for more information about singing low notes?
Check our knowledge base:
- Can a professional vocal coach teach me how to sing the low notes properly?
- The elementary mistakes made when singing low notes
- What is the best time to learn how to sing low notes?
- Efficiently and successfully mastering low notes
- What are the best ways to practice singing the low notes clear and soft?
- Why singing low notes may be a challenge?
Vocal coach Ron Anderson’s clients say:
Alicia Keys
She has sold over 40 million albums and 35 million singles worldwide and was named by Billboard the top R&B artist of the 2000s decade.
Hayley Williams
American singer-songwriter who is best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and keyboardist of the rock band Paramore.
Tom Cruise
American actor and producer. One of the highest-grossing box office stars of all time. Tom trained with Ron Anderson for his role as Stacee Jaxx and he couldn’t be happier for his transformation.