The elementary mistakes made when singing low notes. And how to avoid them
We all commit mistakes. This is the undeniable truth. And the vocalists are among the people who presumably generate errors the most often at work. Singing the low notes clearly and precisely remains a challenging thing. Unfortunately, many singers neglect it for years. However, when they ultimately realize how important this issue is, they attempt to master it in a short period of time. The result is the experienced singers committing mistakes typical for beginners. It is not a rare event to see even a professional singer stumbling on a few lower sounds. We can even observe very talented people who shamefully crack on the deep note. Sometimes at the beginning of the song. In popular opinion, it is worse than cracking on the high notes. The false on the high pitch may be a result of the worse day or just the coincidence. Failing at the bottom of our register means that we have homework to do.
Lowering the larynx, the key to accurately hitting low notes and smooth singing
Many singers have a detrimental habit of keeping their larynx high while they sing. It comes from smooth taking the high notes and, in this case, is quite useful. But it is also useless when we try to get the low notes right. If our larynx is high, it is more difficult to control the vocal cords as we performance lower and lower. And when we maneuver between the low sounds as well. Therefore, why the vocalists lower their larynx? Well, for many reasons. Regularly, they straightforwardly overpower their voices. And that pushes their larynx higher and higher. Besides, it is why they pull up their chest voice on high notes too. So, what is the solution? How to avoid these issues? The best tip is not to oversing. But moreover, it is a useful thing not to scream or yell. The perfect working larynx is relaxed and resting. The balanced vocal exercises will keep it in place.
External actions that make our low tones sound worse and worse. What you should never do
Many of the reasons our low notes sound bad don’t come even from our vocal box. Any professional vocal coach will unequivocally state that our low tones are also influenced by such elements as a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. And also by drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol and sleeping after that cause acid reflux. The result is swollen and sore vocal cords. And that makes taking the low notes almost impossible. If you have acid reflux, the performance will be a real pain. Another issue is that singers usually attempt to sing when they are ill (for example, on tours). Apart from the pain it causes, the swollen cords make the larynx go higher. If we ever have to sing while we are sick (better we haven’t), we should always take higher notes instead of the lower ones. And, if it is possible, change the key of the sung songs.
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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.