Killing my falsetto

[Kosta]

I hope this is in the right forum. But whatever.

Anyway. I'm a vocalist in a band. I basically just do a gruntish scream (a bit like... Lamb Of God's vocalist) in a Dillinger Escape Plan/Converge 'like band with Slint and My Bloody Valentine influences.

Problem is, I often kill my falsetto after I scream (sometimes after 15 minutes, sometimes after 2 hours, and sometimes, my voice is just fine and I can get into a falsetto without any problem). So I'm guessing I scream all wrong. Technique wise. I have to admit, I was too ignorant and naive to take vocal lessons before I started practicing my scream. But the thing is, sometimes, I have no problems after I scream, at all.

Could it be due to the fact that I just don't warm up enough and most of the time don't bother to have a bottle of room temperature water?

My normal speaking voice, however, is still clear and my throat doesn't hurt from screaming.

I was worried because I know that screaming could damage my vocal chords and limit my range for good. So keep that "screaming damages your vocals" crap to yourself. 'cause that's now what it's about. 'Cause I know there are vocalists that can scream for days in a row without experiencing trouble. But I'm guessing they had professional singing lessons before.

[Kosta]

Also. I'd like to add that I really started screaming with my soft pallet about 3 weeks ago and I got a sore throat because of it at first, but not anymore, and that I also get my falsetto back much sooner now than before. Are my vocal chords getting used to my screaming now? And is that all there is really to it?

I'd prefer it if someone who screams in a band himself to reply to this topic. Or at least someone who knows a lot about singing.

[Jovianknight]

All I can tell you is that if your vocal chords get sore, you lose your voice, or you feel any other discomfort after screaming, you are not using proper technique, and you are damaging your vocal chords. There's no such thing as your vocals chords 'getting used to' your screaming.

I think the best thing for you to do is to take voice lessons for awhile, and learn some technique. Learning good technique is almost impossible without a teacher to help you.

And, in case you might be wondering, the technique is the same for singing, screaming... or anything. Don't think the lessons won't apply to you because you scream... they will really help your scream out.

[himynameistweek]

warming up is definately important. it will help you a lot.

[Andross]

whats falsetto again? i forgot...... :upset:

[Kosta]

All I can tell you is that if your vocal chords get sore, you lose your voice, or you feel any other discomfort after screaming, you are not using proper technique, and you are damaging your vocal chords. There's no such thing as your vocals chords 'getting used to' your screaming.

I think the best thing for you to do is to take voice lessons for awhile, and learn some technique. Learning good technique is almost impossible without a teacher to help you.

And, in case you might be wondering, the technique is the same for singing, screaming... or anything. Don't think the lessons won't apply to you because you scream... they will really help your scream out.

Thank you. And yeah, I do realize that singing lessons would help tremendously. They would even improve the sound of my scream.

And I do not feel any discomfort. That is not the problem, really. As I feel perfectly fine and can talk with a clear voice - well, at least, right now, I had trouble when I just started, but I improved my technique. But, I do lose my falsetto, sometimes more often than others.

What I do when I scream is, let my tongue rest on the bottom of my mouth, tighten my neck and stomache muscles and use my soft pallet to raspen my voice and open my mouth as wide as possible and take very deep breath, but I don't release all of my breath at once.

And yeah, I am really considering to take vocal lessons.

So yeah, thanks a lot. I'll keep everything in mind.

whats falsetto again? i forgot...... :upset:


Your "false" voice. Think of, uh, when you're immitating a little girl or something. That high but - naturally - not so powerful fake voice. You can strengthen your falsetto with vocal lessons, though. As far as I know.

[Peg Dizzler]

Can you post a clip of your scream?

[Kosta]

Can you post a clip of your scream?

Why?
I tried to record it, but it's too loud. My computer mic can't handle it or something.

[kriswrite]

Well, tightening your throat is a no-no. Any time you have to add tension to the throat area to create a sound, you are using poor technique and risk loosing your voice.

Kristina
http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com

[Kosta]

Well, tightening your throat is a no-no. Any time you have to add tension to the throat area to create a sound, you are using poor technique and risk loosing your voice.

Kristina
http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com


I can do it without tightening, but it just happens. I'll try to do without, though.

Thanks a lot for the link.

[Kosta]

Also, I don't sing from the gut. Which is probably a must, right?

[kriswrite]

Yep, good diaphragm support while you're speaking, singing, and screaming is essential to good vocal health. (You'll sound better, too.)

Kristina
http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com