[QUOTE=kdash;13988764]i am a bit confused about screaming. from what i have read you are suppose to use falsetto during a scream to minimize dmg, but in order to add tone to a scream you have to use your vocal folds. so how am i suppose to use falsetto and add true voice to it at the same time?[/QUOTE]

You can use falsetto if thats the sound you are going for, and not if it isn't. Falsetto is just another register produced by the vocal cords. Basically, sing whatever note it is you want to scream cleanly first, then start adding some downwards pressure as if you are using the restroom, and sending the tone/breath to the soft pallate. Eventually you'll get a perfect balance and start sounding how you want to.

So, ok I've been doing better, I've been practicing a lot. I'm not amazing yet, but I'm pretty excited about the progress I've made already. One thing tho, what tips do you guys have on building better intonation? I mean its one thing to work with a tuner, or sing notes from a piano, but what about when you sing live? I can tell when I am not singing the right note (obviously an A# is not in the key of A ;) ) but I have trouble telling if I am singing the semi-tone right under a 440hz A. Any tips you people can give me? I have Brett Manning's Singing Success, and I also have Jaime Vanderas Raise Your Voice. Brett didn't mention intonation at all (I'm assuming he believes that with practice of good technique that intonation will come) and Jaime had a few tips, but I didn't find it that helpful. I'm looking for excercises I can practice like, say in the car, where I don't have access to a tuner or pitch wheel.

Don't work on intonation exercises in your car. Just if you have a guitar, piano, whatever, do chromatic scales. Start on Middle C (C4) and slide sing one note at a time going downscale until you reach C3. Keep doing this until you have covered your whole range. It will build muscle memory and your cords will start getting used to the feeling of each note. Always record yourself and listen back to make sure everything is actually in tune. Also, then just pick random notes on a keyboard or guitar, and sing them. Once you can sing them dead on you are doing pretty well, most people will sing it either a tiny bit flat or sharp then slide just a bit to get it right. You need to work on just hitting it dead on from the beginning. Melissa Cross teaches this in her DVD

[QUOTE=Screamin_Demon_Auz;13990536]You can use falsetto if thats the sound you are going for, and not if it isn't. Falsetto is just another register produced by the vocal cords. Basically, sing whatever note it is you want to scream cleanly first, then start adding some downwards pressure as if you are using the restroom, and sending the tone/breath to the soft pallate. Eventually you'll get a perfect balance and start sounding how you want to.[/QUOTE]

i was just under the impression that using head voice would be too damaging for the vocal cords, since there is a lot more pressure compared to falsetto because the cords have to adduct.

No, the adduction process isn't damaging unless you do it wrong, which would be shouting at top volume just to get a note. You can choose to shout stylistically (as long as you support it correctly, and place the tone above the throat) but if you HAVE to do it by default because a lack of skill then its damaging.

Falsetto
 

I have been having difficulty in making falsetto....I just don't really know what to do and my singing teacher is a girl and can't really help me
I am 14 years old and singing vocals in a succesful rock band
Can anyone help?

Just because your teacher is a girl really shouldn't mean that she can't teach you falsetto. Vocal cords are the same thing in men and women, just different sizes. Women have a falsetto too. Your larynx is growing because you are going through puberty im sure because of your age and inability to sing in falsetto easily. Your cords are getting thicker which is lowering your voice, making it harder for them to stretch and thin to produce falsetto. Just keep doing scales, and after you are warmed up start imitating singers who use falsetto. To get it started, do some really light scales on EE (as in see) pretty high up. Its ok if its breathy right now, you are just trying to discover your falsetto. Then, sing along LIGHTLY to prince,the darkness, queen (especially the beginning of bohemian rhapsody), seal (kiss from a rose), the beach boys, whatever as long as it has some good falsetto.

Can you teach yourself how to sing? That's my question.
I'm a self taught guitar player and drummer of a couple years now and I'm (without bragging) always looked up and mentioned by friends and such when it comes down to instruments.

But one thing I've never tried but always have wanted to be able to do is sing. So I've been sort of working on it lately. I have a good ear so I can pick up notes and mimic styles quite easily, and to me some things I "sing" sound fine but I've never tried singing to anyone else to have their opinion because I always figured it was all in my mind and I probably sucked in reality.

So the other day I was in the basement waiting for my band to arrive, and I was singing/playing Alice In Chain's Nutshell acousticly. My band walks in without me noticing (which is good because I'm shy. so I didnt notice and kept singing loud) and they were freaking out asking me when I learned how to sing and where that came from.

Needless to say I was pumped about it, but then again.. that IS a really easy song to sing sort of.. and, I WAS just mimicing someones voice not knowing what the hell I was actually singing and just trying to be in tune with my guitar..

But since then, I've been wondering.. is it possible to teach yourself how to sing? have any of you guys? I know a couple people but it's always like "my dad was a singer" or "my uncle was in a band and gave me some tips"

if it IS possible, how should I go on about this whole thing?

any help/replies are appreciated, sorry for the goddamn long post haha

I wouldn't recommend it. Take at least a few lessons, just to get rid of any bad habits and learn things about your voice that you didn't know, and go from there if you'd like.

Oh trust me, I'd LOVE to have lessons. But I just can't right now, between work and almost graduating school, and my band, and all this other **** in my life, there's no way I can have it right now. And that's where the whole question is coming from.

I did take 2 classes a couple months ago, and all I learned was breathing and posture and some exercises and I was totally pumped about it. I wish I could've kept going to it but it just didn't work out.

[url]http://vocalrelease.com/[/url]

That and a few other websites offer singing lesson CDs. The method I mainly use is called Speech Level Singing, and I have only really learned about it from CD's and DVDs. If you can't get lessons, that's the route I would take if I were you.

Tons of stuff on the market that you could use. Pretty much anything on [url]www.getsinged.com[/url] is worth checking out. I would suggest getting Mark Baxter's Rock N Roll Singers Survival Manual along with either his DVD or Sing Like an Idol CD (which is geared more for pop/r&b but works for anyone), Rose Coppola's Rock Your Vox DVD which comes with a CD and booklet, Seth Riggs Sing Like A Star book/CD, or Jaime Vendera's Raise Your Voice. You can get any of them at GetSigned. If you can, I would get Baxter's book for the information which will really help you out, Rose's DVD for a CD to practice along with and a DVD to show you how to properly do it, and Jaimes book for tons of information, exercises, and life time membership to his Members area which has exercises, interviews with pro's, etc.

Auz... do you know much about trying to access your low range, like trouble with that.

I have no problems with falsetto and head voice, but my mid and low range are pretty poor.

Well, its much more difficult to increase your low range because of the set up for low notes. For high notes, they continue to stretch. Once they get past the point where they can no longer stretch, they will begin to adduct, shortening the vibrating length and making the pitch even higher. For your lowest notes there really isnt any stretching. Instead, they get thicker, and the more mass, the deeper the note. About the only thing you can do is do descending scales. Once you get to your lowest note, decrease the volume. The lower you go, the more it will turn into just vocal fry which is like a crackling sound. When it starts to go into fry, try to focus it as best you can to get it a clear tone and to eliminate the excess noise. Also, watch to make sure that you are pushing down on your larynx. The lower you get, the more you'll want to decrease the volume until you get clear tones.

Also, do the scales on A (as in say), and O (as in so). That will help to keep everything open.

I am having a problem with breathyness. Especially when I sing higher, my voice begins to get breathy. Does it mean that I am singing in falsetto? This is where I get confused. Am I doing breathy head voice, or singing in falsetto? I've been learning to mix, it has been quite fun, but I feel that I am doing things right in practicing the excercices, but that the old habits try to creep back up when I actually sing a song or perform. But how do I get rid of the breathyness, I don't want to dry out my vocal chords, and I want to get a clearer tone.

Thanks a lot Auz.

ok, I have a lot of questions, but I'll start with some info, I'm 16, I've been singing and screaming off and on for the last year, but a lot more in the last month.

I think I scream pretty well, but the biggest problem I get is with the volume, I can't seem to get loud at all, is that bad or is it just not supposed to be very loud? I've also had quite a bit of trouble hitting the shriek/ super-high-birdlike-scream.

One more thing, my throat seems to get a bit sore after singing, not the kind where I lose my voice or anything, and I don't even know if it's directly related to the screaming, because it doesn't hurt as I do it, my throat just gets uncomfortable at other times.

Am I not screaming right or something? If you need more info or anything, just ask, thanks for your help and sorry about all the questions, I just don't want damage.

My guess is your basic foundational technique isn't really strong enough. That would be basically your breath control. You are more than likely either sending too much or too little breath up (wouldn't know without hearing you). When you inhale, your stomach HAS to come out. Don't force it out just let it come out. Your lower ribs should expand to and stay expanded the entire time you are singing. Keep your hands on your lower ribs to make sure they are expanded at all times while your singing/screaming. This will soon become second nature. Also, push down like you are using the restroom when you scream. This will take all tension away from the throat and add both volume/power and send up the proper amount of air.

I'm so stupid, cause I have Jaime's book too. I did the power-push like you just said, and the breathyness went away immediately. I just gotta be concious about it when I'm doing it. Sweet!

If you're going for a high "birdlike" scream, maybe try inhaling it? Think about your scream as if it's coming from where your throat meets your nasal cavity, it's the type of scream like Through The Eyes Of The Dead or Fireset Birth... really shrieky and really piercing.

are whistle notes the notes after head notes, which is head voice? or is it just really high falsetto?

[QUOTE=kdash;14084450]are whistle notes the notes after head notes, which is head voice? or is it just really high falsetto?[/QUOTE]

Whistle is basically air whistling through mostly closed non vibrating cords like a lip whistle. It is not falsetto.

how would one figure out how to do it? i heard one has no other choice but to use whistle when singing d and above.

[QUOTE=kdash;14086584]how would one figure out how to do it? i heard one has no other choice but to use whistle when singing d and above.[/QUOTE]

Not true. Whistle takes place at a different spot for many people. The best way to figure out how to do it is to breathe in and while you are breathing in, stop the breath so that your vocal cords close. Then, when they are closed, gently keep a TINY bit of air going through;this will eventually create whistle tone. Once you get used to that feeling, you will slowly be able to get that same set up while exhaling like you do for all singing. Don't overdo this though, and make sure you are always completely warmed up and warmed down afterwards.

[QUOTE=Screamin_Demon_Auz;14087037]Not true. Whistle takes place at a different spot for many people. The best way to figure out how to do it is to breathe in and while you are breathing in, stop the breath so that your vocal cords close. Then, when they are closed, gently keep a TINY bit of air going through;this will eventually create whistle tone. Once you get used to that feeling, you will slowly be able to get that same set up while exhaling like you do for all singing. Don't overdo this though, and make sure you are always completely warmed up and warmed down afterwards.[/QUOTE]

so i can't just try to sing higher and higher to automatically learn it, but have to find the feeling for it? on the side note, what is the highest note in the first sentence here [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNLhvxS4xnI[/url]. i want to be able to gauge the difference between the notes i can sing on a sing and the notes i can sing in a song.

Cant comment on the video because my sound is messed up right now. You can discover it by singing higher and higher, but most people never do, and its much easier to just work at producing the feeling of it first. Sing as quietly as possible on an AY vowel. As you go upscale, you might start accessing it as long as you keep from tensing.

i am wondering if the force needed to create the note is more or less than a note using head voice?

You need much less for whistle. Honestly, just try different amounts. Start with the smallest amount you can possibly take in and try it, and keep messing around with it until you get the sound. Whistle has to be discovered by experimenting.

[QUOTE=kdash;14097561]i am wondering if the force needed to create the note is more or less than a note using head voice?[/QUOTE]

BBBB, C then down.....If I'm not mistaken. above middle c. The basic tenor area. You can hear his voice and tell he's tenor or high baritone at the least.

Okay, so I posted this in another thread, but haven't yet gotten a response. I watched the Zen of Screaming DVD, and this is what I got from it. Merkaba, since you seem to be pretty credible here (I think I spelled that right), can you tell me if this sounds like proper technique: [url]http://media.putfile.com/ScreamDemo[/url]

Keep in mind, though, that I've only been doing it for about a day and a half. I don't feel like I'm pushing, and I can hold it for longer than I did. I know it is a high-pitch, and I will work on that, if I'm doing it right at all. Thanks to all who respond.

Ahhh..."Taking On....." I love that song. Listen to it about everyday. Its hard to tell from that clip but you dont sound too relaxed in the throat. Remember to think about the note first and practice singing it without rasp. And you sound apologetic about the high pitch. Its Ant, he's a high tenor so its gonna be high pitched...so be careful. Practice singing it first.

Are you saying that my technique is almost right, and that all I need to do is loosen up the throat?

As a side question, is there some reason for it to be harder to move around on notes when screaming? I can easily get the high ones (the really high, hissy ones), but I can't get it brought down to the tune that everyone else is at. It just doesn't sound good to me. I tried it with my band's music, but it just doesn't work with it. Is this wrong, as well?

[QUOTE=AkeJay02;14165091]Are you saying that my technique is almost right, and that all I need to do is loosen up the throat?

As a side question, is there some reason for it to be harder to move around on notes when screaming? I can easily get the high ones (the really high, hissy ones), but I can't get it brought down to the tune that everyone else is at. It just doesn't sound good to me. I tried it with my band's music, but it just doesn't work with it. Is this wrong, as well?[/QUOTE]

Have you read through any of my voicehelp hotline? Youre really treadin into troublesome waters. You have to realize how the cords work and what is is youre asking them to do. Screaming is not a good thing, even overblowing a normal note is detrimental but there are ways to mitigate the wear and tear. Your cords are stretching thinner and tighter with higher pitch and the extra outward force of the air being pushed will naturally make it harder for them to go back and forth, i.e. changing notes. Go to the first of this thread and read a few links such as strength and flexibility.

He needs a bridge...over troubled waters. ;)

Anyways, Merkaba - thanks alot for the information you've put up on the site. I've been practicing some of your exercises and going through some scales, and lately I've been noticing some improvement. So, thanks!

One thing I wanted to ask, though: how do you distinguish "good" pain from "Bad?" I guess I don't really mean "pain" in the former, but...how do you distinguish between discomfort that comes from poor technique and discomfort that comes simply from giving your chords a proper workout? After practicing for about an hour/ hour and a half, the muscles in my throat ache a bit and there's a little scratchiness. I'm not hoarse or anything and can still pretty much sing most of my normal range, but the muscles on the sides of my throat (just below the curve of the jaw) ache a bit.

[QUOTE=Det_Nosnip;14187335]He needs a bridge...over troubled waters. ;)

Anyways, Merkaba - thanks alot for the information you've put up on the site. I've been practicing some of your exercises and going through some scales, and lately I've been noticing some improvement. So, thanks!

One thing I wanted to ask, though: how do you distinguish "good" pain from "Bad?" I guess I don't really mean "pain" in the former, but...how do you distinguish between discomfort that comes from poor technique and discomfort that comes simply from giving your chords a proper workout? After practicing for about an hour/ hour and a half, the muscles in my throat ache a bit and there's a little scratchiness. I'm not hoarse or anything and can still pretty much sing most of my normal range, but the muscles on the sides of my throat (just below the curve of the jaw) ache a bit.[/QUOTE]

Well there shouldnt be much discomfort. If your outer muscles are getting tired then that means youre tensing up. All your jaw should be doing is dropping and to get big and loud you dont need a big and wide mouth, that will actually make you more prone to tension. If you think about it, youre working, for the most part, some muscles behind the adams apple. What youre saying is like saying "I'm doing bicep curls and my lower back is getting discomfort" ...too much weight, swaying, leaning....improper form for the function at hand. I say ease up on the mouth strain. No way should it be bothering you enough to post about it. And technicalluy I say still, that there should be no discomfort from or after singing/screaming At least thats what you want to shoot for.

Hmm...ok! I'll try to focus on relaxing my neck/face more, although "trying to relax" is often an oxymoron. :p Thanks for replying.

screaming
 

Hey merk, am I using the proper technique? I warmup my voice for at least 10 min before screaming, doing vowels ect. It doesn't hurt at all, but I would just want to know what can make it increase in range. Thanks


Here is my band...i'm the screamer.


[url]http://www.myspace.com/afaultlessgrave[/url]

[QUOTE=hxcturtle369;14240344]Hey merk, am I using the proper technique? I warmup my voice for at least 10 min before screaming, doing vowels ect. It doesn't hurt at all, but I would just want to know what can make it increase in range. Thanks


Here is my band...i'm the screamer.


[url]http://www.myspace.com/afaultlessgrave[/url][/QUOTE]

Sorry so long. Its hard to tell from this recording. But if you feel comfortable and theres no pain or hoarseness then keep going. High pitched is high pitched. Not tricks to it. You have to be able to hit that note normally, which takes strength and flexibility of A then to hit it with extra push and rasp takes A ^2. So practice normal singing and breath support which is the key.

How is...
 

What is the screamer from this band's technique? [url]http://www.myspace.com/tdwp[/url]