Well, I'm pretty sure I would fall under high baritone (bari-tenor?) because my normal speaking voice is around D below a C4 (not the explosive, the middle C). I'll try recording once I get better.

[QUOTE=Merkaba;14454700]Yours didnt sound too nasal to me. Alot of times being nasal comes from seeing tensely or with a higher larynx than necessary. Sing mid and low notes and try to mimic this throat feeling as you go higher. The throat doesnt move much when the cords move....at least it shouldnt/doesnt have to. Make sure you keep it relaxed like you do when singing a mid or low mid note.[/QUOTE]

Since you heard me, am i closing together my vocal cords to try to whistle or am i doing something totally in the wrong direction?

[QUOTE=kdash;14478392]Since you heard me, am i closing together my vocal cords to try to whistle or am i doing something totally in the wrong direction?[/QUOTE]

the link is expired and being that it was a while ago I can't remember all together, but theres really only one way to get whistle. Just keep practicing. Although there are many that say that whistle can be degrading to the vocal mechanism. All I know is its good to keep the larynx low and relaxed when trying to get whistle notes. Good luck.

It is difficult for me to know, because anything I can do with my 'whistle' i can also do with falsetto, but using a lot more air, so I guess i wont' know till i gain range. Another question is how to properly do belt notes?

Hi Merkaba, I've been working on my voice for about 9 months, and I have a fairly big range. I have been trying to sing with a rasp like Rise Against's Tim McIlrath. I use 3 ways of getting a rasp: singing high like anthony green and clenching something in my throat slightly, adding a pitch to a metalcore scream, and finally mixing falsetto with my head voice. I want one single technique that I can apply to my whole range rather than navigating through three possibly harmful techniques. Any thoughts?

[QUOTE=Anubis;14484240]Hi Merkaba, I've been working on my voice for about 9 months, and I have a fairly big range. I have been trying to sing with a rasp like Rise Against's Tim McIlrath. I use 3 ways of getting a rasp: singing high like anthony green and clenching something in my throat slightly, adding a pitch to a metalcore scream, and finally mixing falsetto with my head voice. I want one single technique that I can apply to my whole range rather than navigating through three possibly harmful techniques. Any thoughts?[/QUOTE]
Did you read any of this thread? Go back to page one.

You should be able to rasp any note on any pitch with minimal push. Do away with any idea of "clenching" anything. Especially if you feel that you have to sing high in order to get this.

There is no such thing as mixing falsetto with anything. By definition its impossible.

Again, it boils down to the wrong answer buzzer "aannnnnk" type of rasp, or a slight dog growl. You can do these with very little push. It takes a bit of practice to get this incorporated with a normal note, but this is the area of the throat youre looking to use, while keeping the vocal cords under a normal singing tension. Gotta go for now.

I see. Ill try reading some of the thread, but the 50 pages was off putting. Later.

another question is how to improve on the 'ee' and 'oo' vowels, i find them the hardest, since i can't open up as much as lets say 'ah'.

Merk, so I'm screaming for like a comple of songs during my band practice or whatever, and after that my vocals start feeling like crap. Not hurting, but just that feeling that I got to stop. I was sitting there think and wondering what the hell I'm going to do but I didn't know Melissa Cross's DVD seems a little unfocused on the actual teaching.

So, how do you think I could help my voice feel less restrained from my rasping... I've uploaded a file to stream to show you what I'm currently doing.

[url]http://media.putfile.com/My-RaspScream[/url]

Hey Safety Chaser, your screams don't sound too bad. I can kinda hear you tensing up for the low screams, maybe closing your throat off? Maybe at band practices, try staying as relaxed as possible with like 50% push than what you're doing now and gradually work you way back up.

To be honest, I can't scream very well myself, I have trouble with the basic rasp, and getting my head around the "buzzer" or "dog growl" sound. I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to do. I can do the sounds but I'm not sure if I'm doing them right. Someone also said to me screaming is like sighing, can anyone please clear this up? I'll post audio clips if that'll help.

[QUOTE]try staying as relaxed as possible with like 50% push than what you're doing now and gradually work you way back up.[/QUOTE]

I do that, well, but I turn my mic up and my band is all like "Dude, tune your mic down...." I argue and they say, "just do it louder..."... so they don't really understand, but I tell them. Maybe at some point they're right.

But, yeah, the lower screams really do the worst. Higher one are easier because I feel I don't have to apply too much pressure and it suddenly squeezes out and I could hold it for about 7-8 seconds.

[QUOTE]I'll post audio clips if that'll help.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I could imagine it will.

[QUOTE=Reckoning of Fire;14537496]Hey Safety Chaser, your screams don't sound too bad. I can kinda hear you tensing up for the low screams, maybe closing your throat off? Maybe at band practices, try staying as relaxed as possible with like 50% push than what you're doing now and gradually work you way back up.

To be honest, I can't scream very well myself, I have trouble with the basic rasp, and getting my head around the "buzzer" or "dog growl" sound. I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to do. I can do the sounds but I'm not sure if I'm doing them right. Someone also said to me screaming is like sighing, can anyone please clear this up? I'll post audio clips if that'll help.[/QUOTE]

Sighing doesnt pressurize the diaphragm it relaxes it, so forget that, But yes, the position in the larynx would be as relaxes as it is during a sigh. I think whoever said this was thinking about that aspect. Its kinda like melissa says, pressurize like youre taking a dump, pushing one out, hold that a split second and you get a feel for what you kinda force you have at your disposal. Then try to get a normal note, non rasped, from this type of pressure, and work on releasing very little. YOu should almost be able to need another breath from lack of oxygen before your note runs out. And remember to imagine NOT blowing out a small candle in front of your mouth. It doesnt take much air release with a normal note, which should be your foundation for all of your other stuff.

[QUOTE=kdash;14506578]another question is how to improve on the 'ee' and 'oo' vowels, i find them the hardest, since i can't open up as much as lets say 'ah'.[/QUOTE]


Practice. plus you've got to make sure youre amplified properly if in a studio or rehearsal setup, or just not singing too hard if in the car or somewhere else. E is the hardest, as its the only vowel that requires your vocal cords to come completely closed during its wave cycles. So it will create a tad more resitance and you'll need everything to be working together to get a good balance. Again, just practicing singing a song with only vowels is a great way to get a hold on trouble vowels at certain pitches. If anything, i would say to try to back off a little when going for e. O is kinda the opposite and is a great way to practice low notes because the mouth itself helps shape the vowel. It can be tough to get an O up high, but you can trick it sometimes if youre holding a note, then start it off by using Ahhh, then switching and rolling it into an OH for the last bit of the note. Kinda disguise it. Ah can be used manytimes as an easier begining for other vowels. Of course this is better suited for aggressive or rock type of approaches.

Practice the notes at minimal push and volume and slowly start rolling on more. Robot face aka expressionless, as I go over in the isolation threads, can help you in practice. If you havent been there, go to the first page of this thread.

[QUOTE=Anubis;14491173]I see. Ill try reading some of the thread, but the 50 pages was off putting. Later.[/QUOTE]

Go to page one it helps "guide" you with a "fable" of contents.

[QUOTE=kdash;14506578]another question is how to improve on the 'ee' and 'oo' vowels, i find them the hardest, since i can't open up as much as lets say 'ah'.[/QUOTE]


Practice. plus you've got to make sure youre amplified properly if in a studio or rehearsal setup, or just not singing too hard if in the car or somewhere else. E is the hardest, as its the only vowel that requires your vocal cords to come completely closed during its wave cycles. So it will create a tad more resitance and you'll need everything to be working together to get a good balance. Again, just practicing singing a song with only vowels is a great way to get a hold on trouble vowels at certain pitches. If anything, i would say to try to back off a little when going for e. O is kinda the opposite and is a great way to practice low notes because the mouth itself helps shape the vowel. It can be tough to get an O up high, but you can trick it sometimes if youre holding a note, then start it off by using Ahhh, then switching and rolling it into an OH for the last bit of the note. Kinda disguise it. Ah can be used manytimes as an easier begining for other vowels. Of course this is better suited for aggressive or rock type of approaches.

Practe the notes at minimal push and volume and slowly start rolling on more. Robot face aka expressionless, as I go over in the isolation threads, can help you in practice. If you havent been there, go to the first page of this thread.

[QUOTE=Safety Chaser;14533615]Merk, so I'm screaming for like a comple of songs during my band practice or whatever, and after that my vocals start feeling like crap. Not hurting, but just that feeling that I got to stop. I was sitting there think and wondering what the hell I'm going to do but I didn't know Melissa Cross's DVD seems a little unfocused on the actual teaching.

So, how do you think I could help my voice feel less restrained from my rasping... I've uploaded a file to stream to show you what I'm currently doing.

[url]http://media.putfile.com/My-RaspScream[/url][/QUOTE]

Doesnt sound that bad, but when youre in a stage or practice setting you might tense up the throat. Again, the best way to make sure you dont do this is to practice normal singing, so you can get in touch with good diaphragm support behind a well placed note. That way you have a good foundation to build on. So many want to scream because its popular. Some can just do it naturally without killing themselves. Others are trying to build a house from the roof down. Get a good foundation. It will lead you to better tone, and more range access.

The next step would be holding that relaxed type of setup and increasing diaphragm pressure, NOT throat squeeze or tension which is what many people do. You really dont need to think much about your throat. When I have trouble it is always from me using my throat to manipulate something that shouldve been done by my diaphragm. And your sample notes sounding like you were in falsetto and I dont think you need to be for those notes. So make sure you can get into and out of HEAD Voice. Many people can access head voice well and skip over into falsetto when they dont need to. This can lead to improper tension and fatigue before your due time. I have a head voice thread on page one. Cant remember how in depth it is but head, from my schooling, is the area of true voice bellow falsetto but higher than chest. Your upper true voice range. If youre a standard baritone you should be able to ring the E, F and G above middle C without going into falsetto. Start on maybe the A below middle C and do vowels up to the next E and F or so to see if youre still keeping the cords closed and in "normal" voice.

[QUOTE=Merkaba;14538975]Practice. plus you've got to make sure youre amplified properly if in a studio or rehearsal setup, or just not singing too hard if in the car or somewhere else. E is the hardest, as its the only vowel that requires your vocal cords to come completely closed during its wave cycles. So it will create a tad more resitance and you'll need everything to be working together to get a good balance. Again, just practicing singing a song with only vowels is a great way to get a hold on trouble vowels at certain pitches. If anything, i would say to try to back off a little when going for e. O is kinda the opposite and is a great way to practice low notes because the mouth itself helps shape the vowel. It can be tough to get an O up high, but you can trick it sometimes if youre holding a note, then start it off by using Ahhh, then switching and rolling it into an OH for the last bit of the note. Kinda disguise it. Ah can be used manytimes as an easier begining for other vowels. Of course this is better suited for aggressive or rock type of approaches.

Practe the notes at minimal push and volume and slowly start rolling on more. Robot face aka expressionless, as I go over in the isolation threads, can help you in practice. If you havent been there, go to the first page of this thread.[/QUOTE]

My problem then becomes being able to the vowel on key but sounding like an opera singer.........

Maybe a bad mix? but i also find it easier with a lower larynx.

[QUOTE=Merkaba;14538925]Go to page one it helps "guide" you with a "fable" of contents.[/QUOTE]

oh yeah my bad.

Merkabas, I'm a begginer singer and I'm starting a little more on the smooth side because I've been a guitar player of 5 years now, so I'm not too bad at hitting the notes I want, but my problem is that I can't hit them LOUD enough! I guess I'm talking about higher notes specifically. Well.. not HIGH notes.. like say, these:

e|--------|
b|-3-2-0-|
g|--------|
d|--------|
a|--------|
e|--------|

So, not really HIGH notes, but for a begginer.. I guess I think of them as high notes lol. So, any exercises, tips, or anything to help me strenghten my singing so I can sing them louder instead of just humming to myself?

Need Feedback for Vocals
 

First time posting, I have read some really helpful things here though. I'm trying to get feedback for some vocal demos I made over backing tracks, on a home digital recorder, they are in .mp3 format. I have an FTP site link where they can be downloaded from. If anyone can give me some constructive feedback please email [email]tom.sterle@earthlink.net[/email], or reply to this post with your email and I will send the link. THANKS

[QUOTE=CKYhellview;14557536]Merkabas, I'm a begginer singer and I'm starting a little more on the smooth side because I've been a guitar player of 5 years now, so I'm not too bad at hitting the notes I want, but my problem is that I can't hit them LOUD enough! I guess I'm talking about higher notes specifically. Well.. not HIGH notes.. like say, these:

e|--------|
b|-3-2-0-|
g|--------|
d|--------|
a|--------|
e|--------|

So, not really HIGH notes, but for a begginer.. I guess I think of them as high notes lol. So, any exercises, tips, or anything to help me strenghten my singing so I can sing them louder instead of just humming to myself?[/QUOTE]
Just practice making the notes you want and add a little more over time WITH THE DIAPHRAGM and not by constricting the throat.Go to page one I have a thread there for strength and flexibility.

[QUOTE=WantVox;14557576]First time posting, I have read some really helpful things here though. I'm trying to get feedback for some vocal demos I made over backing tracks, on a home digital recorder, they are in .mp3 format. I have an FTP site link where they can be downloaded from. If anyone can give me some constructive feedback please email [email]tom.sterle@earthlink.net[/email], or reply to this post with your email and I will send the link. THANKS[/QUOTE]

go to yousendit or something.

Feedback for Vocal Demos
 

Sorry, maybe I was misunderstood. I already have a way to send the mp3 files, it's just a matter of me getting the link (an FTP site with a password embedded in it) to anyone who is interested in downloading, listening and providing constructive comments. I didn't want to just post the link here because I did that once before on a message board and got a lot of unhelpful comments from casual listeners. So I just need a "secure" way to get this link to anyone who can listen and evaluate, who is qualified to provide helpful feedback. Email is the only way I could think of, which is why I included my email address. Thanks again, I really appreciate anyone taking the time to help.

Okay i have a question. I'm the singer and guitarist in a band. I can do both pretty well. The thing is, i am considering of buying a mic. To practice at home. So my questions are:

1. Is practicing with a mic at home really that useful? Will there be a big progress in my voice? Note that i only practice with my band for about 1 hour per week. The other time i'm singing without a mic.

2. I will be connecting the mic to my laptop. Will i be needing an amp or something?? I will be going for cheaper models. Cheaper than SM58..

Any other suggestions welcomed. Thanks.

My vocal style is a bit like Randy Rampage on Alison Hell i.e dirty-clean most of the time with occasional screams.

I'm also getting into screaming a lot lately. Still learning it though.

[QUOTE=WantVox;14563034]Sorry, maybe I was misunderstood. I already have a way to send the mp3 files, it's just a matter of me getting the link (an FTP site with a password embedded in it) to anyone who is interested in downloading, listening and providing constructive comments. I didn't want to just post the link here because I did that once before on a message board and got a lot of unhelpful comments from casual listeners. So I just need a "secure" way to get this link to anyone who can listen and evaluate, who is qualified to provide helpful feedback. Email is the only way I could think of, which is why I included my email address. Thanks again, I really appreciate anyone taking the time to help.[/QUOTE]

oh man, its a chance youre gonna have to take. THis forum is pretty good about giving constructive advice. Youre always gonna have someone that doesnt dig your voice. Personally, I have a full time third shift job, starting real estate sales agency, personal training, and tax pro at H&R block during tax season, plus voice consultation. I do good just to come here, and all I'd be doing is repeating myself. Go to page one of this thread if you havent.

Well here is my sample, hopefully you guys can tell me what i'm doing wrong.

[url]http://media.putfile.com/Rasp-help-please[/url]

thanks in advance for listening

I've got a new file up!
 

Hi there guys!

Recently i asked for your opinions on one my band's songs. We've just uploaded two more songs to our site, and there's one that i'd be glad you listened:

Band: samsara-maya
Song: Eclipse Lunar
Site: [url]http://trig.com/samsara-maya[/url]

It's in a lower key than "paradoxos do jovem artista". I think that helped me get more rasp. It was a first take recording, in a cold environment, so i wasn't totally relaxed, i can hear some clenching here and there.

Merk and everyone, pleaz say what you think.

Thanx a lot. You all rule.

what about death growls? Anyone got a clue on how to do those?

when i scream my adams apple moves higher in my throat. I have to lower my chin in order to scream otherwise my adams apple gets strained. Am I doing something wrong?

[QUOTE=punknmetal4lyf;14574630]what about death growls? Anyone got a clue on how to do those?[/QUOTE]

Toungue to the roof of your mouth, push from the gut and kind of shape the words with your lips nearly closed, exxagerating the vowels. Focus mostly on the ahh and ohh vowels, and for an effect of versatality, throw in some ee sounds... try to keep gutteral, so all low end.

Okay so I've been trying to sing some leonard cohen properly today, and I'm having some difficulties.

I can hit the notes, but when I go that low, I run out of air really fast, and I don't like the way it sounds (I want to get it smoother, like cohen's voice).

Singing it up an octave is more like my normal singing range, but it's just not the same.


Any advice at all? specifically on the air thing; I can't seem to control my airflow that low.