Whenever possible, work with a professional voice teacher to help guide you. These experienced teachers are likely to pinpoint the exact ways in which you can improve. They can also teach you methods of protecting your voice and steer you away from damaging techniques. This is especially important if you are attempting to add to your vocal range, as you will be purposefully testing your limits. To find the right voice teacher, do an online search for teachers in your area. Ask for recommendations from friends and acquaintances, then narrow your search by choosing teachers who specialize in the area you want to improve. Meet with at least 3 teachers to determine which one you connect with the best.
Regular aerobic exercise will increase your lung capacity, which is a benefit for any vocalist. [4] X Research source Pre-performance light aerobic exercise has also been shown to positively impact the efficiency of vocal warm-ups. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Take a few breaths. Keep your posture upright with your shoulders and chest low and relax. Breathe normally and focus your attention on the muscles of your chest, neck, and shoulders. Are any of these tense? Keep breathing and focus on relaxing these muscles. Practice your scales. Sing a few notes, starting in a low pitch and ending in a high one. Do the same, only from high to low this time. Do this with a few different sounds (such as “oo,” “me,” and “e”). Make a “kazoo” buzz. Round your lips, inhale, and then exhale while making a “woo” sound at a single pitch. There should be a slight buzzing. Do a few scales like this. [6] X Research source
Keep in mind that your range is mostly determined by the length of your vocal cords, which usually correlates with the length of your neck. The longer your vocal cords, the deeper your voice will go. Men tend to have larger vocal cords compared to women. For that reason, men usually have lower singing voices. [7] X Research source
Relaxing your larynx will help you to utilize your full low range potential. Many inexperienced vocalists sing with a raised larynx. This produces a much higher, softer sound lacking depth. The second major aspect of an “open throat” is a lifted soft palate. However, this action is largely important for singing higher notes rather than low ones. [9] X Research source The larynx is also colloquially known as the voice box. It is a complex organ that regulates the tension of your vocal cords and consequently the sound of your voice. The Adam’s apple, a structure clearly visible on the throat of most men and some women, is part of the larynx. [10] X Research source
Another common mistake is using the tongue to push down on the voice box. While this will technically lower your larynx, it will actually cause the muscles in your throat to tighten, damaging your voice’s sound and range. [12] X Research source Remember that the ideal open throat should be free of tension. If you ever find yourself straining, reevaluate your technique.
If you feel your larynx slightly tilt or pivot, rather than move upwards, then you already have this technique mastered. Your larynx must move slightly for your voice to change pitch. Never hold your larynx in place with your hand. This technique can cause bruising and seriously damage your voice. [13] X Research source
If you’re having trouble keeping your larynx low, try deep breathing exercises. [14] X Research source Slowly inhale and exhale while feeling your larynx with your hand. When your larynx is low during inhalation, pay attention to which muscles in your throat and jaw relax. Try to replicate this when singing. This may take some time to master properly, especially if you’re new to singing. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t do it right away.
Press your fingers or massager down firmly but without force. Gently move your fingers from side to side. Start at your hyoid bone, which is located between your chin and larynx. Massage this area and the muscles surrounding it. Massage your larynx using your hands and breathing exercises. Place the backs of your hands on either side of your larynx and gently move it from side to side. Then, use the back of your hand to hold it to the right and take a few slow, deep breaths through your nose. Do the same with your larynx held to the left. [16] X Research source
Practice holding low notes to give the resonation time to relax into your chest. [17] X Research source
Because it can be difficult to judge our own voices accurately, it is especially helpful to have a vocal coach or someone else with musical training for this step. Or, use an app like SingScope if you need help.
Practice relaxing into low notes each day to increase your vocal flexibility. The vocal cords are muscles, so frequent practice can help strengthen them, allowing you to sing lower notes over time. [19] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source For example, if C2 is the lowest note you have currently mastered, try singing B1 next.
If you’re finding that your voice breaks frequently during these exercises, you will likely benefit from revisiting a higher note and working on that one first.
