Updated: Jul 19, 2018
Learning to sing high notes is considered one of the most difficult aspects of learning how to sing. Whether a performance is good or bad, singing the higher notes will typically bring the singer the most attention, but it can also truly test their vocals. Not everyone will be able to belt out the high notes like a pro and most amateurs will make a good attempt but their voices will crack or fall short. Using some of the same techniques that the pros do can help you to increase your range and allow you to put your vocals to the test to find out what it can really do.
For many amateur singers who want to learn how to sing higher, nothing is worse than getting up in front of a crowd to belt out a powerful song, only to have their vocals fail them. Vocals that crack and struggle during a performance can result in the ultimate humiliation. But this can occur if the singer fails to properly practice and exercise their vocals on a regular basis. You won’t usually see this happening with your favorite vocal artists because they know the importance of practice and how to correctly warm up their vocals. Singing is serious business and there are no shortcuts. Learning how to sing in higher register is going to take a lot of dedication and hard work on your part.
Using Proper Technique
Singing higher is not going to be accomplished by forcing power to your vocal cords. However, it’s usually a singer’s first instinct. Avoid yelling while you sing at all costs. Instead you need to access the upper register. If your voice has a falsetto or breathy sound, this is okay. Once you have more control over your voice, you can increase vocal cord closure and the intensity of your sound. To accomplish this you need to gradually strengthen your vocals. This can be done by exercising your voice consistently, on a daily basis. This can help to prevent tension in the vocals, which is usually responsible for straining when you try to hit the high notes. Practicing will also make you a better singer in the sense that you’ll become more comfortable and confident with your singing.
How to Prevent Breaks in Your Voice
The term “break” is used to describe when a person’s voice flips or cracks. In order to prevent the voice from cracking the singer needs to modify how they use their vowels. Modifying vowels will involve using the acoustic principle. This involves using vowels with a more closed or rounded sound. Changing the way vowels are pronounced will allow the singer to gradually let go of their chest voice and implement their head voice. Try using closed vowel sounds such as “ee” and “ooo” when you’re singing higher notes. Once you’ve reached a higher register, slowly open the vowels to “uhh” and “oh”. Practicing this technique while you sing will make hitting high notes effortless.
When you’re warming up to sing high notes, start the exercises from the top note and work down. This helps to lighten a voice that sounds rough or too heavy. Beginning from the top will also force you to lighten your voice, which means that your larynx will be properly positioned and you’ll put less pressure on the vocal cords.
Next, after your vocals are loose, try singing some of your favorite songs. These can be songs you hear on the radio, your favorite pieces, or classic warm up songs you sang in your choir days. Try to choose at least five songs in total, and if possible, choose songs from different genres. This type of song diversity can help to really open up the vocals.
Singing like a Star
Why do many singers want to learn reaching higher notes? Simply because it adds to their vocal range. But in all honesty, many singers want to expand their vocal range so they can sing the type of music they love. But keep in mind that your favorite vocalist has several vocal coaches and many years of practice under their belt. Singing in a higher range will take practice, vocal exercises that are designed to strengthen the vocal folds, and a willingness to practice daily.
