Most singing academics agree that both men and women have «head voice» as part of their sound. This term applies to the way the vocal cords vibrate and work after we sing high notes. I will go into the mechanics of the vocal cords in one other article and in my programs, however for now let’s just understand that two strips of membrane in our larynx (adam’s apple) we call vocal cords vibrate towards each other, turning air from our lungs into sound. For decrease sounds (the chest voice) the total size or the cords is used for the action. Since higher sounds require smaller, shorter or thinner vibrations (think how a harp looks) the vocal cords must change in form and size with a view to make high notes.
As we sing higher notes our vocal cords move closer collectively and begin to do what’s called the «zipper effect». Higher notes require a smaller opening for the air to go through, so a small miracle happens as the cord start to «zip» up, leaving a smaller and smaller opening. (Think of what a clothing zipper looks like as it zips up.)
So, when you think about it, it ought to take less air pressure to sing the high notes than the low ones, and it does. For low notes there is a big opening between the cords where you may pass quite a lot of air through without plenty of stress. And the high notes require a smaller opening between the cords. This smaller opening permits less air to pass through without stress. After we try to push too much air pressure (volume) by means of the cords for higher notes we cause them to work too hard resisting the additional air. This produces a very-fats, amateurish sound which sounds forced and difficult.
After we sing higher we «feel» we should work harder to get those notes out. The truth is, we have to back off some, really feel the sound higher in our head, letting it thin like the higher notes of the piano or guitar.
Try singing a sweeping steady «ah» or «uh» vowel, starting at your lowest note and «sweeping» or sliding the continuous sound up to your highest notes. Discover that you’ll probably reach a point when it appears you may go no higher. Lighten your sound there and begin to let it thin and really feel higher in your head. Guys, in case you go into the falsetto that is OK for now. Allow you to voice do what it needs to do. Girls you’ll probably have to move into your head voice at some point. That’s ok. Just keep going, attempting to not strain.
Do this train typically, listening to how the higher notes feel. Are you pushing and straining, or are you just letting it sweep on up?
Here is more information regarding How to sing higher review our own web site.