Falsetto – Singing technique

Hey, welcome to Online falsetto singing lessons where you can learn all about Falsettos and Falsetto Singing Technique!

When we start to sing, we come across many different types of voices, vocal techniques, and styles. To generate those different types of voices, styles, and techniques we use different parts of our body just as the chest, and shoulders, etc, use our vocal cords in a different manner or apply different methods of singing. Some may sound drastically different from one another. There are also some that may sound quite similar. Well, they might sound “similar” but are not the “same.”

Usually, the ones that sound similar are clubbed together and thus are not properly understood. In this blog, we will talk about one such misunderstood vocal technique and bust a few myths along the way about the “FALESETTO.” We will learn everything there is to know about Falsetto singing techniques, about developing a strong falsetto voice, and a few falsetto exercises for beginners.

Falsetto Singing Technique and Its Meaning

To understand falsetto. Let’s start from the very beginning “what does the word even mean?” The word “Falsetto” was originally coined by the Italians. The literal translation of the word means “False Soprano.” It is called the “artificial voice.” To be fair falsetto can overlap with singers’ lower range as well. But singers tend to use falsetto use to sing higher notes. Basically, one can describe how a Falsetto singing technique can easily make a singer sing high, above their comfortable vocal range.

Let’s Bust A MYTH!

Initially, the term falsetto was only used for men when they sang on the higher or upper register of their voices. As it was believed that women did not possess the capability and an ability to use falsetto singing technique. Well, this myth has long been busted! Women are equally capable of mastering falsetto notes. Since women usually have a higher vocal range the use or shift in falsetto is less recognizable than when men use it.

How does Falsetto Singing Technique Work?

Developing a strong falsetto voice seems tricky when one cannot fully understand what it really means. To understand falsetto vocal technique better let’s explore how the vocal cords work when singing in falsetto. While using falsetto for high-pitched songs, the vocal folds become very thin as they are tightly stretched. The vocal cords are ajar. In other words, the vocal cords are slightly open and air passes through that space between the vocal cords. Also, falsetto results in vibration only around the ligamentous areas of the vocal cord.

Falsetto vs Head Voice

Let’s start by breaking the age-old conception that “falsetto” and “head voice” are the same thing. You might have plenty of times heard people using these two terms interchangeably. But let me tell you they are wrong! The two may sound similar but they are not and we will tell you why. First and foremost, “falsetto” is a vocal/singing technique. Whereas, “head voice” is a singing register just like the chest voice. So, understanding the minute nuances in Falsetto vs Head Voice and its difference to Master Falsetto Notes and Voice.

Why do They Sound so Similar?

The head voice and the falsetto voice sound similar because both of them are used when singing the upper vocal range. Also, for reaching the high pitches and hitting the high notes. The set of muscles that are used for head voice and falsetto are the same. Even though they both use cricothyroid (CT) muscles. This helps in improving Falsetto Resonance. The “way” they are used is different.

Functioning of the Muscles while Developing a Strong Falsetto Voice

The coordination of the muscles is different when singing in falsetto and head voice. Let’s elaborate further on the different types of workings of the cricothyroid (CT) muscles. When a singer uses their head voice the cricothyroid (CT) muscles result in stretching the vocal folds longer and the vocal cords come together. On the other hand, when a singer uses falsetto singing technique, the cricothyroid (CT) muscles are once again used. But as previously, mentioned the vocal cords are slightly open through which the air passes. Also, developing a strong falsetto voice involves the usage of ligamentous edges of the vocal cords.

Differences in Quality and Texture

Due to the anatomical difference between head voice and falsetto. The head voice results in producing a “stronger”, “fuller”, and “darker” sound in comparison to the falsetto. Whereas, the falsetto ends up producing a much lighter, airier, breathy, and flute-like sound than the head voice. Thus, through falsetto, the singers are able to reach and sing the high notes which can be difficult or impossible when singing through their head voice. Singers sometimes use falsetto singing techniques like an ornamentation to add an extra element of beauty and interest.

Is Singing in Falsetto Safe?

Before we learn to sing in falsetto let’s look into the question of whether singing in falsetto is safe or not. Mastering falsetto notes or developing a strong falsetto voice is great. It adds to the set of skills that a singer may require. So, there is nothing bad about singing in falsetto. Though, over usage of the Falsetto singing technique and the incorrect way of applying the technique can put a strain on one’s vocal cords and negatively affect one’s voice. So as a singer one must use the Falsetto singing technique when and only if required. Especially when one wants to bring variation to their music or singing.

How to Sing in Falsetto?

Now that we have learned about the falsetto. Let me now introduce you to a few tips to develop a strong falsetto voice and lay down falsetto exercises for beginners as well as a few of my best falsetto vocal warm-up drills.

Relax your body

Release all the tension from your jaw, neck, shoulders, and tongue. Stand in the correct posture. When i say correct posture, i mean lose knees and straight spine with relaxed shoulders. The sense of calmness helps us understand the falsetto singing technique better and lets you master falsetto notes.

Focus on your Breathing

Now, focus on your breathing. Put your emphasis on the diaphragmatic breathing technique. As diaphragmatic breathing helps in inhaling more air. Which is essential when you try developing a strong falsetto voice.

Know your Chest Voice and Head Voice

Having a better understanding over head and chest registers helps in improving falsetto resonance.

Get acquainted with your chest voice; it will help you in learning about the different sensations that a singer experiences when they sing low notes versus when they sing high notes. The head voice is used for singing the upper half of the vocal range. A good hold of one’s head voice can act as a strong foundation for learning the falsetto.

Listen and follow

Listen to the songs which include falsetto and try to follow the way the singer is singing. Once you have practiced enough, then try to sing by yourself.

Take a Break

Falsetto can be a rather challenging technique to learn. So, when learning, if you feel any strain on your voice stop that very moment. Give your vocal cords rest. Start practicing again once you feel that your vocal cords are well-rested. Do not rush into learning, be patient when practicing.

Falsetto Exercises For Beginners And Intermediate Singers

Practice Scales

Practicing scales helps in developing the overall vocal range of a singer. Further, it helps in strengthening and expanding one’s vocal range as well. It helps bring flexibility to ones voice thus, can be extremely beneficial for learning falsetto singing technique.

Imitate a Siren

Try to imitate a siren. Start with imitating a siren on lower scales and gradually go to the higher scales. And see how far you can go. Stop immediately if you feel any strain on your vocal cords.

Try Gliding up and down

This is one of the best falsetto warm-up drills I’ve tried and still do. All you have to do is start singing a note in your comfortable range and pull it up until you reach falsetto. Try to sustain the highest note for a few seconds and slowly glide back down.

Lip Trills for Mastering Falsetto.

Lip Trills also happen to be one of the most efficient and best falsetto warm-up. Arpeggios or major/minor scales in lip trills with an engaged breath support can help in improving falsetto resonance.

Humming for Increasing Vocal Range.

Vocal exercises involving humming definitely help in making your vocal cords flexible and therefore extend your vocal range. Humming is best for increasing falsetto resonance as well as head voice.

Falsetto in Songs

Whether it be “Got to Give it Up” by Marvin Gay, “Let’s Work” by “Prince, “Night Fever” by the Bee Gees, “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake, “Emotional Rescue” by Rolling Stone, “My All” by Mariah Carey, “Right There” by Ariana Grande, “No Angel” by Beyoncé, “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson, “There’s A First Time For Everything” by Charlie Puth are a few songs sung by great artists which include the falsetto.

Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake

Night Fever” by the Bee Gees

Got to Give it Up” by Marvin Gay

Let’s Work” by “Prince

There’s A First Time For Everything” by Charlie Puth

Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson

These are a few songs sung by great artists which include the falsetto.

Conclusion

Falsetto is a beautiful vocal technique that lightens up and brightens up a song. With its breathy, soft texture. It is one of the ways in which an artist can bring more variety and colour to their music. Hopefully, this blog helps you in understanding the falsetto a bit better. Keep learning and happy singing.

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