Have you ever noticed when you are listening to a rock song or a metal song or at times even certain pop track you are able to identify a vocal texture change. This means a difference in the tone or a certain modulation of the real voice that seems quite separate from the ‘singing voice’ yet which is not exactly the ‘speaking voice’. This is what we call as Vocal Fry. In this article we dive deep into the details & depths of the technique that is vocal fry, and go through its applications in music.
What is Vocal Fry?
Vocal Fry is one of the most underrated yet important vocal techniques in voice training. This technique is widely applicable to a vast range of genres of music like rock, jazz, blues, soul and metal. The implementation of this technique gives way to singers sounding more intimate, emotional, relaxed and even allow singing lower notes below one’s chest voice (considered to be the lowest voice register, below which notes are hard to access).
Vocal fry is a vocal technique characterized by a low, creaky sound that is produced by vibrating the vocal folds in a relaxed and pulsating manner. It is also sometimes referred to as “glottal fry” or “creaky voice.” In voice art practices vocal fry can be used as a stylistic choice to add texture and depth to a singer’s voice. It can also be used for emphasis or to convey a certain emotion such as sadness or weariness.
To best understand voice/ vocal registers refer the article Types of Voices.
Vocal fry as a voice register lies below the chest voice. In sequence it goes from vocal fry, the chest voice, and the head voice to the whistle register.
How is Voice Fry is created
Each vocal register has a specific vibration pattern in the vocal cords. This is to imply that these specific patterns decide which register creates the sound. During vocal fry the vocal cords remain extremely loose and relaxed, the air pushes upwards from the lungs and bubble upwards to create the ‘creaky sound’ creating that sizzle, throaty and almost hoarse feeling.
What happens to the vocal cords:
Vocal fry is a voice technique that involves using the vocal cords to create a low-pitched, creaky sound. It is produced by bringing the vocal folds together loosely and causing them to vibrate slowly and irregularly, which creates a popping or creaking sound as air is pushed through the glottis.
The process of creating vocal fry involves a specific way of vibrating the vocal folds. Here is a basic overview of the process of creating Vocal Fry:
1. Relaxation: The first step in creating vocal fry is to relax the muscles around the larynx, which is located in the throat. This allows the vocal folds to vibrate more loosely.
2. Slow vibration: Next, the vocal folds are brought together loosely, causing them to vibrate slowly and irregularly. This creates a low-pitched, creaky sound.
3. Airflow: As the vocal folds vibrate, air is pushed through the glottis (the space between the vocal folds), creating a popping or creaking sound.
4. Control: To produce a consistent and controlled vocal fry sound, it is important to maintain proper breath control and to avoid putting too much tension on the vocal folds.
It is important to note that creating vocal fry should not cause discomfort or pain, and excessive or prolonged use of vocal fry can be harmful to the voice. Proper technique and moderation are key to using vocal fry effectively and safely.
How to find Vocal Fry – as a Voice Register
Vocal fry is a singing technique that’s very easy to find using imitation. When we try to find it the easiest approach is to try and sing any vowel sound when you have just woken up. For example singing the vowel sound ‘aah’ or ‘uhh’ for a long duration in your lowest possible register and in a lazy voice. Be mindful to keep your vocal cords completely relaxed here. This froggy –sounding tone is exactly what we refer to as ‘Vocal Fry’. There should not be any tone or pitch in your voice. The sound should be fully relaxed and lazy.
Is it safe to use the Vocal Fry Technique?
Vocal fry is very useful to singers as they are able to access even 4 octaves lower than their natural chest voice register. However, excessive or prolonged use of vocal fry can be harmful to the voice and can lead to vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and other vocal problems. Therefore, it is important for singers and speakers to use vocal fry in moderation and with proper technique.
Many a times singers are weary of using this technique as it often leads to voice damage when practiced over a prolonged period of time. To understand we need to understand that the voice damage only happens when we use incorrect techniques, over compress or squeeze the vocal cords. It is important to keep the laryngeal muscles relaxed and lazy when we push the air from the lungs upwards to create the desired voice. To remind again, there is no tone as such in this technique only a shallow light growl or a hoarse throaty, froggy final sound. Actually, it is not a register at all. Vocal fry is your tissue vibrating when your vocal chords are very relaxed/or the tissue is very relaxed. This is why metal singers are also utilizing it in their higher register. So, with the right technique, you can make your tissue vibrate in every register and add vocal fry whenever you want. For most people it is just really difficult to add in the higher register, because it is difficult (for most people) to stay relaxed in higher registers.
Things to keep in mind when using Vocal Fry as a voice technique:
1. Warm up properly: Like any vocal technique, vocal fry should be approached with care and should be practiced only after warming up your voice properly. This can help to avoid strain or injury to your vocal cords.
2. Breathe deeply: Proper breathing is essential for using vocal fry effectively. Take deep breaths from your diaphragm and maintain steady breath control as you produce the sound.
3. Use proper technique: To create a controlled and consistent vocal fry sound, it is important to maintain good posture and avoid putting too much tension on your vocal cords. Remember to relax your throat and jaw, and to use your abdominal muscles to support your voice.
4. Use it in moderation: Vocal fry can be a useful tool for adding texture and depth to your voice, but it should be used in moderation to avoid strain or damage to your vocal cords. Don’t push your voice too hard or use vocal fry excessively.
It is important to note that creating vocal fry should not cause discomfort or pain, and excessive or prolonged use of vocal fry can be harmful to the voice. Proper technique and moderation are key to using vocal fry effectively and safely.
Applications and examples in songs and in singing
1. Add emotions to a song (make songs sound intimate)
The first way to use vocal fry in your singing is to add emotion to your sound. From Britney Spears’ first smash hit “Hit Me Baby One More Time”, you can hear the vocal fry in the first word “oh” and before “baby”. Britney uses this sound in order to make her lyrics sound more intimate and emotional. Almost as if the words are so packed with meaning that singing them aren’t as impactful. So if you’re looking to add more emotion to your songs quickly, try adding a bit of vocal fry to make them sound cooler.
2. Hit very low notes in your voice
You can also use vocal fry to hit very low notes in your voice. Since the vocal cords are thicker and looser than in chest voice (the lowest sung register), the notes of vocal fry are up to 4 octaves lower than the chest voice. So many singers use vocal fry to hit lower notes in their voice that they can’t reach with other methods. Vocal fry is very difficult to tune however, so spend some time at a piano matching the notes of your fry to the piano.
3. Vocal fry used to find your ‘metal growl’
Vocal fry can also be used to find your metal growl. Since the vocal folds are so relaxed in fry, it can be a great way to find the intense metal sound without hurting your voice. Simply start off by finding your vocal fry. Next, add a little bit of tone or pitch into the vocal fry. Finally, engage a bit more of your real voice but keep some of the same “croaky” feeling of the vocal fry.
4. Transition to head voice easily
Another way you can use vocal fry is to connect to a totally relaxed head voice. Simply said, many singers have a hard time singing up to the top part of their voice when they’re singing from chest to head voice. But since the vocal cords are so relaxed in vocal fry, you can simply transition from vocal fry up to the head voice very easily and without any strain. Simply do a vocal siren where you sing from a vocal fry and “disconnect” into your head voice.
5. Voice therapy to relieve vocal tension
Vocal fry is also very helpful vocal therapy for people who speak or sing with too much tension. A good example of this is Dwight Schrute from the office. The character often speaks with a very pressed and tense sound. Since the vocal cords are totally relaxed in vocal fry, you can use this sound in your speaking and singing voice on notes that are too tense. Vocal fry is a tremendously helpful vocal technique that can be used as a vocal effect or a method for hitting lower notes and even as vocal therapy. As long as we are able to apply the correct techniques to implement this we can use this whenever and wherever we want to.
Other applications of Vocal Fry
1. Singing: Vocal fry is commonly used in contemporary music genres such as jazz, blues, and soul to add texture and depth to the voice. It can be used to create a gritty or husky sound in a singer’s voice, which can add emotional depth and character to the song.
2. Acting: Vocal fry can also be used in acting to convey a particular character or emotion. For example, a tired or disinterested character may speak in a low, creaky voice, while a menacing character may use vocal fry to create a sinister tone.
3. Public speaking: Vocal fry can be used in public speaking to add emphasis or to convey a certain emotion. For example, a speaker may use vocal fry to express frustration or disappointment.
4. Broadcasting: In broadcasting, vocal fry can be used to add gravitas to a presenter’s voice. It can also be used to create a sense of intimacy or to convey a particular mood or atmosphere.
However, it is important to use vocal fry in moderation and with proper technique to avoid damaging the voice. Excessive or prolonged use of vocal fry can lead to vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and other vocal problems. Vocal fry can be a useful voice technique when used properly and in moderation. By warming up properly, breathing deeply, using proper technique, and using it judiciously, you can add depth and character to your voice and enhance your performance.
Application of Vocal Fry for singers
Vocal fry is a versatile voice technique that can be used by singers in a variety of ways to enhance their performances. Here are some applications of vocal fry for singers:
1. Adding texture and depth: Vocal fry can add a unique texture and depth to a singer’s voice, which can be especially effective in genres like jazz, blues, and soul. By incorporating vocal fry into their singing, singers can add character and nuance to their performances.
2. Conveying emotion: Vocal fry can be used to convey a range of emotions, from sadness and longing to anger and defiance. By using vocal fry in different ways, singers can create a sense of intimacy and connection with their audiences, and can convey the emotional content of their lyrics more effectively.
3. Creating a signature sound: Some singers are known for their use of vocal fry as a signature element of their style. By using vocal fry consistently and in a distinct way, singers can create a unique and recognizable sound that sets them apart from other artists.
4. Improvisation: Vocal fry can be used in improvisation to create new sounds and textures. Singers can experiment with different types of vocal fry, such as a quick, staccato burst or a slow, drawn-out sound, to create new and interesting effects in their singing.
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Application of Vocal Fry in Jazz & Blues Music
Vocal fry is a common technique used in jazz and blues singing to add texture, depth, and emotion to a performer’s voice. Here are some ways in which vocal fry is used in these genres: Jazz, blues, and soul music all make use of vocal fry technique to varying degrees. Here are some specific examples of how each genre uses vocal fry:
1. Jazz: Jazz singers often use vocal fry to add texture and character to their voices. Vocal fry can create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, which can be especially effective in ballads or slow songs. Jazz vocalists may also use vocal fry to create a “smoky” sound that fits well with the genre’s sophisticated and sometimes melancholy mood.
2. Blues: Vocal fry is a hallmark of blues singing, and is often used to convey deep emotions such as pain, sorrow, or longing. Blues singers may use vocal fry to create a rough or gravelly quality in their voice, which can add authenticity and grit to their performances. Blues vocalists may also use vocal fry to create a sense of urgency or intensity, which is particularly effective in up-tempo songs.
3. Adding grit and intensity: Vocal fry can add a gritty or husky quality to a singer’s voice, which can create a sense of intensity or urgency. This is particularly effective in blues music, where the singer may be conveying feelings of pain, loss, or longing.
4. Creating a signature sound: Some jazz and blues singers are known for their use of vocal fry as a signature element of their style. For example, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone both used vocal fry in their singing to create a unique and recognizable sound.
5. Expressing emotion: Vocal fry can be used to convey a range of emotions, from sadness and frustration to anger and defiance. By using vocal fry in different ways, singers can add nuance and depth to their performances, and connect more deeply with their audiences.
6. Soul: Soul music often makes use of vocal fry to add a sense of emotion and drama to the singer’s voice. Vocal fry can create a raw, edgy quality that fits well with the genre’s emphasis on passion and feeling. Soul singers may use vocal fry to create a sense of tension or release, and may also use it as a stylistic choice to add depth and character to their voices.
7. Improvisation: Vocal fry can also be used in improvisation to create new sounds and textures. Jazz and blues musicians often use improvisation to express their creativity and push the boundaries of their art form, and vocal fry can be a part of that process.
Therefore vocal fry is a versatile technique in jazz and blues singing that can add depth, emotion, and creativity to a performer’s voice. This in return enhances the performance of the singer creating a signature sound and thus considered a valuable contributor to these musical genres.
Find your vocal fry register and apply these techniques to your everyday singing style. For more information and understanding register on musicmaster.in and refer to the article on Types of voices for better understand of the Vocal Fry technique.
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