Skip to content

6 Tips to Expand Your Vocal Range (+ the Best Songs to Sing)

By admin | July 14, 2021 |

6 Tips to Expand Your Vocal Range (+ the Best Songs to Sing) - Sheet Music Now

All singers, seasoned or not, have a vocal range. Singers tend to stay within the range that sounds good — and let the rest go. You know, those high notes (and low notes) that just don’t sound as ear-pleasing as the rest of the notes they can sing.

Does that mean singers are stuck with the vocal range they are given? Will they never be able to sing certain songs due to this limitation?

If you are a singer who is tired of being held back by fear of the off-key sound of high pitches, it is time to take back your voice. With these 6 tips, you can expand your vocal range and watch your opportunities open up.

1. Understand Your Current Vocal Range

Before you can grow, you need to know where you are. What is the lowest note you can sing? How about the highest?  Your range is not made up of random sounds that you can squawk out. Instead, it is tones that you can consistently – and comfortably – sing on key.

If you have a keyboard or piano handy, try playing notes and matching tones (in both directions) until you can’t. Double-check the notes on either end several times to be sure — and you’ve got your range.

2. Care for Your Vocals

If you want your vocals to do great things for you, then you need to nurture them. You can’t just talk nonstop, push your limits on singing at local live concerts, or even practice pushing your vocal range too much.

Your vocal cords can get damaged so treat them well. Here are a few ways you can do just that:

  • Rest your vocal cords by getting around 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Stay hydrated throughout your day.
  • Protect yourself from viruses as best as possible.

Before a practice or performance, take these steps to keep your vocal cords in good shape:

  • Avoid foods that may irritate your throat, such as sour or spicy foods.
  • Drying foods or drinks such as fruit/citrus juices, coffee, alcohol, and even allergy medicines should also be avoided.
  • Dairy products, such as milk and ice cream, are big mucous producers and should be avoided.

The better care you take of your vocal cords, the more supportive they will be of your desire to expand your range!

3. Get Your Technique Down

Randomly trying to expand your vocal range is not the best method. You should follow the proper technique that will allow you to extend your vocal range without causing damage — while giving you the best chance of success.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts:

  • DON’T restrict airflow too much or try to push too much air through your vocal cords.
  • DO start at the top note when doing your vocal exercises to help set your larynx in its best spot for a successful session.
  • DO keep your larynx at a low rest position. Open your throat!
  • DO stand up straight. Breath support is as important as breath control. Standing up straight is crucial in managing it.
  • DON’T use your shoulders when breathing. Instead, use your diaphragm.
  • DO relax your jaw, keeping your tongue slightly elevated and resting on the top of your bottom teeth.

4. Warm Up Like You Are Working Out

If you were going for a run, you won’t just lace up your shoes and hit the pavement. Rather, you would do some gradual stretching, warm your body up, and then head out. This is the same way you need to treat your vocals.

You absolutely should warm them up gradually and then get started on your exercises. One of the easiest ways to do this is by humming. You can go through scales or whatever your warm-up is like — just keep it up until your vocal cords feel ready to go.

Practice your vocal exercises regularly.

5. When It Cracks, Replace It

When you are pushing the limits of your voice, you are going to come to a place where your tone cracks. This is known as the break. As soon as you experience this, you may feel compelled to add tension as a means of controlling the issue. Though, this may not be the best option.

When it cracks, replace it. Here is an example: If you are at the high end of your vocal range and you are singing an ee or oo sound, try using an oh or an uh instead. You are giving your note more sound (and space) resulting in a more steady, supported sound.

6. Stay Consistent

Growing your vocal range is not going to happen overnight. It will take time and you will need to be patient. The biggest thing to remember through it all is that consistency is key. Spending a week working on exercises and then taking a week or two off, will not get you the results you are looking for.

Runners don’t train sporadically for marathons. And you can’t change your vocal range by training sporadically, either.

Set a schedule and stick to it. You will get where you want to be.

Best Songs to Sing to Expand Your Vocal Range

As promised, there are certain songs that just give your vocal range an extra boost for one reason or another.

Don’t allow yourself to be stuck in a rut with the same songs. You – and your vocal cords – will get bored. Switch it up, add some new tunes, and feel your vocals come alive.

Final Thought

Ready to expand your vocal cords? Remember – exercise your vocal cords, nurture them, and be consistent. The more you are, the more you will find your range increasing and decreasing. With some patience and persistence, who knows how far you will be able to expand it!

Posted in Blog

Leave a Comment