Q&A: Why Does My Voice Get Tired on High Notes?

Question:

“Why does my voice always get so tired so fast whenever I sing high notes?”

Answer:

Our voice is more easily produced in the middle (speaking) range. In the upper range where we’re “wrestling with gravity”, there needs to be more stretch, and therefore, more power from below. Like building a tall building requires you to dig a deeper basement to anchor it, or doing the high jump requires you to bend your knees to jump off, or jumping off a diving board, you need to jump down first, before getting catapulted up: The higher you want to go, the lower you have to “dig.”

In singers’ terms, this means:

  1. Make sure your “motor” in your power center (mid torso) is working. Strengthen your mid section, doing “ssss”, or “ho-ho-ho”, to get your tummy muscles working and your diaphragm involved. Think martial artist, mid section engaged at all times. Then only:
  2. Make sure your throat is relaxed and open, not constricted. Yawn, and memorize the beginning of the yawn to your muscle memory. That way your throat is always open, and you’re not in danger of “pushing” when trying to “reach” high notes. Also helps to lift behind the upper molars, as in an upward smile.
  3. Don’t “reach.” The higher the notes, the lower your body and support system have to be. It helps to bend your knees slightly as you feel the high note approaching. Sit on your tummy, relax your throat and off you go. For longer singing in that higher range, make sure you check in with your body every few notes, so you don’t forget any of these three points. It should feel fairly effortless then.

If it STILL isn’t fairly effortless, then maybe sing everything a bit lower. Maybe you’re a mezzo or even alto (if a woman), and not a soprano, or a baritone or bass (for men), and not a tenor. Don’t strain. Singing is fun, and for yourself and your health and happiness first and foremost. Entertainment second. Enjoy, and sing yourself well!


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