Understanding Vocal Registers

What Are Vocal Registers?

Vocal registers refer to two main aspects:

1. Coordination of the Vocal Cords: This involves the resonance associated with how the vocal cords function.
2. Sound Produced: The actual sound each register generates.

The Registers (from low to high):

• Vocal Fry
• Chest Voice
• Mixed Voice
• Head Voice
• Whistle Register

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1. Vocal Fry

• Description: Vocal fry is the lowest register. It doesn't necessarily have a defined pitch.
• Characteristics:
  • Generally not used in sung phrases.
  • Commonly incorporated into speaking styles, but isn't typical for regular conversations.

Example Sound:
It resembles a creaky, poppy sound, like when someone feels groggy in the morning, as in, "I don't want to get out of bed today."

• Mechanics: Vocal cords stay open longer during vibrations and are very loose, with little tension.

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2. Chest Voice

• Description: Chest voice is where most spoken communication occurs and where many song verses sit.

• Characteristics:

  • Robust, warm, and full tone.
  • Enables mixing higher notes while maintaining a strong sound.

• Dominant Muscle:

  • The thyroarytenoid muscle is primarily involved, running along the inner part of the vocal cord.

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3. Mixed Voice

• Description: A blend of head and chest resonance.
• Characteristics:
  • Most sought-after register among singers.
  • Allows pop singers to reach higher notes while maintaining fullness.

How It Works:

• When using mixed voice, the thyroarytenoid muscle and the cricothyroid muscle combine:
  • Chest voice: Robust sound.
  • Head voice: Higher pitch with a light quality.

Example Sound:

• This is achieved by seamlessly blending the two registers.

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4. Head Voice

• Description: Head voice is lighter and often flutier in quality than mixed voice.

• Characteristics:

  • Can be strengthened for a stronger sound but retains a light quality.

• Dominant Muscle:

  • The cricothyroid (CT) muscle operates predominantly in head voice.

Example Sound:
A simple "whoo" showcases the head voice.

• Mechanics: The sound resonates higher in the head and no longer predominantly comes out of the mouth, resulting in different vibrations and resonance.

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5. Whistle Voice

• Description: Whistle voice occurs when the vocal cords engage a small area to create a very high pitch.
• Characteristics:
  • The sound is extremely high and piercing, akin to a whistle.

Example Sound:

• It resembles the sound of a whistle, exemplifying the highest vocal register.

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By understanding these registers, singers can better manipulate their vocal abilities and sound production for various styles and genres.