If you haven’t explored The Resonating Body - Vocal Registers, Part 1, I would read and do the exercises before exploring Part 2.
In Part 2, you will find out your vocal register, the lowest and highest notes, and where the transition area is.
Transition Area - Mix, Bridge, Passaggio
The transition area is commonly known as the bridge, break, mix, or passagio. I refer to it as the transition area, as this area of the voice is where the vocal cords are transitioning from short thick folds to long thin folds and vice versa. It is one of the most tricky areas of the voice to navigate, so I invite you to be extremely kind and loving, as many feelings can arise here.
The transition area is commonly known as the bridge, break, mix, or passagio. I refer to it as the transition area, as this area of the voice is where the vocal cords are transitioning from short thick folds to long thin folds and vice versa. It is one of the most tricky areas of the voice to navigate and one I invite you to be extremely kind and loving to, as many feelings can arise here.
The transition area can be challenging to sing as it is where we naturally shout or cheer. In addition, the body can go into an overprotective mode, tightening the muscles in the larynx, throat, belly, solar plexus, and more.
The two muscles in the larynx to be aware of are:
1. The Thyroarytenoid (TA) are your swallowing muscles; they shorten the vocal cords and, therefore, allow us to sing and speak in our lower and more natural register.
2. The Crycothyroid (CT) is our yawning muscles; they lengthen the vocal cords and allow us to sing higher notes.
When we sing the notes of the transition area, a hand-off occurs between these two muscles, which sometimes can feel very uncomfortable. When we hold onto the TA when singing higher pitches, we go into shouting, and the throat will feel tight or strangled. When we hold onto the CT when going lower, the voice will sound weak, and it will be hard to find power and control in the lower notes.
It’s essential to meet this area of the voice and make it a good friend. First, soften to the sensations that are holding or resisting change, and gradually, over time, let the wisdom of your instrument unfold.
Chest Voice
The chest voice is the spoken register; it is lower, heavier, and more powerful. Most people use it in everyday speech. Physically, the vocal cords vibrate slower and are thick and short.
Head Voice
The head voice is the higher, lighter, and sweeter register. This sound is because sensations are felt in the head. Physically, the vocal folds lengthen and thin out as the vocal cords vibrate faster.
Falsetto
The “false voice” is primarily associated with the very top register of the male-bodied voice. The vocal cords are detached as the air blows them gently apart, giving a choir voice sound. RY X and Bon Iver are masters in the falsetto sound.
Whistle Register
The whistle, bell, or flute register is the highest register in the female voice and is rarely found in the male voice. Physically, the whistle register is the least understood. It is impossible to video record what happens since the epiglottis closes over the larynx and blocks our view of the vocal cords. As a result, we know only a tiny mass of the vocal cords are connecting. These high pitches sound squeaky or bird-like.
Mariah Carey and Arianna Grande are pros in the whistle register.
Top 10 Singers Who Can Hit Whistle Notes
Vocal Fry
Vocal fry is the lowest register of the voice, most commonly used by bass singing in chorus works requiring very low notes. This fry sound is produced when vocal cords relax and lengthen. The opening between the cords is small and loose. It is similar to the glottal attack, but air flows continuously through the cords. As a result, they “pop” or “fry” in a growling fashion. Some singers use this at the beginning of their notes to get good cord closure.
What is your vocal register?
In Love and Song,
The Sound Weaver