Feeling The Notes: Low Register
- What Are Low Notes?
- Exercises & Consistency
- Song Choice
We have all had that time where we tried to sing a song in a lower key. For some, this can be an easy transition.
For others it can be hard to maintain the pitch without the voice breaking. It is important to understand where and what low notes are in relativity to your voice.
The most effective way to gain notes towards the lower range is to do exercises consistently.
The agility in your lower register can be hard to develop, try picking a song that sits just at the bottom of your range.
Building your lower register takes time, so be patient as you work on strengthening those muscles.
What Are Low Notes
Low notes are low frequency vibrations that we produce from our vocal chords.
Lower notes sound beefier and depending on your vocal type (Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Soprano) it can sound fuller, or fried.
The vocal cords work like any other muscle of the body, strengthening these muscles can increase your vocal range.
The low register is all about feeling, you do not want to overpush or the notes will start to sound muddied.
If you are trying to find a low note, try humming it first.
It is easier to hum low notes, because the amount of push you use is less.
Exercise & Consistency
Knowing your vocal range can make growing your range easier. Try to do exercises that work around your target area.
For males work from a C3-C2, and females, A3- A2. Although you may not be able to hit the lowest notes, try to work towards them as that is what will help you eventually sing them.
Slides are a great way to transition throughout your range; sliding down to your lowest note repeatedly everyday is very effective.
When adding notes to your register, you need to sing those notes everyday. This is what slowly shifts your vocal chords to sing lower notes.
Consistency is key, eventually you will be able to hold the low note.
Song Choice
Pick songs that encourage you to sing low. Adele is a singer who tends to sing pretty low.
Practicing her songs is a good way to measure your progress in your lower key. Look at your progress over 3 weeks and see if you notice a difference from when you started.
Song choice is the beholder of the vocal technique you are trying to get. Singing a song in the higher register is not helping you in the low.
Understanding you range helps you pick and navigate which songs would be best for you right now.
There are websites that allow you to find songs based on vocal range. This can help narrow some options of songs you can sing to improve your lower notes.
