How To Sing Open Throat

How to Sing with an Open Throat: A Guide to Vocal Freedom

Singing with an open throat is crucial for a resonant, powerful, and healthy vocal sound. A closed throat restricts airflow and creates tension, leading to strained vocals and limited range. This guide will help you understand and achieve that coveted open throat feeling, unlocking your vocal potential.

Understanding the Open Throat Concept

The "open throat" isn't about literally opening your mouth wide. It's about releasing tension in your throat, larynx (voice box), and jaw, allowing for free airflow and resonance. Imagine a yawning sensation – that's the feeling you want to emulate, but without the actual yawn. This relaxed state allows your vocal cords to vibrate freely and efficiently, producing a clear, powerful tone.

Key Areas to Relax:

• Jaw: A tense jaw restricts the movement of your tongue and limits resonance. Practice gently dropping your jaw, allowing it to hang loosely. Try humming with a dropped jaw to feel the difference.
• Tongue: A relaxed tongue is vital. Avoid pushing your tongue forward or up against your palate. Keep it relatively flat and loose in your mouth.
• Larynx (Voice Box): Avoid pushing your larynx up. A raised larynx constricts your throat, inhibiting resonance and creating a strained sound. Focus on feeling a sense of space and openness in your throat.
• Shoulders and Neck: Tension in your shoulders and neck often translates to tension in your throat. Practice relaxing these areas through deep breathing and gentle stretches before singing.

Techniques for Achieving an Open Throat

Several exercises can help you train your vocal muscles and develop an open throat singing technique.

1. The "Humming" Exercise:

Humming is a fantastic starting point. It allows you to feel the vibration of your vocal cords without the pressure of forming words. Hum on a comfortable pitch, focusing on keeping your throat relaxed and your jaw dropped. Notice how the sound resonates in your chest and head.

2. The "Yawning" Exercise (Controlled):

As mentioned, a yawn mimics the feeling of an open throat. Practice controlled yawning, focusing on the sensation of space and openness in your throat. Don't actually yawn fully, but try to replicate that relaxed feeling. Then, try to maintain that feeling while singing simple scales or vowels.

3. Vowel Sounds:

Practice singing various vowel sounds (ah, eh, ee, oh, oo) while focusing on maintaining an open throat. Exaggerate the vowel shapes slightly to help open your mouth and throat.

4. Tongue Trills:

Tongue trills are excellent for loosening up your tongue and releasing tension. Try trilling your tongue on different pitches, noticing how the vibration feels in your throat.

5. Breathing Exercises:

Proper breathing is foundational to singing with an open throat. Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) ensures sufficient airflow, reducing strain on your throat. Practice deep, controlled breathing exercises before and during your vocal practice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Pushing from your throat: Avoid pushing sound from your throat; instead, support your voice from your diaphragm.
• Strained vocal cords: Listen to your body. If you feel strain, stop and rest.
• Ignoring posture: Poor posture restricts breathing and creates tension. Maintain good posture while singing.

Consistency is Key

Mastering an open throat singing technique takes time and consistent practice. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way. Regular practice, combined with these exercises, will help you develop a more powerful, resonant, and healthy singing voice. Remember to listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort. Consider working with a vocal coach for personalized guidance and feedback.