Just started singing in a band

[Nilbog]

So I just started singing in a band and I want to make sure I don't blow out my voice.
After a few hours of practicing it gets pretty raspy and cracks when I sing and I cant go as high. I guess that means I should stop.

So how can I increase my stamina? How do I know when to stop? How do I know when I may be causing permanent damage? Should I take a few days off between practices?

-Nil

 

[Cyrokk]

Stamina just comes with time.

When you notice that you are not reaching the notes anymore, thats a good indication that your voice is straining and that you should back off.

Also, with those harder to reach notes, try not to push yourself so hard. Try to relax your throat and limit your mouth movement some.

Cy

 

[yiordanaki]

I agree.

Ive only just started getting to the point where i can go on for ages without getting sore.

Its mostly because of technique. If you are doing the 'right' things then there will be little or no stress on your vocal chords.

I've found that when you get it right you can just FEEL the difference. And get more power while not having to 'push' more air out, just let it flow.

One thing i used to do (you might be doing) is tighten up the throat when straining to get high notes.
Try opening your mouth wider and having a nice big diaphragmatic (sp? - cant be bothered checking) breathe in and let it flow out like a yawn, - NO MORE POWER THAN A YAWN. you'll be surprised how good and high you can get with practice. Then more air can be used (but not squeezed out) and eventually you'll have the power without stress (eg. tony bennett)

Keep in mind, this is merely personal experience over the last few months.

y

 

[smellyfuzz]

So how can I increase my stamina? How do I know when to stop? How do I know when I may be causing permanent damage? Should I take a few days off between practices?

GOOD QUESTIONS !

Also, with those harder to reach notes, try not to push yourself so hard. Try to relax your throat and limit your mouth movement some.

Try opening your mouth wider

breathe in and let it flow out like a yawn, - NO MORE POWER THAN A YAWN

GOOD ADVICE !


Just to add to that good info...

LESSONS, first and foremost !!! (I know, I sound like a broken record.)

I use to have this exact problem, two things you can do...

1) As said before sing at a lower volume, say 2/3 as loud as you usually do.

2) VERY IMPORTANT, Assuming that you are singing live,

TURN THAT MIC WAY THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!

As loud as you can, and let the rest of your band catch up.

Do not compete with those drums and guitars, let them compete with the lead vox.

If you are recording, make sure you have plenty of voice in the headphones.

The lead vocal is the most important instrument, period.

Make sure it is heard loud and clear.

GOOD LUCK !


Sean

 

[Nilbog]

Good advice - thanks!

 

[chessparov]

That is excellent advice from Sean.
Just wanted to add...

This is the classic syndrome of singing too much "from the throat" vs. "the diaphram".

A good short term solution is to drop whatever keys you're presently singing in (typically a half or full step) until you're
singing in a comfortable "tessitura" AKA key.
Like Sean said, make the rest of the band follow what works best for you, this includes creating new arrangements that are easier and more effective for you. Otherwise it'll be the tail wagging the dog. The lead vocal is the most important part of the "sound".

Usually the most tiring aspect of a song isn't THE high note, it's the entire key as a whole.
Working on improving your breathing should make huge gains.
Writing down the songs you sing and marking the appropriate spots to breath in will help quite a bit too.

Lot's of lukewarm water, especially a few hours BEFORE you start
singing will help clear things out. The first few weeks you begin to do this, expect a lot of phelm to come out-it's perfectly normal!
It's a good sign also that the high notes will begin to come out more clearly too as your body is just getting used to them and are
clearing out a path.

Chris