Range expansion Questions!

[wtfuhz]

Okay, so a while ago, I was singing along to my favorite band in which the singer has quite a wide range. As a kid, I've always wanted to sing like them so about a year ago I started trying to expand my range, especially upwards. So far, I've made good progress for someone without any instruction. Anyways, I was wondering if it would ever be possible to expand so far that your range couldn't go any further; and if so, how would someone know if they reached that point? Oh, and if anyone is nice enough, any tips on range expansion would be greatly appreciated

 

[guitaristic]

So you've been expanding your upward range on your own? That's pretty cool, but my advice would be to be ABSOLUTELY sure that you're using correct vocal/breathing technique!! It's hard to figure out by yourself sometimes. If you do it wrong, you can still see "improvements" (aka higher notes) but it can seriously jack up your voice in the long run!

So I'd start taking singing lessons (probably the best way to safely improve as fast as you can) or at least start a singing-improvement program that you can do yourself!

 

[wtfuhz]

Thanks for the reply! I've actually thought recently about starting vocal lessons. This just might be the push I need to decide to start

 

[guitaristic]

Thanks for the reply! I've actually thought recently about starting vocal lessons. This just might be the push I need to decide to start

Yeah they're great! Try a few different teachers and see which one is your favorite then just run with it!

 

[Armistice]

People will start leaving the room when you're going past your limit... only so much you can do unless you're Mariah Carey and have the lungs to match...

 

[maxabillion]

Best way to expand your range is to think of getting up high as 'floating' up there. Be gentle about it. A lot of people try to strain their full (chest) voice to reach high notes which sounds like screaming and can damage vocal cords something terrible. Try to feel the notes as you sing them, and try to visualize where you are going (I literally think of jumping intervals on a piano, if I know I am about to make a tough jump vocally), it will help with control. At first, your high voice will probably be kind of weak/breathy/heady/ etc, but the more you run up and down your range, the stronger the notes on the periphery will be, and the more notes (both high and low) you will be able to add. Also, like guitaristic said, breathe properly, with your diaphragm, and never strain. If it hurts or is uncomfortable, you're probably doing it wrong.