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How to Train Your Falsetto

If you've heard the Bee Gees or Justin Timberlake, then you've heard falsetto. Literally, falsetto means "false voice," accomplished when the vocal cords are lengthened, tensed, and thinned until there is little vibration left in them. When you exhale, the airflow creates a hole that prevents the cords from fully coming together, producing the high, crystalline tone of the falsetto voice. The falsetto has been used as far back as the 13th century, and is employed today by classical and pop singers alike. A few simple exercises can help make your falsetto a key part of your vocal ability.

Things You'll Need

  • Voice
  • Pitch pipe
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Instructions

  1. Train Your Falsetto

    • 1

      Warm up your voice. Practice a few scales in lower chest voice to loosen up the vocal chords.

    • 2

      Sing the first five notes up a scale using a "me" sound in falsetto, starting at E above middle C. Sing the same notes back down the scale.

    • 3

      Repeat the 5-note scale, raising each starting note a half step once you've completed the previous pattern.

    • 4

      Practice singing "oo" sounds on a few patterns, then try "ah" sounds.

    • 5

      Keep your breath in your lower abdomen when singing. Keep your shoulders and body relaxed, and prevent your breath from starting in your chest cavity.

    • 6

      Practice singing the falsetto scale pattern with your voice forward in the top of your nose and sinuses. Then try singing the pattern with an open throat, similar to a yawn.

    • 7

      Practice transitioning from chest voice to falsetto and back, starting with octave notes. Repeat the transitions until they become more fluid and feel natural.

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