Using "Cry" To Hit High Notes Effortlessly

vocal technique Mar 14, 2024

This week's episode will be an absolute game-changer for your singing journey. We're exploring the fascinating realm of the "cry" technique – a powerful technique helping you to sing high notes easily and infuse your voice with warmth and power!

 

Embracing the Cry: Mistakes to Avoid

Before we delve into the wonders of the cry technique, let's address two common mistakes many beginner singers make. Understanding these pitfalls can pave the way for effective learning and growth.

 

  1. Underestimating the Power of Exaggeration: One mistake beginners often make is shying away from exaggerating the cry technique. Remember, exaggeration is critical to understanding and internalizing this vocal tool.

  2. Fear of Application: Many singers hesitate to use the cry technique in actual songs due to misconceptions about its sound. It's crucial to differentiate between classical and contemporary applications of cry, embracing its versatility in various musical contexts.

 

The Cry Technique Unveiled

Now that we've cleared these misconceptions, let's dive into what cry is all about. Cry is a natural vocal mechanism rooted in our muscle memory, honed from our earliest emotion expression days.

So, what are the benefits of mastering the cry technique? Let's explore:

 

  1. Neutral Larynx Position: Cry promotes a neutral larynx position, releasing tension and allowing for smoother vocal production.

  2. Enhanced Cord Closure: By bringing the vocal cords together, crying reduces breathiness and enhances vocal power and clarity.

  3. Smooth Register Transitions: Cry aids in transitioning between different vocal registers, ensuring seamless shifts in pitch and tone.

 

Putting Cry into Practice: Your Vocal Workout

Now, it's time to roll up our sleeves and put theory into action! We'll work on a segment from "A Million Dreams" from "The Greatest Showman."

Here's your chance to join me in an interactive exercise. Let's sing the chorus together, incorporating the cry technique:

 

🎶 'Cause every night I lie in bed

The brightest colors fill my head

A million dreams are keeping me awake

I think of what the world could be

A vision of the one I see

A million dreams is all it's gonna take

A million dreams for the world we're gonna make 🎶

 

The cry technique is something your body is already familiar with; it's ingrained in your muscle memory. As children, we've spent countless hours crying, which means we've already developed this ability. By applying the same emotional essence of crying to our singing or speaking, you'll truly grasp the essence of the cry technique.

Yes, it might sound unusual, but that's perfectly fine. Remember, I mentioned at the start of this episode that we'd be exploring unconventional techniques. It's essential to exaggerate the cry initially to locate its sensation within our bodies. Only then can we refine it and achieve a more polished sound.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the exaggerated cry, it's time to dial it back while retaining its essence. Finding the balance between 100% cry and subtle application is key to mastering this technique.

 

Your Journey Continues: Unlocking Vocal Variety

Congratulations! You've taken a significant step forward in your vocal journey by exploring the cry technique. But remember, this is just the beginning.

 

Homework

How can we effectively practice and apply the cry technique? There are numerous exercises to choose from. If you're a member of Singing Insiders, I highly recommend exploring the vocal workout library. Within it, you'll discover a specialized vocal workout tailored to enhance your mastery of the cry technique.

To expand your vocal horizons further, I invite you to join our upcoming free training session to dive further into different techniques to sing high notes easily. I'm looking forward to see you there!

Keep singing, shining, and believing in yourself. You've got this! 🎤🎶