Q&A for How to Develop a Slightly Raspy Singing Voice

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Question

How can I make my voice deep and gravelly?

Tanisha Hall
Vocal Coach
Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award.

Tanisha Hall

Vocal Coach

Expert Answer

Record yourself first thing in the morning—this is when your voice will naturally be more gravelly. Other factors that can make your voice gravelly aren't good for you, like drinking or smoking cigarettes.

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Question

Will raising your voice make me raspy?

Community Answer

Only if you over do it and yell. Typically just speaking loudly will not make your voice raspy.

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Question

Will chocolates or other sweets can make my voice raspy?

Community Answer

Possibly. Some chocolates can create phlegm that can produce that cracking sound in the throat.

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Question

Will smoking help me develop a raspy voice?

Community Answer

Yes, but smoking is bad for you, so this is not the recommended method. You might achieve a raspy voice, but you'd also be putting yourself at risk for things like throat cancer.

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Question

What about techniques that are actually safe?

SolarBadGirl

Community Answer

Take a breath before singing, you need the energy to sing the song. Always have good posture when singing, even if you are sitting.

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Question

What foods and drinks will make a raspy voice?

Jojo And Ming Ming

Community Answer

Cold water, ice, acidic foods and dairy. And if you don't feel like eating or drinking those choices, try keeping your mouth open.

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What if you are auditioning for a particular part and you need to sing like a particular person? What should I do?

MusicalBird

Community Answer

If you need to sing like a particular person, try listening to tracks of their voice, over and over. Listen to how they talk too, and just imitate them. But don't get too stuck into imitation, If you do, you will lose your own true singing voice! Then do some practice rehearsals at home until you have the person's voice and characteristics right, then go to your audition with confidence.

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