Even though the scream singing in Screamo and heavy metal music may sound aggressive, it shouldn’t actually hurt. When not done properly, scream singing can push and put pressure on your vocal cords, leading to potential damage. We're here to show you how to scream sing correctly (and emulate the metal or punk rock rockstars you love) using proper techniques that support your voice and give you all the intensity without any irritation. Follow these tips and steps to scream sing like a pro, all without wrecking your voice.
Things You Should Know
- Scream sing by inhaling deeply into your diaphragm and pushing out the air on an open vowel like “ah.” Slowly increase power until you produce a supported scream.
- To protect your voice, warm up with vocal scales, open your throat up with a silent laugh, stay hydrated, and rest your voice as needed.
- Fry screaming is the most common type of scream singing. Talk in a vocal fry by speaking without projection or breath, then try singing with that same creaky tone.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionI want to scream like Tyler Joseph in Car Radio, but I'll be using a microphone. How do I not make everyone deaf?Community AnswerTry moving the mic away from your face as the loudness of your voice increases.
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QuestionMy throat feels irritated like a sore throat after practice but it does not feel painful. Am I doing it wrong?Community AnswerIf you feel any pain, stop immediately, as yes, you're doing it incorrectly. However, at first your voice won't be used to the feeling. While screaming, your throat should not hurt, but if it begins to feel a bit sore, take the night off and try again tomorrow. Your voice needs to adjust to this new action.
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QuestionShould it feel like I've been coughing after singing?Community AnswerNo, not at all. That is a sign you are damaging your voice.
Tips
- If you’re performing for an audience, plan your set to give yourself breaks. If there are certain songs you scream sing in, space those songs out with gentler songs on your set list.Thanks
- If your throat is feeling irritated, gargle with saltwater . Salt water won’t heal a hoarse voice, but it will alleviate some of the discomfort you’re feeling.Thanks
- Don’t practice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time when you’re first starting out. Frequency of practice is more important than the length of time you practice for.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- If you happen to have some mucus in your throat, don't cough! Coughing can spread mucus around your throat and make singing more difficult, so drink water or spit the mucus out instead.
- Practicing all the time can cause swelling, so only practice once or twice a day for short periods of time.
Video
References
- ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HQCLwWlDdM&feature=youtu.be&t=192
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-scream
- ↑ https://singingisjoy.com/how-to-scream-sing/
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-scream
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwlVxVfQ4CU&feature=youtu.be&t=179
- ↑ http://musicaroo.com/scream-sing/
- ↑ Jonathan Stancato. Voice Coach. Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-train-your-voice
- ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
- ↑ https://musicaroo.com/scream-sing/
- ↑ Jonathan Stancato. Voice Coach. Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.singwise.com/articles/singing-with-an-open-throat-vocal-tract-shaping
- ↑ https://www.singwise.com/articles/singing-with-an-open-throat-vocal-tract-shaping
- ↑ https://johnhenny.com/62-2/#When_Breathy_Singing_Is_Bad
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-scream
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
About This Article
If you’re learning to scream sing, it’s very important to do it properly so you don’t damage your voice. Breathe from your diaphragm so that your stomach expands and not your chest. This will help you get the right sound and protect your voice. Don’t scream too loudly, especially at first. Use a microphone to amplify your voice if you need to. You should also warm up your voice before screaming with various singing exercises. Make sure you drink water in between screaming to keep your throat hydrated. If it gets scratchy or irritated, let your voice rest until it feels better before screaming again. For more tips, including how to adjust your diet and lifestyle to keep your voice healthy, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "Very helpful article because I have a rather angelic voice, very "cute", and since I like metal it's not really working. This helped me a lot." ..." more