MYTHBUSTING VOCAL RANGE MYTH

Since I was dubbed an honorary MythBuster by Adam Savage after shattering a wine glass in Season Two of MythBusters, I figured I have the right to bust a vocal myth myself. So, let me bust the myth of limited vocal range. I'll start by taking you back to when I was 18...

My vocal coach, a respected figure at a local college, looked me square in the eye and said, "Jaime, you're a bass. You'll never hit the high notes unless you use your head voice because your voice breaks on an E4." Well, buckle up, Buttercup, because that myth is about to be shattered like the glass I exploded on MythBusters.

Your Voice Type Doesn’t Define Your Range

The idea that your voice type limits your range is pure nonsense. Whether you’re a bass, baritone, tenor, alto, or soprano, your vocal range can go beyond those so-called limits, reaching both higher and lower notes. It’s time to unleash your inner vocal acrobat and break free from the chains of vocal type stereotypes.

The Truth About “Head Voice”

Let’s dive into the concept of “head voice.” Typically, when I hear a coach or a singer mention "head voice" they are referring to a lighter, hooty-like tone in the upper register. But to me, head voice, isn't so much a "tone" as it is a "place" in your range. And that place is the area above your vocal break. 

Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a vocal break; a point where your voice might crack or break as you try to sing higher. In truth, it's just a point where your voice wants to shifts gears. For most male singers, this break usually happens around E4, just above middle C. For female singers, the break typically occurs around A4, just below tenor C.

Many vocal coaches, like myself, refer to the area below this break as your chest voice and the area above it as your head voice. And again, others describe head voice as a more hooty or falsetto-like sound in your upper register-and chest voice as a thick or beefy tone down in your lower speaking register. This is why some coaches will say that a singer is pulling chest when they sing higher with a very full-voiced tone.

I see the voice as all one voice regardless of the pitch or the tonal quality. While I acknowledge the vocal break exists, I view it as a simple gear change, where different vocal muscles take center stage. And guess what? Those pesky cracks and breaks? They can be smoothed out by strengthening these muscles for better balance. I know this for a fact, because for nearly three decades, I’ve helped countless singers do just that.

Embracing a “One Voice” Philosophy

In one of my videos, I cover "Open Your Eyes" by Alter Bridge (search YouTube for Vendera&Stith). Right before the guitar solo you’ll see and hear me singing in falsetto. The first part has a dark, hollow tone, because I’m lowering my larynx to create a deeper, owl-like sound (what I call “low falsetto”). In the second part, I raise my larynx for a brighter, more piercing tone (“high falsetto”). Both of these are within my “head voice” because I’m singing above my vocal break (E4). I’m navigating between F5 and A4 in falsetto, and then I finish with a powerful “YEAH” on a C5 in full voice.

If we stick to the term “head voice,” I’ve demonstrated two types of falsetto and a full voice tone above my break in that music video. But remember, these are just tonal variations above my break. I could easily sing in both falsetto and full voice below my break and call it my “chest voice.”

Rethinking Vocal Technique

I know some of you might be skeptical of this approach, and that’s okay. But over the years, I’ve trained numerous singers to expand their range and eliminate their vocal breaks by embracing a "one voice” philosophy. The goal is to stop labeling falsetto as your head voice and start thinking outside the box to build a stronger, more versatile voice, where you are in control of the tone, whether you're singing in falsetto, full voice, or even a blend. That should be your choice!

At the end of the day, don't let your vocal range be determined by any vocal label (bass, baritone, etc.) that's been stamped on you by some choir director or music teacher. By embracing the idea that your voice is all one voice, not separated by the vocal break (chest and head), you can overcome perceived limits and unlock your full vocal potential.

If your goal is expand your range, I highly suggest you read my ebook, Rebalance Your Voice, which you received for free when you purchased your VOX. Use the techniques and exercises in that ebook with your mask and bottle. You'll be blown away by the results.

Welcome to the one voice tribe!

Your DoctorVox coach,  

Jaime Vendera