Stop Singing With Throat Tension HERE & NOW! (Cues From Thom Yorke)

Free Voice Lessons: chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/
My Website: chrisliepe.com
Throat and neck tension plagues nearly every vocalist I work with.
It's a source of huge frustration, and the more frustrated a singer gets about tension, the more tense they get!
There's a VERY easy way to keep yourself loose and free of throat/neck tension and it works with every singer I coach. The key is, that you have to be open to sounding stupid for awhile while you learn to balance what I teach in this video with your natural, desired vocal style.
Be patient, and once you find the balances, you'll be free of throat tension and getting the sounds you want!

[@lucasklin1907]

I came for a vocal lesson and got a free therapy session as a bonus. 10/10

[@aaronmare4467]

😆

[@chrisliepe]

Nice :)

[@carsonford9601]

That is Chris Liepe in a nutshell for you 🙂

[@middledog466]

these comments are the best on this channel 😭

[@dragonsrus93]

"But never do good for goodness sake" oof

[@timcox5373]

It’s so refreshing seeing someone working and sounding “bad” because you’re looking for the right feeling and being so open about that

[@icepick859]

He is very clear

[@russellspear6188]

"Calling your own self-consciousness out as to why you're tense and then sighing out of the tension is going to be what keeps you from experiencing chronic throat tension as you sing." - That might be just what I need. I'm going to try it!

[@dariuszkropop2654]

This approach is the best when you're writing vocal lines - gives more freedom in the exploration phase and more diverse interpretation possibilities

[@FredMurray]

Love your comment. Thanks for the trick..

[@TaigaMoriBass]

I’m not a native speaker of English, but the way you speak is very easy to understand. Thank you so much. I hope someday my throat tension will be got rid of.

[@neildobbs7278]

Great concept and Thom Yorke is just the perfect example. He's probably one of the most emotive singers I can think of. You can tell Cornell dialled back his voice a lot in this way too (probably more to avoid fatigue during long performances). I guess that's why we like rock and not classical opera. Who enjoys perfection? I like a bit of ugliness in my music. Layne Staley another great example of this... I know you already covered him. Sometimes I think it can come almost as a result of boredom.. if you sing the same song or line so many times.. eventually you'll just relax into it and stop trying to control every aspect of the voice lol

[@jacintalerwill3848]

So relatable. I swear I can sing well when I think about the meaning of the song, and acting the part rather than singing. I used to blank out the audience and just enjoy the song. Since I started singing with other people I started to believe I couldn't sing because the need to sound good really makes me tense up. Now I just can't do it, because singing in a band is putting too much pressure on me

[@imnotokayipromise5940]

this totally makes sense, i do the exact same thing 😅 it's genuinely terrifying to fully let go and immerse yourself in acting the part when you're singing with people who might not be doing the same. adding onto that bc i've just had another thought, when you were singing with people, how were they approaching the song? it could be that they were more focused on the perfect performance rather than the emotion of it & that made you sound like the odd one out (for lack of a better term)? maybe singing with someone who acts the part in a similar way would solve the issue? idk😭 good luck though

[@GurpreetSGulati]

you just echo the inner voice that is drowned in fear. this is so lovely..every vocalist needs to see this video.. let go when you should be tensing.. of course, this presumes prior training to actually have achived that note you are trying to hit through thorough practice beforehand.

[@GurpreetSGulati]

not to also mention that you should know the words and feel to the lyrics too, beforehand.

[@dropclutch1]

I love how you make me feel like it's ok to sound ridiculous. It's so liberating. It would be so fun to just have group meetings where everyone just makes weird noises instead of actual speech lol. For real though, I love it. It also helps that I'm now divorced and live alone so I'm not self concious about exploring my voice.

[@chrisliepe]

I hold such meetings once a week over zoom! :) you can learn more about it at mymusicalvoice.com. Look at the program Sing Together 365

[@dropclutch1]

@@chrisliepe Thanks, I'll check it out 🙂

[@anchovski1788]

That's actually the only requirement for any vocal practice - you should be allowed to feel ridiculous, sound ridiculous, and (sometimes) loud. The hardest tension is in our mind, but before you can be free from it, you should definitely be free from any outer tension - like neighbors or roommates. Chris also has a great course of "quiet" training - exercises that do not require you to make any loud noises, but still allow you to feel free and relaxed while doing the task

[@evilcowboy]

I value all the vocal coaches on youtube. The main reason. I have never heard one of them say "you can't sing", they say "build on what you got". Which is way more positive and helps people who would be nervous ot hear their own voice...let alone record it. You are a gold star service sir. Edit: I get it. Thom York or Matt Bellamy both I've noticed the almost slur of words into one another. Beautifully done by both.

[@TheMedicalLemon]

This is so helpful. I’m incredibly tense at all times because of a chronic pain condition I have. My body is tenses as a way of protecting my joints. I really don’t know that I’ll ever be able to rid myself of it, no matter how much sweat and tears I put into my singing. But this exercise got me closer than I’ve been in a long time. Thank you for that.

[@Mondscheinelfe]

What you described in the beginning is exactly me. Yesterday i was singing and repeating and repeating the same verse over oand over till it sounded "good" to me lol. I ended up with not being able to sing bc my throat didnt feel well and i didnt feel like having control over it. Thank you for this video Chris!!!!

[@chrisliepe]

Glad you related so closely!

[@Mummra61]

I've noticed a similar thing to this myself in the past. When I am singing a song that I don't know so well or am learning, I'm obviously very focused on what are the correct words, melodies etc and trying to get them "right". In this state I miss pitches that I know I can hit easily if I just try to hit it on it's own. The tension of "trying" causes me to be a way worse singer. When it's a song I know like the back of my hand, I can sit back, relax, and just let the song be without effort and then I hit way more difficult notes than I think I can.

[@frandcisco1091]

best vocal coach ever, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@luisfernandomoralesoscoy3377]

This video is pure gold, thanks, also for doing it based on my favourite singer.

[@H4nik0rei]

Thank you so much Chris Liepe, you deserve more recognition! Your my favorite vocal teacher! Humble :>❤

[@bobleglob162]

Probably the funniest vocal lesson I've ever seen.

[@dillonbeylefeld5886]

One of the best channels on KZbin!! I've learned some much about how to improve my vocals. Thanks Chris for the great content. You give a different perspective on how to approach singing, that is way better than the other cookie cutter vocals lessons on KZbin.

[@makeouthill3014]

I was doing this without knowing it was an actual excerise, now that I know it will help release tension. I'll keep doing this thank you for taking me out my comfort zone. I really like singing in public. I'll even do these exercises in public 😂

[@Chupacabramusic]

Man that was so good right from the first go bro.. you really do have all the different approaches and practices very well under your belt man.. you own your craft very deservingly

[@darrenpratt8803]

You wouldn’t believe how much this video helped. I’ve still got a long way to go but this really was a breakthrough moment for me. Thanks so much!

[@cubensic]

This lesson is incredible. I love singing mostly because of how much it's connected to one's body and mind

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

Yes, a lesson using my favorite singer as an example - stoked to learn from this!

[@altheaattard9773]

Wow Chris, another gem from you! Thankyou, i look forward to try this when practicing songs for recording!! 🙏

[@everthealtruist]

I really appreciate and have been enjoying your content. After years of abusing my voice, I've been having a hard time singing without pain and even when I sing without pain, I'm still just not happy with my voice when I try to put it over my music. I'm going to try applying these lessons next time I'm in front of the mic. Thank you again.

[@TheGuitarDojo]

Grateful for this useful shift in thinking, I'll try this out today. Thank you for the lesson!

[@jonathanvee9649]

this is very insightful chris, thank you for sharing!

[@dodz13x]

Man, i like the advice you give because it is accurate and real... But dang these funny excercises make me laugh every time and i can't do them!

[@chrisliepe]

Hehe. The laughing is just a bonus :)

[@Bhodisatvas]

Thom has such an amazing voice, I could listen to him noodling soaked in reverb for hours.

[@aaronmare4467]

Chris, you never cease to blow my mind.....you sharp-minded genius, you ....... Thank you!

[@chrisliepe]

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Losttracks2]

This video came at the perfect time. Thank you!

[@your_afuckingasshole2874]

I have so much love for you and your videos, they help so much. i watch all of them with my mom 😆 much love from Ireland 🖤

[@mrs.featherbottom5901]

You really have a good thing going here man. All the best!

[@frankiesunswept]

This is an extremely helpful technique, damn thanks so much. Sighing with a totally open throat, keeping the sound high in your throat, supporting with your core. I can be loud and yet effortless

[@ryanleemartin7758]

You are the best, man.

[@arthurvenger]

Thank you for all of the content you make and for encouraging me to learn mixed voice! You are amazing and inspiring teacher, I’m watching your videos like every day lol One of the hardest and maybe the most important thing a teacher can do is to inspire his students to discover new horizons in their creativity and make them believe in themselves

[@chrisliepe]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and consistently engaging! :)

[@afternoonbears6989]

Love your analogy!

[@DeAguaMusic]

This reminds me of You Know You're Right by Nirvana, similar aproach (I think) and very effective to lose tension when singing. Great as always!

[@dead_rivals29]

Your voice sounds amazing

[@callumcrow7830]

Needed this so bad! York playlist next

[@artcancera2577]

Your voice it's so good

[@ghoctav]

your headphone releasing the tension to .. very good approach .. thanks again sir ..

[@HZIEI]

Thank you for your work Chris

[@chrisliepe]

You’re welcome!

[@emmanuelwolfmusic410]

the amazing time i went to band practice to sing always by bon jovi, I sang it amazingly, the next week I went there trying to sound like him a bit more and was in fear and had real trouble hitting the notes and hurt my vocal chords. this is amazing advice.

[@dereka4521]

Hey man, just want to say I love the video. Have been trying to learn to sing for a while, and your videos have really helped. I think it would be really cool if you did a vocal analysis on a Billy Talent song, because their singers are quite talented individuals and have very unique tones on their earlier work.

[@strangelet4588]

This is fantastic. This seemingly helped me with grit placement too. 🤞

[@chrisliepe]

Nice! Ya being relaxed with the sigh totally helps with placement! I use it for that as well

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

This reminds a lot of learning how to make proper golf swing. Learning how to maintain the correct balance of tension and relaxation. It's how you develop power and accuracy.

[@timobatana6705]

Awesome video bro. Thank you

[@amirpeymani8763]

Loveee your work

[@fenderfox5080]

Dude Chris I was just listening to these songs while singing along with them all day today helping a friend with yard work lol

[@DF.27]

Thanks bro. Appreciate it. 🎶🌱

[@GurpreetSGulati]

super video... singing 4 hours in a gig can take the life out of ya voice if you have tension building up. thanks for educating !!

[@brandontruong162]

Goodness gracious… Chris, will you come preach at my church’s next Sunday service and lead some praise songs🤣🫡😭🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@maxx.mazzeo]

I LOVE Radiohead and Thom's artistic way of doing music

[@charliezxi]

How funny. I started singing this song a few months ago, and totally got that laid back feeling from doing it and it helped me improve some other songs. Beautiful song

[@handsomeflower4946]

We should be paying or this! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@chrisliepe]

You can go even deeper with me if you want, and support me in the process! Head over to chrisliepe.com and check out my "other courses" tab at the top of the page. I look forward to working more with you :) !!

[@denismorissette7318]

Many people would ask for tips, tricks and exercises to release tension. There is none, as you said. I've started to pay much more atttention to what singers do. They often, or maybe always?, go for a sigh when going for a downward glide. It's certainly easier than tensing and try to be loud.

[@jeromiegiesser8926]

I want a full cover, but with your intermediate sighing example vocals! 🤣 Awesome teaching as usual. Thanks!

[@chrisliepe]

Haha! That would be hilarious

[@marcoarriagadadiaz9183]

Amazing bro. Still waiting for the Luis Miguel analysis

[@kainovember]

This is so interesting because I'm never embarrassed to do warm ups, but I almost can't let myself sound that undone because what if then I seem like I can't sing? Definitely something I gotta work on

[@TheRealJonnyLaw]

Ty so much for fhis video sir!!

[@tinhemingway6036]

Legend🤘

[@brookehornback1896]

Very interesting.

[@tristanzimmermann6365]

DAMN, my man's got pipes

[@owenspottiswoode5936]

Interestingly, Thom Yorke recorded his vocal take for Planet Telex while *literally* lying back on the floor of the studio!

[@chrisliepe]

Oh that’s awesome!

[@jasondotj]

Not only throat tension for me, but tongue tension too. All from overthinking!

[@chrisliepe]

Yep! Just let it out! :) whatever it is. Tension is caused by trying to control what you can’t control

[@YuriDeryous]

Hey Chris, can you please make a video reaction/ analysis of Micheal Kiske? He is such a monster singer, yet there are no videos discussing his approach and technique on youtube. The song We Got The Right by Helloween is a perfect exemple of his high range and intensity. Keep up the amazing work and thank you for sharing it with us!

[@jamiegunn]

Great video!!! Great way to relieve throat and neck tension while singing... Your singing technique and approach is Brilliant!!

[@chrisliepe]

:)

[@jamiegunn]

My apologies on the first comment I gave. I think I was typing too fast while getting into the vibe of the video. . I just noticed it, and edited it. Thank you Chris. I love all your videos, and your singing too. I really mean that! I get so inspired every time.

[@BLACKSYNTH]

I think this plays into 2 things, What your describing, Plus when you sigh you have a tendency to approach the notes from above instead of reaching upwards to hit pitch. Apparently coming from above and reaching down to pitch is the correct way to hit high notes. I’m new an I must say that helps.

[@eventheoddss]

I’ll sign up once my throat get less sore from this cold lol

[@Aenigmakil]

Excellent! Can you do a video of Opeth? A song like Ghost of Perdition or The Moor 🫶🏾

[@emilepronovost8609]

Omg Thank you !! So clear and helpful! I would like you to make a video How to sing like Einar Solberg from progressive metal band Leprous :)

[@davidsanfeliz4453]

Hey Chris, firstly great video! I've pulled so much out of your lessons and I can now sing and scream from the right places allot easier. An artist Called Allan Raymand stumped me because of his style. Do you think you could point out his style? A good song from him to check out would be Frank! Thanks again!

[@CreeperKiller420]

5:01 the cut from the example to speaking cracked me up. It was like the singing was transitional music to the next segment.

[@cozxmos]

Chris «Master» Liepe

[@jacobsellars933]

7:05 - 7:20 sounds like a pretty solid Ezra Furman impression. In a good way!

[@iCantSeeImGooning]

Hey Chris! Could you do a video on how to sing like morrissey and Robert smith?

[@joshuaguerra2651]

Do a breakdown video of Sully Erna from godsmack next please!! A good song example is “I am” and then “I stand alone” ofc

[@finnancahill2644]

Chris you should check out Rory from Dayseeker, I saw them live in Vancouver and he was amazing:)

[@KittyGamer0615]

Breakthrough! I've been trying to sing eddie vedders version of Trouble and it felt absent of emotion and I think it was because i was so tense trying to hit the right notes. I tried this and just played with the lyrics and it sounds so much better

[@blacksilverufa4266]

Hi. today i turn 30.Then i was 3 my older brother throw me metal tube and delete 2 front teeth instantly. since that time i deal with severe neck tension. Now it's fell a lot better. thx For HELP!

[@U.N.763]

Singing is like summoning a demon. Only then you’ll feel and express the song without needing to tense up and u can completely be in the moment by being not in the moment

[@chrisliepe]

Well said!

[@HarutTheBest]

спасибо!

[@Hazenviell]

Thanks for the tips again! So helpful and understandable ! What I found interesting about my voice, that if I try to fry fully relaxed, but I breathing in , It goes so deep and You actually can manipulate with this and SPEAK trough it. But I don't know if there's some useful for my voice , I don't feel distraction or tension . Sometimes using , let's call it reverse fry (cause you need to breath in ) , I can make so dark and scary sounds. Even singing become so strangly spooky. Wanna hear about this from you , Chris =) Is it cool cause it's no damage? Can It help with something? Cause you only need to properly use breathing , like constantly. Anyway , piece! Waiting for the new video

[@MCL_993]

Thank you so much Chris! Every video of yours is gold :) I have a question for you. How important do you consider throat opening to be for you when singing? Is something that a beginner or non-expert should consider to improve?

[@theghostinyourarms]

Not much of an “expert” here but techniques shouldn’t be delayed until you are “better” at singing. If you try a lot of ways and create your own sound with expert techniques, sure you might sound stupid for a while but in the end you will master all of these techniques. Take things at your own pace and dont limit yourself just because you are a beginner.

[@kide9747]

I'm a simple man. I see Thom Yorke, I click

[@zalan9478]

When will the 'discover your voice' enrolls??🙏🏼

[@HyperNova137]

Quick Summary: Get into a chill state by practicing the rock music equivalent of mumble rap. 😁

[@chrisliepe]

hehe yes!

[@PunkOffice1]

I feel I'm using too much tension when trying to engage vocal fry in head voice. I can get glottal compression but I feel like I'm forcing it too much with my throat

[@Bassdriver]

I wish I could do that. Letting go. That's one of the things I've never been able to do.

[@Minunmaani]

Commenting before watching: I love love love my low voice. It is not as much as singing voice, but I feel good when I sing as low as possible. After watching tons of videos from youtube I have learned that I use too much throat if I sing and speak with too low voice to my real voice. *Sadface

[@Minunmaani]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@ashleyjoiner7868]

Hey Chris, could you do a review on Post Malone vocals, if you dare )) If you try to sing like him it's surprisingly difficult . I know there's a bunch of processing , but not all of it

[@sharissabeatty3998]

Man, id love see a breakdown video on vocal range with Halsey.

[@12DisturbedGuy93]

Longtime viewer, thinking of taking the plunge into singing finally. Is your course good for an absolute beginner? I have an ear for pitch but dont know how to sing supported/not from the throat

[@chrisliepe]

It is great for absolute beginners! We start from the very beginning of finding sensations that you need to build a solid foundation and go from there! We actually start with support too!

[@matthewmcqueen5722]

Hey Chris, Love your videos. I had a question. I was watching one of your videos about using software as an input and and aug track to control levels and compression into logic or protools. Does using my interface (UAE Twin Duo) digital mixing board and recording “in” to logic with their plug ins achieve the same thing? Rather then creating an aug channel? Thanks!

[@chrisliepe]

Yes it does the exact same thing!

[@arv7074]

So I understand I have tension because I am singing in keys/notes that don’t fit my vocal range. I was always the background singer and now I am beginning to sing as a lead singer. The problem is: I never figured out what keys/notes I can actually sing in. I don’t know what my lowest and highest keys/notes are. Please help 😭😭😭

[@chrisliepe]

This is the first thing we cover in my course Discover Your Voice! Head to chrisliepe.com to request an invite! :)

[@revelationnrg6265]

can you do a “how to sing like Morrissey” tutorial ? thank you!

[@fikzlabamba]

hey chris, quick question! been watching your videos for a while now, but i haven't picked up a term for this area yet -- i have now found my head voice, although it sounds weak still, i see a lot of potential as i am now training my diaphragm to be able to support it. upon finding all this, i realised i used to sing from my throat, and the way i found that out was by "cracking" my voice. i'm not sure whether you've gone over this already, but after that, i understood i was actually belting out most of my high notes, leaving me defeated by the time i was done practising. as of now, this 'voice break' you get by going from falsetto to chest, i see it as the place where everything happens, very much like kurt cobain, maybe it's a style of singing, but i thought it was quite curious. hopefully you got some videos on this that i have missed out on? cheers for the great content chris ;) have a good one

[@chrisliepe]

You'e absolutely right... The vocal break IS where everything happens and where so many opportunities lie. I've actually done a whole course on it! Here's the link if you want to check it out! www.mymusicalvoice.com/p/the-aggressive-vocalist-s-master-plan-of-attack/

[@nexus701]

Hey Chris, i have a question regarding my vocal issue if you dont mind. so im currently developing my voice to be a better singer, it all went well until i had covid around 2 weeks ago and my throat just kinda full of sticky mucus during that time, and when im trying to belt for hitting higher notes my voice suddenly feels so thin and blocked around the vocal cords, somehow it feels like theres no air to use for hitting the notes, same goes for my mix voice im pretty sure theres nothing wrong with my techniques because i was able to do it properly before. also idk why but i cant even shout or yell properly since then. now im fully recovered from covid and i thought that my voice will also recover but it didnt, do you have any tips or suggestion for me ? thanks a lot chris

[@chrisliepe]

Hey Nexus, sometimes it take time to recover fully from COVID - even if you have no symptoms. Be gentle to your voice and ease back into things and don't force it. Remember our voices are instruments and we need to take care of them so just have fun with it and go gently and before you know it you'll be back to normal!

[@petersoar2886]

I know you probably don’t think about this anymore if you ever did, but was training your tongue not to recoil away from a relaxed and forward position ever part of your journey to getting your technique to where you wanted it?? I’ve been doing that this week and it’s seeming like it was a huge missing link in making the tone I want and being able to control airflow in the way I want. It would be nice to know if this isn’t just a fluke.