the FOUR types of Vocal Distortion (and how to practice them)

Not sure how to get some of those wonderfully distorted vocal sounds? I break down vocal distortion into 4 distinct sensations so that you can learn them quickly and practice them well!
Free Voice Lessons: chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/
#singer #distortion #scream #vocalcoach #analysis #grit

[@chrisliepe]

Get the foundation necessary to sing with distortion. Join my free course! chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/

[@chrisliepe]

There's another video coming soon, but some of you have asked why Chester isn't included here. It's because he uses a combination of several different types to get what he gets. I've done lots of videos on Chester as he happens to be one of my all time favs. But here's a video I did awhile ago on Given Up explaining how he does his screams. Hope you enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5yceYZ8j6eUfKcsi=FWsGeXPK92hcCQ_o

[@SoloDallasII]

I would really love to hear you explain what type of distortion is used by both Axl Rose and Brian Johnson, and why Axl lost his rasp while Brian only got raspier over time.

[@t.l.c7481]

It would be nice to see some females on this list.

[@koivunen2489]

I never thought I'd hear Cookie Monster singing Metallica, but here we are.

[@cygnus6733]

Never thought to hear Rick Sanchez in this video either

[@johnfreund4456]

In the late 80’s early 90’s when the likes of Phil Anselmo made this type of vocalization more widely accessible, we were calling this “Cookie Monster” vocals. And not disparagingly. The thing that’s amazing, is you have to remember that all of these people (we) grew up listening to Frank Oz.

[@B_COOPER]

How to fry: talk like your father is a successful patent lawyer.

[@njc9911]

Fry screaming always came easy to me, and I can do things like subharmonization, but distortion has always eluded me. Thank you for this video

[@heuristix77]

The Lemongrab to Chester transition at 8:15 caught me off guard.

[@HElleaslegh]

I patiently waited for this moment after reading your comment and...holy hell. You nailed it

[@RobertJene]

0:00 - introduction 0:35 - Vocal Fry 2:30 - Compression-based distortion 6:22 - ??? Juicier? More Extreme? 8:53 - The Growl

[@Chariza_rd]

This comment should be pinned! The amount of times I clicked this video and searched for your comment is off the charts haha

[@RobertJene]

@@Chariza_rd lol if I find a good video I make my own doc with my own timestamps 🤔 Because I make KZbin videos, but I don't think everybody has that skill to know where the time stamps should be and what each one should be about 😂

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

I call the third one "vocal break."

[@andruc_ok]

7:49 I love the way he pretends to be surprised for us to understand where to focus when practicing

[@0ut1aw]

I have to wonder if anyone else was in the house/able to hear Chris screaming "PUT ME OUT OF MY MISSEEERRRRRYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

[@arianaj977]

I like to imagine they walked into earshot right as he was doing it before leaning into the distortion, when it REALLY sounded like a cry for help 😂

[@bernardok]

That "scream" is probably not that loud. It sounds loud because of the mic and it sounds full and robust because of the distortion.

[@FatherMurry]

A 'fry' for help... I'll see myself out 👈🏼👈🏼

[@LootFragg]

Not only is this amazingly eloquently taught, I'm getting the vibe that Chris is an amazing nerd to hang with. I have a friend who's constantly testing notes in various opera voices and talks similarly passionately about vocal folds and technique, and it just makes me feel at home. Seeing the little giggles Chris does when he discovers something or has fun with his voice just makes me want to sit on a nearby couch, chew on cookies and smile when he screams, goes "hm, no", then screams some more, for half an hour.

[@chrisliepe]

And that playful experimentation is key in discovering your own unique voice.

[@user-tg7ck3tm1e]

Dear Chris, These small videos has finally made me realise who little force it really takes.. to sound brutal. But also how much you need to train these sensations! You have opened up a world for me, that i have dreamt since i was a teen, and which i have been struggling entering for many many years. Thank you

[@florianfarber1509]

"Be Patient" spoken with compression is so life 😉🤣. Sounds great when spoken with grit.

[@felixschurer6445]

Wow, Chris, what a masterful demonstration, especially at the end, when you show how to combine those 4 types of distortion with each other! Just great!

[@GabiBrooks]

This is gold. Your main points throughout the series condensed in a single video. Hope this gets huge ❤

[@perfectlyGoodInk]

Thank you! That was a much clearer explanation than I've been able to find anywhere else. Here are where the 4 types occur in the video for handy reference: Fry: Corey Taylor (very low frog croaking, remove support, then feed it back in: "revving"): 0:35 Compression: Hetfield and Cornell (withhold air while talking normally, then move it higher in larynx, glottal compression?): 2:32 Fry scream(?): Bennington and Carter (push your break): 6:22 Growl(?): Armstrong and Lawless (talk like Cookie Monster, then push higher in pitch): 8:53

[@invisiblejay7573]

Bro, best vocal theorist ever. The Richard Feynman of human voice. Clear accessible explanations exemplified.

[@SeleckPlays]

Hands-down the best vocal coach on the internet

[@rjr6912]

This lesson I feel is very applicable to voice actors, almost more universally so than singers (many of whom just aren't that interested nonclean singing even though it might be of use to them)

[@Micro-Mangled]

Cookie Monster distortion: the way you explained that made it make sense why I was so much louder than I thought I would be understanding that distortion tends to pull back dBs. While singing songs by vocalists like Blackie Lawless even with all that distortion I still have to hold the mic miles away from my face. Singing Wild Child specifically the only time my dBs dialed back is when hitting the falsetto. But yeah makes sense now that I’ve heard you separate the distortions like that. The other distortions pulled in with Cookie Monster voice throughout to support the sound of the song in general did not pull back on dBs but rather added texture. Thank you.

[@kibocentric]

glad to see mailman being used as an example. my favourite soundgarden song, and it doesn't get the attention it deserves

[@homelanemusicworks3335]

man i can't stress this enough. you are pure gold. a really talented singer, and even more talented tutor. i've been watching you for maybe two years now, and my professional life is basically divided 'before/after Chris Liepe'. you've been a huge help for me and i believe lots of others. keep it up man, you deserve so much more recognition

[@zeldanut08]

I'm here for the "Juicy Breaks"

[@Abdikkk1]

Well, I must say: this here is GOOD stuff. Really widens a view on the nature of the vocal apparatus and sound production techniques. Thanks for what you are doing man!

[@AtomizedSound]

Yeah! Always love your distortion voice lesson vids

[@danmenez]

Great video Chris! The thing I admire in you the most is that everyone can see in you very eyes, that you absolutely love what you do, that's you're so good on what you do. It's a blessing living this way. Cheers pal and happy 2024.

[@terr4c0]

The best and most talented vocal coach, here, on YT.

[@IuliusCurt]

That level of control is so humbling

[@ghilean1174]

You legend. Infinite thanks for your massive help, man. I will keep getting better.

[@immusicallyaddicted226]

This was so helpful, this video helped me realize the scream I have no problems with and that I was actually doing it right. Your videos have been such a help man keep it up!

[@jonwis2183]

Thank you Chris, you`re amazing!!!

[@ElDalai]

This is amazing, constructive content. Awesome Chris! Keep the good stuff coming. We'll be watching!

[@matthewbriggsguitar]

Putting all techniques for distortion in one video makes it much easier to understand the difference. I still struggle with pure compression based distortion, as we've discussed before due to my disability, but I think I've been improving. Method 4 has always been an odd one for me, it stings my throat every time and doesn't give me a good sound. Think I'll avoid that one cause I don't really need it, but this was a great video!

[@bexiexz]

This was perfection! ty

[@user-oy6zm3cv5u]

Best video I’ve seen on vocal distortion - thank you

[@ShiningNorway]

One of your very best videos, brother! Love that doing all of the coordinations and sounds while you explain!

[@kolia3]

Man... your videos help me a lot ! It gave me the confidence to try that sounds without being scared to injured my voice ! A big thank you to help me unlock and discover my real singing voice !!

[@sean16hall3]

Bro best video I’ll probably see all week I laughed and learned lol

[@chrisliepe]

Yay!!! Glad you enjoyed!

[@russellspear6188]

Chris, this is the best video you've made!!!

[@TheFowo]

As always, great video mate, one of few actually helpful vocal coaches on the platform!

[@gugoshow]

Chris is amazing!

[@mah.5704]

This was a fcking awesome hands on description of vocal distortions. I'm very impressed not only of how you describe them but how you manage to present the transitions in a practical way. You have great vocal control. Thank you for this!

[@alexhomann7648]

Omg that is so damn helpful! Thank you!

[@roman_ardy]

Amazing video! I'm studying extreme vocals for a year, doing only compressed distortion (as I know now). This vid will definitely bring me to the next level. Thanks a lot!

[@goljom]

It'll be usefull to a lot of aspiring singers, well done Chris !

[@jaypaduadesigns]

This is so good! will practice this

[@matless5245]

As always chris great video . I really appreciate your explanation of the different technique with example 😊 . Keep up the good work

[@aripenner6425]

I've been trying to figure out how to scream for over two years now, and somehow, after countless videos from dozens of channels, i somehow got it while playing around with the techniques shown in this video. Thank you so much, and keep up the awsome content!

[@The_Man_Who_Sold_the_World.]

How are things now?

[@aripenner6425]

@@The_Man_Who_Sold_the_World. pretty good!

[@toadmagesage6499]

I just started my journey into making music as a vocalist who always did it for fun but actually trying to make music now. THANK YOU for all of your videos. Very inspiring and good teaching lessons. I feel that there's never enough practice for one's voice

[@Taylorclassicbullies]

You have a incredible voice my brother

[@6p00l]

Excellent video !

[@andrewupton399]

Thanks for the video! I hope to see more Corey Taylor analysis/how to videos in the future. His yells/screams are something else. (And yes I've seen your vocal breakdown videos already for him. I just can't get enough lol).

[@tiagoc9754]

Good timing. I was just practicing distortion right now

[@NonnyStrikes]

Your + vibes make your channel! Love your passion brother.

[@LukeAndGilRandolph]

This has to be one of the best vocal tutorials I’ve ever seen

[@stephenarthur5163]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 Thank you!

[@rafaelmartinsdecastro7641]

This is gold

[@EllaSilentDragon]

This was fun… as well as difficult but also mainly fun! 😊❤

[@terrywright6500]

You took me back with the clips of Sam recording for Hollow Crown. I loved those studio diaries

[@MrSatoou]

Awesome!

[@Taylorclassicbullies]

I just started vocal lessons yesterday your voice is amazing I am a baritone and you give me inspiration to hit them high notes brother

[@Taylorclassicbullies]

Thank you for responding back to me brother I am 55 years old I have been singing pretty much in the shower most of my life but now I have a microphone and some speakers trying to get some control over this Bad ass voice of my own

[@MartinRonky]

This was very useful thanks

[@Cool_mist]

Wow i do this on regular basis. I have taken vocal classes. I didn't know this was thing. I need to refine it. Thanks man 👍

[@taylorashton2442]

Just joined a pantera cover band. This is exactly what I was looking for. Had a few rehearsals and I get pretty rough after a few hours of singing pantera tunes. A bit worried about our first show.

[@Drenius]

Hi Chris, I just want say how awesome you are! I've been watching your channel for years now and trying to absorb everything before having the proper training, but for a bit over a year I started taking vocal classes, and I started learning distortion a bit over a month ago, came back to this video right now (after finally having a better understand of support, fry and false chord engagement), and I was able to access the Chester Bennington scream for the first time ever, AND even maintain it for a bit without fking up my throat, that's amazing! I hope I'm able to sit by your side as your student eventually, I'm sure I'd evolve like crazy.

[@grigoriidifero]

Damn you're good!

[@lararomao3786]

Eu precisava tanto desse vídeo ❤

[@triggztriggah4985]

thanks for adding up idea on what I am currently doing

[@johnfreund4456]

If there’s one thing I’ve gotten out of Chris’s videos is playful experimentation as a path (THE path?) to getting the head out of the throat. Let the body do the talking.

[@QuikVidGuy]

This is a really good guide for not scratching up my throat when I try to add texture. I've been stabilizing way too high in my chest because I didn't trust myself to reach higher notes with a lower placement.

[@darrenmetal3338]

This is a must watch for vocalists out there.

[@sloppy_slime]

thanks man

[@LucaMolteni84]

This guy is a legend

[@jasonspalding2929]

You give such practical help with informative examples, it's so easy to grasp what you're saying and then mimic. You should be a vocal coach.

[@chrisliepe]

haha... thanks! Have you joined my free course linked in the video description yet?

[@jasonspalding2929]

I have now. Anybody else watching these videos needs to do the same.

[@lisalegato0109]

Thank you!!!!

[@dgtlnatives2374]

This is more helpful than most others on the topic of vocal distortion

[@francescogiorgiannimetaldr9189]

Very interesting!!

[@jagshrapnel]

Nice breakdown! Your lessons have taught me so much. Can you do a breakdown on Prince's scream? Like on 'It' and 'Darling Nikki'

[@bernstock]

Favourite episode

[@TheRealJayguar]

Thanks for making it look fun. My family had me committed so they didn’t quite see it this way but at least I’m trying. 😂

[@sVieira151]

Would you say Devin's signature scream is the same as techique 3 but perhaps with different vowel/mouth placement (and lots of reverb)? I feel like the harmonic overtones he produces are quite unique, or at the very least different to Chester and Sam

[@porvannyestruny]

Your ability to be variable is so amazing! I can do compression type distortion in my mid-high chest register, but it's not very comfortable yet Also I can do pretty easily cornell type of sound in my mixed voice, especially in a4-c#5 area, but chester-like and Noah Sebastian-like screams are f**king mystery for me. Definitely will try your advices tomorrow

[@antoniocoffa1144]

Forgot I was halfway thru this video and when I opened up KZbin, while in an automotive parts store, full volume Chris with Compression high voice kicks in 😂😂😂

[@DeadSea1109]

8:20 welcome to Cris Liepe Out Of Context video.

[@user-dl7un4re9n]

Great topic and lesson here. Appreciate it much!!! Would like to see you review vocal singing from Jens Kidman from Meshuggah. His vocal technique evolved so much from the first album until the latest one.

[@renethomsen6636]

This is top notch entertainment🤣 and at the same time learning something🤓

[@franciscomejia3608]

Gracias por tus videos, muy buen analisis y consejos! Podrías analizar la técnica de Aimee Allen, la cantante de The interrupters!?

[@victortomaili7793]

Hi, I'm a fan of your videos. Thank you for your knowledge. I'm only uncertain about the cookie monster type of distortion, in previous videos you said it was bad for the voice, that scream singing should feel higher in the throat rather than lower. In fact when I try the cookie monster type of distortion I feel discomfort in my larings.

[@benturner9877]

I was thinking the same thing

[@davidcanaandaniel]

I would add 5th rattle technique distortion... it seems like an easier way to scream and scream itself make perfect blend with clean vocals... And because of rattle technique, you getting access to dual vocal engagement, meaning your regular voice more relaxed when you use rattle technique... And it's easier to distort rattle and make it into the scream...

[@Poetslove]

Great video as always Chris! It seems you've got such control over these techniques that it's just like you're turning on/off a guitar pedal.

[@chrisliepe]

Practice, patience and lots of introspection about the different sensations I feel! I can help you with this!!

[@Poetslove]

@@chrisliepe You already are Chris! I'm currently going through your "Discover your voice" course and learning a ton.

[@13flaws18]

Great vid as always. There’s an Aussie band from the 90s called “the mavis’s. The scream that the dude does on the track “naughty boy” is something else. Would love to hear your take on it

[@Jacksonnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Sounds like a head voice fry scream to me

[@MishiaEatingUnicorn]

Great video! I recently discovered another technique to make that Chester-like pitch scream. I pick a high note and I first start with a basic pitchless fry scream (but with the pitch in my mind) and then I gently try to layer the clean note on it. Sounds brutal! But works only if your fry scream is strong, sometimes when I'm tired or stressed or whatever and my fry is not that full as usually, it doesn't sound that good.

[@riggz5496]

I know you said it's good to sound silly to practice these sounds but the transition at 3:56 made me laugh out loud xD

[@spacekhan6924]

You're the best

[@MarcyRavenManji]

Hey Chris! Love your videos! I have a suggestion, and it might be a strange one, hehe. I wanna know how to do the crazy sounds that the zombies in Left 4 Dead 2 do, most of which were voiced by Mike Patton, Dee Bradley Baker, and another voice actor I unfortunately don't remember the name of 😅. I think it would be really sick!!

[@user-tq8vt8jn8e]

Could you make a video on Chad Kroeger's distortion technique? I feel as though his tembre/tone is very unique and he has that gravelly quality to it.

[@alexcampos7953]

Hey Chris! You can approach the Janis Joplin distortion by using the mucous membrane, this would be a different sound than the 4 you have there! Also, maybe you wanna talk about it some day, mixing different distortions for hybrid ones can generate very different effects!

[@unkagug1169]

+1,000 points for mentioning Blackie Lawless

[@nateckert2424]

Just joined the course man, decided a couple of days ago that I’m gonna start making metal music

[@kakashi1090]

Yo Chris! Great video as always. I'd be really curious to see your thoughts on the styles of artists like Avatar and Sworn In. Your content covers a lot of mid-high range screams but I haven't seen a whole lot on the lower end and how those singers are using these techniques to reach lower pitches.

[@MetalMitAlex]

The last kind of distortion is the basis of the deep gutturals of the vocalist Travis Ryan of the band Cattle Decapitation. Taking the "voice" out and compressing the distortion alone and sometimes pressing the tounge at the roof of the mouth to create a different sounding resonance.

[@neck0fthewoods]

You are an absolute godsend, thank you!! My neighbours hate me now.