How Do You Sing from the Diaphragm? - Breathing for Singing - Vocal Myths Exposed

[@user-or4eu9xq1y]

This is the most informative and realistic video I've seen for this topic. Nobody explained or demonstrated like you did and its super helpful . I wish I would've found this video before. Because I kind of ended up figuring it out on my own by watching closely to how people sing and stuff and different techniques I can see them doing. But this is exactly how I ended up thinking how it goes to sing from the diaphragm. thanks;

[@jadapearl3895]

Omg! This video made THE most sense out of all the others. Thank you so much!

[@destinyadriana]

This literally has been the only video that allowed me to understand breathing for singing. Thank you. Bless you. Love you for this Xoxo

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

You are so welcome!

[@gatlinnikolas6794]

i know Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@TylerMilesMusic]

Thank you for your video. By you saying "controlled exhale," my whole perspective changed. People teach the same technique although don't explain it in this manner. I realized I have made it a habit to exhale all my air too soon, creating my vocals folds to not connect as they should. Thanks again for the video!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Yes! The feeling of controlled exhale is KEY. It's so hard to explain and much easier to show and feel for yourself in your own body once you catch the feeling. Thanks for stopping by and adding to the discussion. :)

[@Razhali]

I grew up with a very weak diaphram so to strengthen it, I practiced as much I could holding my breathe. I would suck in from stomache (not my my nose or throat) and hold it for at least 1 minute. This ended up helping me conrol longer notes and feel the activity of the diaphram. I also strengthened my stomache muscels by singing in odd ways. Riding a bike (up hill and straight roads) swinging on swings, walking, running, on my stomache, on my back, and even sitging. I even paid attention to famouse singers voices and how they sing a song and where the pause. I'm an a capella singerm sadly I can not sing with background music yet cause I can not read music. Never had a music teacher or choir :(

[@imaginingari5694]

Rashelley Morgan I think I have a weak diaphragm too, my throat often hurts when I sing

[@TotalSinging]

of course I watched the whole thing before I responded. I meant to even stop uttering the phrase "sing from the diaphragm" and to to do a slight revision of the comment that we can't consciously control the abdominal diaphragm. Every time we hold a long note we are controlling its upward motion by rationing the pressure created by the core muscles. It was meant as a minor revision of your statement NOT a repudiation of your knowledge or expertise. I'm glad people like you are out there.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Yes, while singing we always want to be holding back some of our breath, We sing on the pressure or that cushion of air.

[@Americanstu]

I have watched a lot of videos from different teachers about how to use the diaphragm but this is the first that helped me to make the connection from the hissing exercises to actually creating the singing sound. Thank you. I will continue to watch your videos.

[@Beattles007]

OMG!! I have been studying classical music for 5 years, and have never understood about how to use the diafragm while I sing. Thanx to u I understood about it!!! Thanx a loot!

[@johnmermigas]

When learning the saxophone 40 years ago breathing from the diaphragm was the first thing I learned. Simply it was pushing your stomach out while inhailing, basically a different way to breath. Nice tuturial, John M.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Appogio means, "to lean" and it is exactly what I am teaching here. We are cultivating awareness and control of the full feeling in the rib cage on the exhale. It does feel like we are leaning forward at our solar plexus with this method.

[@zoeva7]

OMG! Thankss I couldn't understand how to use my diaphram! I'm going to try it! (I'm subscribing thanks a lot! It comes handy because I'm starting my career as a gospel singer)

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Jaremee Z. Vargas I love hearing this! Thanks for letting me know.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

The power comes from the breath energy from the diaphragm but resonance also comes from tuning the vowels, maximizing forward "placement" or "ping" and relaxing the muscles of the face, neck and throat. It's really a combination of several factors.

[@Beulah65]

I have wanted to learn to sing for a long time, and at least a few people have told me that I have a nice voice. But I know that my voice isn't very strong because I don't know how to sing correctly. My mom was a wonderful singer, but she just never got around to teaching me. This instruction is amazing! Thank you so much! I'm practicing now! :)

[@gaetanagrey2686]

I just wanted to say that I have been singing across the country in a rock/soul/punk group and I have had no lessons in vocals. Everything I watched on youtube or was explained to me was so confusing because I could never find my diaphragm. Even if you never read this, you have just helped me in the most remarkable way. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

You actually can feel the action in both places. Most people can feel the "push" more clearly in the solar plexus. And yes, you can use legato instead of staccato. Staccato is easier to feel at first but as you gain control and awareness, you can change it up and challenge yourself.

[@ragnarkisten]

Thank you! You are one of few teachers that makes it clear that the diaphragm isn't something you can control. The diaphragm is for inhalation only!

[@brianlassiter9949]

Fortunately, I was taught all the correct breathing techniques from the beginning. I'm so glad that so many singers (and others I'm sure) have been helped by this.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

You were very fortunate to have had great teachers. Not everyone is so lucky. Thanks for stopping by and adding to the discussion. :)

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Yes! That's it! Keep practicing. It's a subtle feeling but once you "get" it, your singing will improve in every way.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Yes! Singing well is mostly technique. It's hard to be expressive and creative if you are struggling with the basics. Some lucky people learn to sing naturally but for most of us, lessons will help our voices blossom and become more beautiful. Even "natural" singers can benefit from lessons, especially if they aspire to a career.

[@KevinMooreFan33]

Hi! Virtual Wave 🖐️🖐️🖐️🖐️🖐️🖐️ If you lay flat on the floor, flat on your back, it helps to open your throat properly and breath correctly. So if you pay attention to everything that's happening, while you are singing, laying on the floor, then concentrate on mimicking all of those dynamics while your standing up, it helps a lot. Great tutorial!!!! 💝💝💝💝💝💝

[@monicabeal7762]

This is a great video! She reminds me of my first vocal coach. He was the best vocal coach I have had so far. R.I.P. Dr. Moss. Miss You!!1

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Monica Beal Oh, thank you for such a great compliment. It sounds like you had a wonderful teacher!

[@princess_tamia_25]

When your Drama Teacher used to be a Choral Director! 🤪This is honestly my life! 😂💓“Vocal warm ups with nonstop laughter, “VOCALS COME FIRST!”, “You should feel it in your belly.” Mrs.Kufchak 💕

[@stavros25466]

so we inhale and then as we sing we contract our abdominal wall abs solar plexus etc and keep stady air flow?why many teachers say tha we should pull our belly in as we sing?thanks

[@mikedonovan4768]

I don't normally write comments, but needed to express my gratitude for your videos. You manage to give amazingly useful advice within the time span of your videos. Very generous of you to do this. Thank you very, very much !! xx

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

+Mike Donovan Thank you! It's my pleasure. :D

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Basically. You are learning to hold back the air and keep the expanded feeling in the ribs while you sing or exhale.

[@elijaguy]

This is a great lesson. I have been looking for a good explanation of this for many years, and this is the first time that I understand it (or at least I think I do). 3:12 is a landmark. If I got it right, we need to learn to re-organize the order of action when producing a cultivated vocal sound: The low ribs are the last to join: upper ribs push the air down, abdominal muscles push the diaphragm up, and the lower ribs keep the tension of the diaphragm under control. Yes it works! DAAAAAAAA...

[@Erikthegreat08]

The BEST explanation I've ever heard of the diaphragms role in singing! Bravo!!! I'm studying speech-language pathology and voice disorders so I know about the anatomical and physiological components of vocal production. You are a godsend in the realm of singing :) I appreciate your knowledge, your talent and your wonderful spirit.

[@jessdubose188]

This is fantastic. Thank you! I am working with some vocalists at church and I will be sending them this video.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Jessica DuBose Thanks for your support. I so appreciate it. :)

[@jessdubose188]

You're welcome.

[@winterfoxx6363]

You are such a great teacher. One of the best on KZbin and the web. So clear and to the point. And concrete.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Thank you!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

You may not be used to the influx of oxygen. Some people get dizzy when they first experience such full breaths. Keep practicing and you will get used to it. Swimming, yoga and any exercise which used deep breathing can help as well.

[@missunderstoodmaniac]

this made me smile. I play instruments so a lot of this was familiar, but I've never taken singing lessons before, so to take singing seriously is a slightly different world for me. I like your trampoline analogy and I also like how you're not afraid to demonstrate the silliness of how not to sing. (:

[@Quanner1]

ok after trying it for a few times today, i decided to get a physical look of the body. i see my placement of my fingers was off a bit and thats why i had trouble feeling the pushing. i can feel a sensation of a outward pushing still and if this is what your talking about, i believe im on the right track.

[@michaelcraig9449]

Everyone on youtube says to do this. NO ONE says how, or how to check to make sure it is happening. Is your abdominal muscles supposed to go out, when a person breathes in? Then back in, when the breath is breathed out? Also, same with the open throat thing..How does one do this, and make sure they are singing correctly?

[@thisisime6118]

Thank you so much!! This is very detailed:) helped me a lot ♡

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

It does have that effect, especially when you first learn the technique. Just make sure you keep the ribs open and expanded on the exhale.

[@stickittoya1981]

this is probably the best youtube video about using diaphragm in singing! thank you very much!

[@TashyTilly]

this is really good! i was told to breath through my tummy and i could never hold a note for long and after doing your excerises, even straight away it made a massive difference with hholding notes longer and i even sang a tad higher than usual :)

[@jeffrey3498]

Awesome explanation! I stumbled upon this myself and my singing dramatically improved. I didn't research it until after I had discovered it, which is sort of backwards. Thanks!

[@Makena091]

When I sing now, I can really feel how strong my ribs are, and how I rarely ever run out of breath. Thanks!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

You need to keep your ribs extended and open on the exhale; don't let the ribs collapse. You want to maintain pressure in the lungs, while you exhale (sing). It's a feeling you first need to get used to before you can learn greater control.

[@SBKtvMUSIC]

A really good explanation of what the diaphragm is and how it relates to improving your singing.

[@THESONICSPELL]

Dear mamI am learning singing and doing practice for 3 months almost regularly every day. I spend about two hours daily as follows: I drink 4-5 glasses of water and start practice with a VOCAL warmup using humming etc. for 15-25 minutesThen I start practicing scales for 30 min to 1 hour minimum.Then I sing my favorite songs for about an hour. The problem I am facing is that my voice is not getting stronger and it cracks a lot. I feel pain in throat every day when I start practice. Then after warm up it gets a little bit better but I never had a relaxed throat. Sometimes I feel some pain in the VOCAL CHORDS. I have tried everything I could such as Gargles, different types of herbal tea with lemon, ginger and honey, different lozenges in the market such as, Strepsils, Thayers, etc., and also ASPIRIN TABLETS. I donot get a permanent relief and voice keeps on cracking when I sing. My questions are:How can I have a string voice without any cracks?What remedies would you recommend?Any medicines?Shall I continue practice? Will it improve the situation or it will get worse?Did you have any student like me in the past and how did he/she overcome this situation of sore throat and cracking voice. Some times I take a vocal rest for a day or two but still it stays the same when I start again. Your help will be highly appreciated.Very best regards

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

@Chaos2285 Hi Josh, It's hard to say what is happening with your sore sides without seeing you. It shouldn't "hurt" but your body may be getting used to how it feels. A couple things to keep in mind: 1. Make sure you are using good posture. You must be standing or sitting upright for everything to work correctly. I just uploaded a video on posture so check it out! 2. Don't push or strain. It should be comfortable but not tense. It's a fine line but that is the challenge of singing!

[@VanIslandLights]

So informative, thank you! I (and I'm sure many others) had a very vague idea of what singing from the diaphragm really entailed, and didn't fully understand the difference that resistance makes.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

"...broadway style so I can hit those nice high notes in my chest voice..." You are talking about belting. It's a technique for singing the edgy, bright high notes used in pop, rock, R&B and Broadway styles.

[@rinorenarino]

This is the first diaphragm video I've EVER understood and have kinda been able to follow along and feel. Thanks so much. I'm not good at all at singing but I do enjoy singing (to myself) just cuz. Maybe someday I'll be able to not embarrass myself in front of others.

[@LadyWriter1968]

I find another good thing for practise to. Take the breath and sing in any key, E and A and choose other notes, but sing like E on 4 beats a bar, then 2 beats using the same breath but stopping it, like E 1234 stop, you hang on to some breath and then A 1234 stop you still have part breath left, that helps to.

[@elfhermie]

Saying to speak from the diaphragm is like saying to sing from the gall bladder or baby toe or a certain hair follicle. It's too abstract. If you say, grab a pen by putting your fingers together, sure no sweat. It's things like diaphragm talk, vowel and nose/lips/breathing exercises, and parroting scales and patterns that make learning to sing impossible for many. Some people (most) need concrete and tangible lessons like working on actual songs and trying to see different ways at work.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

I totally agree. Wonderful graphics, too.

[@montexan1405]

Thank you for your videos. Amazing teacher and a timeless beauty. Sincerely Female country singer in Nashville TN

[@AAnthonystudio617]

Omg you helped so much , what got me was the part where you did the hisses I found the diaphragm now I must learn vibrato

[@vocalpoweruk]

Nicely done Valerie. Like you say, this can be a confusing issue for singers and you explained it very clearly - love the unicorn analogy :)

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

You're so very welcome. I'm glad that my videos have helped you!

[@brianlassiter9949]

Very good lesson and exercises. It might be good, however, to note that the diaphragm is an entirely involuntary muscle that breathes for you, so that you don't have to consciously think "breathe in, breathe out," or die in your sleep. (free info: diaphragmatic spasms are known as hiccups) I learned that from reading books in the third grade or so. Claude Gordon, the famous trumpet player/teacher, had doctors use x-ray and fluoroscopic technology to verify this in live playing. Not one musician was able to consciously affect the diaphragm in any manner. It would, at some point, eventually "pop" into a new position. Focusing on the diaphragm area during musical breathing is great because it brings together all of what you are teaching here, technique-wise. Don't mean to be a wet rag - your teaching is excellent. This is just a pet peeve of mine because I figured if I knew it as an 8 year old child, surely grownups would know, too!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Hi Brian, I am well aware that the diaphragm is an involuntary muscle and I state this quite clearly in this lesson. That's also why I have titled this video, "How Do You Sing from the Diaphragm - Vocal Myths Exposed". We sing and speak from the diaphragm every day! But the issue for singers and wind and brass players is to learn how to "hold back the breath" while using a controlled exhale. Taking breaths consciously is also key to singing well. Even though we breath normally without thought, when singing music requiring long legato phrasing and/or high tessitura, more conscious and controlled breath is definitely required if we are going to sing such music successfully. But thanks for your comments.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

@Keysforge When some people first learn this technique, they experience dizziness because their bodies are not accustomed to the increase in oxygen. Deep breathing brings in more oxygen which is good for your body in many ways besides just singing! Just keep practicing and your body will adjust.

[@daniloadomaitis]

Very nice video! Such a difficult subject for teachers since you can't actually demonstrate 100% where the diaphragm is or how it actually works in a tridimensional way! But you managed to clarify a lot for me. Thanks!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Danilo Adomaitis Thank you!

[@sumedhshindey]

luvd the video. .thnx for such an amazing explanation .. the best and the most helpful on youtube so far !

[@cariemac9379]

Excellent video---you answered all my questions! Thanks for posting!

[@hayleestacey8558]

THANK YOU ! Finally someone who can help me ! You explained everything I needed to know , now I can do it ! Not the best but I'm working on it 😊 thank you so much for your help ! I'm subscribing

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Awesome! I am so glad that this has helped you!

[@RaymondSolo]

Good info here, I've also found that having a good since of rhythm/timing helps to breath properly and that is the key to having air when you need it.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

It does help to open up the lungs and breathing but you still need to learn how to "hold back" the air. But it's a great start!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

@Iteachseeng Thank you for the compliment. I have designed this series for the beginning singer but I hope even experienced singers and teachers will gain greater understanding of technical concepts from these videos. My intent is to keep the technical language as simple as possible while helping singers learn the correct "feeling" of proper technique.

[@texnwien]

Great video and advice, thank you very much for sharing! Can't wait to watch more!

[@imaginingari5694]

I always feel like I’m speaking and singing from my throat and my throat often hurts, anyone else?

[@ragnarkisten]

That is because the sound production is made in your throat. If it is hurting, you have either a constantly soar throat, or you have too much air pressure on your vocal cords.

[@ekkiazure]

That was very instructive! By far the best video on the diaphragm I've ever watched. Thank you!

[@Quanner1]

So basically miss what you are saying is that we need a sensation of a deep strong feeling from the base ribs, which are near the diaphragm? i guess im doing it right its just im having a bit of trouble finding the bottom ribs and seeing it they are strong like you said. ive just came upon your series and have made good progress, my only thing is with the s sound im not really seeing much push from the solar plexus.

[@violetflower2770]

I breathe well naturally but when it comes to singing I can't control my breathing but this lesson absolutely helped me,, thank you so much ;)

[@ragnarkisten]

I wish someone would have explained this to me when I started singing. I was taught that support has to do with some sort of "strain" or muscular work in your tummy area, but it is nothing of the sort. It is the inhalation and keeping the "apparatus" widened that matters. You could do this in different ways. The tummy breath. You breath into the belly and keep it out throughout your phrase. Or you could use the rib cage. Breath in and the ribs goes out to each side and stay that way. OR you could also to a combination of the two. Personally I am doing something slightly different. I use the rib cage (or intercostal) breath, and involve the lower region of the back in the breath. So whilst singing I can really feel the sides of my lower back expanding, at the same time as my rib cage out to each side, AND the "solar plexus" region is elevated. Whoo gets complicated there. If I am sitting however, I cannot activate the ribs, hence I need to use a belly breath.

[@TaylorSwiftFan99191]

omg this helped me soooooooooooo much! thank you!!

[@lloydmunga4961]

Without that back pressure of air , higher notes out of your natural range are not possible there's a flipping point where you go from chest to mixed or head tone ...and that back pressure is what I would call the support mechanism for the high notes

[@lloydmunga4961]

The diaphragm is an involuntary muscle ... it's like saying you can feel your pancreas .. but you can feel it's effects in the lungs ...when you totally fill your lungs, then try to get more air in , you feel the EFFECT of the diaphragm ... the control of letting out air you would feel the effect again by pressure in your upper chest so: Breathing in you feel it below the solarvokexus Breathing out you feel it at or above the solar plexus And when you need the extra pressure for higher notes it comes from below gets regulated by the diagram so you don't blow your vocal chords

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Thanks for the comment, Llyod! I'm glad to hear from you! :)

[@METALOZON]

Breath with your belly [aka diaphragm breathing]. When you inhale or exhale do not move your chest at all. That's how we used to breath when we where babies, or when sleeping, naturally, the normal way. Just the belly and the sides muscles must expand and contract. The chest must remain still. It will take some time to get used to breathing normally again. Moving the chest is an unnecessary effort. That's what I got from all the lessons I've seen. I hope it helps.

[@goldivox50]

I'm with you on the first part. You might also add that the diaphragm is an involuntary breathing muscle. But, "breath energy"? Everyone seems to ignore the preparation of the throat and thyroid cartilage in the discussion of breath as it relates to singing. It simply is not taught, yet most important to the way the breath works in good singing.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

+Don White Thanks for the feed back. I think if you watch the video again you will hear me say that no one can control the diaphragm because it is not under our conscious control. (This is the same thing as an involuntary muscle.) We are using different words to help people create the correct feeling. But you are correct in that a relaxed and open inhale is key. I have several other videos about breathing on my channel where I address these other issues.

[@Quanner1]

Ok good, what I noticed was when I start the note, a pushing out feeling happened and if I needed alto hit a higher note more breath was needed.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Did you watch my video? That's why I have this subject under "Vocal Myths Exposed". Vocal pedagogues love to wax poetic on whatever cool words are currently "in style" but I have found that such discussions creates division among teachers and confusion and/or boredom in most students. Anatomical and physiological information is important and helpful but only so we can visualize the proper action combined with the correct feeling.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Sing gently. If you are trying for too much volume, especially as you learn, you will sacrifice the length of time you can hold the notes.

[@SBKtvMUSIC]

A really great explanation of what the diaphragm is and how it works. I'm going to recommend my own students watch your presentation:)

[@MrsDracoLaufeyson]

Thank you, this was so helpful! :)

[@nicetwin71]

Great breakdown on how the diaphragm works!

[@regginaldbel]

thanks! it gave me tip for when i go on stage soon in august! :) i gotta practice now.

[@Nachobuns12]

Thank you! You helped me so much

[@Chaos2285]

thanks for the message i think im actually starting how to do it right now been practising !!!!

[@Corgipear]

Wow that was amazing, I really understand the concept and idea now! After looking through so many videos, this one helped so much. Thank you! :D

[@auctionmusic]

A jet engine, auto, etc will not work right without proper pressure air intake, so it makes sense to power the cords one needs pressure behind the cords. Too much and they "blow out"..too little and they dont function. What I do is breath in without expanding my chest upwards, without raising my shoulders...by letting the stomach expand out..this gets the air deep into the lungs. Then I do a slightpush with my stomach inwards, which pushes upwards on the D and my voice is much in control.

[@Joeyfistrocksaz]

Wow! Your video was very helpful with my singing. I am a hard rock singer, I cover allot of power rock and the hisses, and breathing exercises have helped me. :)

[@oxkaseyxo]

Great video and explanation! Thanks!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

I teach in Seattle but I offer on-line lessons, too.

[@TotalSinging]

well not quite - the upper rib muscles called the "intercostals" should be upheld on exhalation so they don't push down on the lungs. Frontal abdominals have no effect on breath compression - the rectus abdominus muscles do.

[@LadyWriter1968]

I understand because if you let the air out to quickly you have ran out of air by the time you have finished that note or sentence so there is no air left thus the struggle to reach the note or last part of sentence, its like talking and running out of breath so you find yourself struggling

[@trino1100]

This was very helpful... thank you. keep up the good work.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Some coaches and voice teachers don't really understand this information, either. Could be more like many. But in your case, I would do what you know works regardless of what your teacher said. Say yes, but do it the way you know is right. I have worked with singers who had good teachers in high school, but then their college teachers weren't as knowledgable. Then they had to find someone to fix their technique. If that doesn't work, than maybe a new coach is in order.

[@little.wing.]

I've beatboxed as a hobby for a long time and I can do that hiss noise so loud it hurts my taste buds. Very similar feeling to drinking something too hot.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Interesting. I haven't worked with too many beatboxers but I am guessing you really need to have great breath energy to do it well. Thanks for stopping by and adding to the discussion. :)

[@jasonbondy6406]

Best explanation I've heard on this - very helpful! I've subscribed and appreciate you taking the time to make these instructional videos! :-)

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

+Jason Bondy Thank you!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

I would work on these exercises in the middle voice until you feel it's correct and then move into the high notes. If your throating is hurting, your either not using enough support or singing too heavy or both.

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Thank you!

[@VocalSplendorStudios]

Yes. You let some breath out but hold most of it back, like a dam. We sing on the pressure that we create in the lungs and not just the air. The goal is to learn how to control the pressure and use it consciously and with control, like using the gas pedal on a car.

[@5906me]

Really I like your advices... I think I can follow...Thanks for supporting..!

[@JinxWilson]

You are the bee's knees, lady.

[@Chaos2285]

Best video on singing ever !!!