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

Free Voice Lessons: chrisliepe.com...
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!

[@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.

[@dariuKr]

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..

[@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.

[@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

[@melanyxmartinx6151]

omg yes i said the same to my singing teacher !

[@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.

[@bobleglob162]

Probably the funniest vocal lesson I've ever seen.

[@cubensic]

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

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

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

[@francesprendergast1721]

Oooof you're totally right, 'fear' is not too strong a word. I have chronic facial pain due to a highly sensitive nervous system that's sensing danger pretty much all the time. The first thing the body does when faced with a perceived threat is tense up, like you said. It's autonomic. Fear and creativity go hand in hand as creativity is so vulnerable and so close to our hearts that it IS a risk to engage with it. I've found lately in my singing practice that I can afford to give much less effort (tension) when I sing through mimicking other singers and getting into their character. I didn't realise how much tension I was still holding until I tried embodying other performers, trying to achieve a more relaxed sound and throw-away delivery.

[@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

[@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!

[@theonetruetim]

I have made a choice: to be nice, here, and here, alone. [Starting now] Not least of which cuz "I do it to myself" i do... The rest of the internet can burn. [I didnt start the fire] Point being: The lessons we learn here are heavy and practical. What a rare effect! [I'll take it!] Chris - you are so dang lovable and awesome. I am moved by music [and life] so often - that crying happens frequently. {often because of powerful emotions, not simply sorrow] This has taught me to compartmentalize when singing [ironic, no?] because of this very real physiologically limiting affect. I figured this would be an appropriate place to note such.... [metaphor a many] I so appreciate how you present these lessons and you - as a person. thanks for being exactly the rock star you are, sir! Here to learn and appreciate [therefor - helpful appreciation alone I will now offer] Because "I have -not- been paying attention" [Hail to the Thief is such a great album] -hope that 'not' got crossed out. lol

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@H4nik0rei]

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

[@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!

[@ghoctav]

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

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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! :)

[@luisfernandomoralesoscoy3377]

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

[@Bassdriver]

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

[@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

[@frandcisco1091]

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

[@dystopia2386]

7:46 Exercise you can practice in public transportation.

[@TheGuitarDojo]

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

[@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 :)

[@Erfanmusic11]

great help for my voice! thank you so much🔥🔥

[@brandontruong162]

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

[@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.

[@marcoarriagadadiaz9183]

Amazing bro. Still waiting for the Luis Miguel analysis

[@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.

[@MattRhodes_Music]

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!

[@altheaattard9773]

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

[@maxx.mazzeo]

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

[@dead_rivals29]

Your voice sounds amazing

[@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!

[@artcancera2577]

Your voice it's so good

[@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.

[@jonathanvee9649]

this is very insightful chris, thank you for sharing!

[@mrs.featherbottom5901]

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

[@aaronmare4467]

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

[@chrisliepe]

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@callumcrow7830]

Needed this so bad! York playlist next

[@Losttracks2]

This video came at the perfect time. Thank you!

[@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

[@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 :) !!

[@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.

[@ryanleemartin7758]

You are the best, man.

[@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

[@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.

[@afternoonbears6989]

Love your analogy!

[@jacobsellars933]

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

[@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

[@Aenigmakil]

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

[@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.

[@jeromiegiesser8926]

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

[@chrisliepe]

Haha! That would be hilarious

[@TVForFree7063]

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

[@DF.27]

Thanks bro. Appreciate it. 🎶🌱

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

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

[@fatimalago8784]

Somehow I get what you are doing but it's still hilarious ...reminds me of me messing with my friends lol ❤️

[@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 !!

[@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!

[@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.

[@HZIEI]

Thank you for your work Chris

[@chrisliepe]

You’re welcome!

[@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

[@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

[@tristanzimmermann6365]

DAMN, my man's got pipes

[@kide9747]

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

[@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!

[@BasedBowlCutEnjoyer]

🤔

[@DocTravis87]

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

[@tinhemingway6036]

Legend🤘

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@zalan9478]

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

[@oshada]

Holy shit. This video basically explains why certain types of non-neurological stuttering happen - and the way to improve

[@chrisliepe]

Ha nice!!

[@eventheoddss]

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

[@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!

[@finnancahill2644]

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

[@amirpeymani8763]

Loveee your work

[@lukassuchan9339]

That finally unblocked me. Thank you very much!

[@TheRealJonnyLaw]

Ty so much for fhis video sir!!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@timobatana6705]

Awesome video bro. Thank you

[@HyperNova137]

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

[@chrisliepe]

hehe yes!

[@sharissabeatty3998]

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

[@brookehornback1896]

Very interesting.

[@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.

[@cozmos21]

Chris «Master» Liepe

[@aaravheroraina729]

Chris I recently had a speech therapy after hurting my voice and I kind of lost my range my raspiness my endurance and basically the power and the resonance of my singing voice... can your course help me out figuring out these again and build a solid voice? I am doing the breathing exercises and scales assigned by my teacher so can I do Discover Your Voice alongside ?

[@chrisliepe]

You’re in a perfect place to start Discover your voice. The first three weeks help you develop mindful speech resonance and breathing habits so that you can learn to explore all sorts of new sensations without fear or judgement. The first few weeks actually build off speech therapy techniques to help you unlock all sorts of stuff and continue to heal!!

[@aaravheroraina729]

@@chrisliepe wow chris defo gonna check it

[@PalonDude]

Even the headphones got loose :D

[@elimartin3237]

I found this video cause I lm trying to sing fake plastic trees! What a coincidence

[@totopototunes3708]

Chris can I go directly to the Agressive course w/o Discover your voice? If I Sing well already not how I want to yet but in decent range and all components...?

[@chrisliepe]

Yes, if you have a foundation of mindfulness and introspection about your voice and a very good musical ear, you can go straight to the aggressive vocal course. Most people though who start with the aggressive vocal course end up joining Discover Your Voice and doing it along side what they are experiencing in the Aggressive vocal course. Discover Your Voice is less about whether or not you can sing well or as well as you'd like. It's about learning to think and learn about your voice differently (for the long haul). It's an in-depth program that helps with your body and mind in a way that makes what it experienced in the Aggressive Vocalist's Master Plan of Attack that much more potent!