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

[@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.

[@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."

[@yaruyaru]

​@@RobertJene Who? 🤔

[@AristotelianEpistemophilic]

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 👈🏼👈🏼

[@alexanderschettino4369]

My mom asked what I was listening to. "It sounds awful "

[@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

[@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

[@powerpuffkle]

This video is a treasure to advanced singers, but you probably don't wanna do this without the right basics...

[@chrisliepe]

Yes, that's why I always promote my free vocal course in all my videos, and link them in the video description =D

[@Poopbat]

Lord forgive me for what I am about to put my neighbors trough

[@HDJair]

Literally wondering when my roommates gonna ask if I'm dying

[@Aw1_bbx]

I always think abt them I'm stuck :(

[@andruc_ok]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@florianfarber1509]

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

[@GabiBrooks]

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

[@invisiblejay7573]

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

[@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.

[@DwayneBanda-me2ff]

You are the master of what you do, the way you explain and demonstrate how these voice work its amazing, thanks to you man

[@kibocentric]

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

[@IuliusCurt]

That level of control is so humbling

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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!

[@terr4c0]

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

[@AtomizedSound]

Yeah! Always love your distortion voice lesson vids

[@russellspear6188]

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

[@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 !!

[@zeldanut08]

I'm here for the "Juicy Breaks"

[@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!

[@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!

[@JohnKostaja]

I am so happy that you have reached so many followers with your honest way of teaching singing techniques. When I first started learning to sing, there were really no others on youtube who really showed what it sounds like to practice the aggressive techniques. I mean, when you're practising it, it sounds weird and strange, but when nobody shows you that it's OK, you tend to think that you either have it or you don't. You kind of gave me the confidence that it is ok to suck when you start, but it will get better as you rehearse.

[@ShiningNorway]

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

[@JasonGreen-n3l]

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

[@TheFowo]

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

[@SeleckPlays]

Hands-down the best vocal coach on the internet

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Haxior5506]

Ong I can't your vibrato is like SO adictive!

[@sokoleski]

THIS ...was so much fun and helpful. Discovering wonderful sides of my voice thanks to this. 💚 Very greateful 🍀

[@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!

[@mahrokhkazemi2709]

Holly crap, you make it seem so easy!! It's about a year that I'm trying to find my distortion voice rather than fry, and just ended up with throat burn.

[@wesley6442]

Thank you for the great explanations on various distorted singing techniques! You're a fantastic teacher, providing live examples and guiding us through them. I've been singing with distortion for about a decade now, heavily influenced by Metallica, Rammstein, and Eisbrecher. Over the years, I’ve developed my own unique style. I’m quite happy with my compression singing and can use vocal fry to hit lower notes, similar to Rammstein. I’ve got a solid understanding and a practical approach that allows me to jump into these voices and even sing for extended periods without fatigue or harm. Lately, though, I've been looking to expand my range and add new techniques. My first experience with distorted vocals came from using the "growl" method, much like the fourth technique you described in this video, and it was my favorite. However, I pushed my voice too hard back then, and now I have to take a more cautious approach, which means it’s not as harsh or devastating as it once was. After that, I practiced James Hetfield's style, and one day, while driving home listening to Eisbrecher, I discovered how to do compression-style distorted singing. I’ve been using that technique for a few years now, and it’s become my go-to-it sounds great, is reliable, and easy on my voice. More recently, I’ve been getting into Disturbed and David Draiman’s vocal style, especially those higher-pitched notes. I’ve also revisited bands from my youth like Linkin Park. Now, I’m training to incorporate those influences into my own style. My goal is to master these new techniques, just as I have with compression and growl distortion, and eventually use them in my own music. It’s been a real challenge to get it all to sound good and remain consistent. These days, I’ve gotten pretty good at hitting higher notes like those in Disturbed and Linkin Park, using a very controlled falsetto. My next challenge is refining my distorted notes. I’ve been listening to Indestructible by Disturbed on repeat, singing along to naturally adapt it into my style without hurting my voice. I also listen to raw vocals from both David and Chester to better understand how they push their voices to achieve those notes. Every day I learn something new and develop cool new techniques for my own music. It’s been an incredible journey so far!

[@anonymosmouse]

Thank you for actually telling us how it works and giving examples instead of trying to sell us stuff

[@NonnyStrikes]

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

[@Gauntman72]

I’ve been singing for some 30 years now but I’m still learning… most of all from your videos. This one was especially awesome for me as it helped me localize where the sounds I wanted to practice come from. And also: cookie, cookie 😂😂😂

[@goljom]

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

[@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 😂😂😂

[@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

[@matless5245]

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

[@terrywright6500]

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

[@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).

[@ghilean1174]

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

[@TheBcoolGuy]

Your voice is incredible.

[@tiagoc9754]

Good timing. I was just practicing distortion right now

[@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.

[@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.

[@darrenmetal3338]

This is a must watch for vocalists out there.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Cwt-ch]

Listening to this while cleaning ur room is wild cuz you just hear the random ass sounds hes making with little to no context

[@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!

[@sean16hall3]

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

[@chrisliepe]

Yay!!! Glad you enjoyed!

[@kif-zallrhat1870]

I'm convinced I just sound bad, I can do all of them, but it sounds like a dying goat anyway.

[@digofirmo]

It takes a lot of practice.

[@blairangus5002]

It always starts out sounding bad, He even explains it in another video.

[@mandolph]

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

[@simonbeaudoin5941]

As a self-taught versatile wannabe, I have to admit that this guy has this serious yet playful (aka, I don't give a sh*t if that sounds weird to your ears) codification of the craft.... High value free content, right here !

[@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.

[@ebishrimpy9366]

This is soooo helpful and hilarious at the same time 😆😆😆

[@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...

[@jonwis2183]

Thank you Chris, you`re amazing!!!

[@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

[@triggztriggah4985]

thanks for adding up idea on what I am currently doing

[@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

[@unkagug1169]

+1,000 points for mentioning Blackie Lawless

[@alexhomann7648]

Omg that is so damn helpful! Thank you!

[@Taylorclassicbullies]

You have a incredible voice my brother

[@Note_Creator]

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 👍

[@dgtlnatives2374]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@ElDalai]

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

[@enmarecordings]

HAHAHA, really laughing out loud with the cookie cookie, cookie monster!! hahah, but an awesome video alltogether of course!

[@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

[@DeadSea1109]

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

[@LucaMolteni84]

This guy is a legend

[@baluthelol6225]

8:10 is insane!!!!!! Amazing video!!

[@bexiexz]

This was perfection! ty

[@EllaSilentDragon]

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

[@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'

[@Makuz1988]

I´ve watched it @Chris 8:50 The 3. Type is some kind of fry(-scream) I think, like in the Kurt Cobain Video you did, btw amazing Video!!. The point is, distortion comes from letting your voice break from being very relaxed, in opposition to technique 1+2 where you push and compress. I would argue, that lose fry screams are very safe, in comparison to compression techniques. Axl Rose also uses Fry but in falsetto.

[@gugoshow]

Chris is amazing!

[@Minkstars2023]

This is great, I'm trying to learn how to sing like Ado. I'll start practicing these, I hope I don't sound too crazy tho! Thank you ♡

[@nateckert2424]

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

[@101bleedsblackx]

Also the Arnold Schwarzenegger impression helps you with the cookie monster distortion 😅

[@soarpurpose]

Amazing how much you could alter your speaking voice.

[@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

[@lunabun27]

Chris can you please do an analysis of Yannis Papadopoulos (Frontman of Beast in Black). He's got an insane vocal range (to the point people are convinced there is a female singer!). Saw them live twice and they were top notch both times❤ would love your two cents on it ❤❤

[@Melonissa-0408]

As a woman this was super hard to practice since my voice just isn't used to singing with distortion but I really think it helped. thank you!!

[@HomemadePyroQuebec]

''Canadian Rocker Voice'': Three Days Grace - Time of Dying 🍁🍁🍁