The Truth about Head Voice, Chest Voice, and Falsetto

[@richardfranz3180]

People always want to classify things. They especially are prejudiced to the way they first heard something expressed. From then on, everything either aligns with that (therefore being right), or doesn't(therefore being wrong). It is extremely hard to disavow anyone of this notion. Keep on keeping on.

[@TheSeeking2know]

This is true. The openness to consider other interpretations helps us to move further forward in experience.

[@kunou4527]

I had something written up and accidentally hit the cancel button so I've had to try to reformulate my thoughts. However, I think you will be able to appreciate the information, at least academically for some interesting anecdotes, so I went through the trouble of writing it again. Though, less eloquently than the first time. Here goes; At around 1:35 you touched on something that is apparently still extremely contentious in the English, French, and Italian schools of singing (pedagogy). That thing is female falsetto. The hard sciences (ENT/Otorhinolaryngology, SLP, etc) and modern German pedagogy do recognize the existence of a female falsetto register. This is even backed up by physiological evidence through EMG studies and video from scopes viewing the larynx in action. There are registers outside the modal voice that don't function in the same way mechanically. Some examples being the subharmonic registers (also known as Strohbass), Kargyraa (throat singing), falsetto, and flageolet. Everybody gets them. Part of the thing with female falsetto is that the male and female voices are not the same and their falsetto registers have different properties. I suppose the best way to hear the difference is with a true contralto, since they have the depth of timbre for the difference between a high placement (head voice) and falsetto to really be noticeable. The other thing is that people might put chest and head voice in separate registers, but it's still modal voice. The placement is just different. Your point about the passage is important, especially since not everyone's break is even at the same location. There are contraltos with breaks so low that their speaking voice will wander with affect. And of course, males have both head voice and falsetto as well, but that's far less contentious as nobody has to clarify with a "male head voice" (unlike the female falsetto). Time should resolve that eventually.

[@ChaseandMelia]

I hate it when that happens!!!! Thank you for that wonderful insight. I think my main point was that, these are the terms that people commonly use, and while there might be subtle differentiations mechanically in the voice, it doesn't have a lot of practical application. Thank you again for the info, it was actually news to me!

[@linkazoo]

I also find that there are different podagogies that make me confused. I heard debates about healthy techniques in terms of mixed voice. Some people think balanced mixed voice is technically better but others think it depends as long as it is managed for stylistic choice such as push for power. There is an argument about unhealthy technique would lead to fatigue easiler but I am extremely curious about how to define "balance". It is so vague and subjective since we do not have an objetive way to measure the amount of head voice and chest voice that used to mix. Since different people have distinct instruments, I think some people might feel naturally to do it with more head or chest connection. BTW, I hope there can be an overview about mixed voice, like heady/chesty, light/heavy, blanced, and full. Is there a pure head voice without chest connection or vice-versa? I mean, when we produce sound, we need to resonate our instruments but chesty/heady is only abstract feeling different from man to man since there is no actual head and chest chambers and I heard people say mixed voice ratio does not exist (ratio is also abstract).

[@ChaseandMelia]

WOW!!! You have some seriously amazing questions here and I would love to make a video about it!!! Thank you for the content!! 🤪 To answer your question a little bit here, what you're talking about is actually called a Vocal Philosophy. Most singers, teachers, and pedagogs, all have their own vocal philosophy on how singing should be done. Some people are aiming for a specific sound and only regard technique as a means to get that sound, some people are all about the anatomy and what is going on mechanically, and some people, like us, are focused on a wholistic approach that is aimed at coordinating your natural speaking voice in the healthiest way possible. The important thing is finding someone whose vocal philosophy you identify with and leaning in. Don't be afraid to try different things though!! I've had a few different voice teachers over the years and I have learned something from every one! Even if their vocal philosophy didn't resonate with me. 😊 Thanks again!

[@linkazoo]

@@ChaseandMelia Thanks so much for your answer! I am from physical science background so I have trouble to find well-defined terminologies when it comes to singing techniques and I found some descriptions saying that they are actually "abstract". But I love the term "Vocal Philosophy" because it can be an imperical theory that varies depend on any person with distinct instrument. I also appreciate that you don't throw "good" or "bad" easily or rank artists with scores but are not affraid to discuss the techniques and give suggestions. 👏 BTW, I also find that one better to have some vocal training in order to appreciate these techniques better, which is my weak part😅 But I will keep learning and thank you for providing good content🙏

[@linkazoo]

@@ChaseandMelia I have another question about stylization and musicality or maybe it is still the same question. I just watched a musical competition show and one of a contestant, who has amazing voice and vocal technique, covered a famous old song in a prelimary audition to get a recommendation from a veteran referee. Before reveiling the reference result, a judge praised his control and steady performance but said that it is a pity that he played it too safe but that song was talking about light in darkness. The judge suggested him to sing in a bit higher key or better sing up to his highest range like he could die for doing that or lose his breath or his throat could be hoarse after performance if he perform the same song in the future. Later, he actually did not get the recommendation from the veteran referee. He was given another chance by judges to sing another song then he decided to go "all-in" and finally satisify the judges to go to next round as a wild card. I find that musicians and audiences sometimes are looking for the "soul" of a performance but often it has to go to extreme to achieve that, then it goes to stylization and musicality. Does it contradict to the ideal of "healthy" technqiues? Or, it is a part of vocal techniques and can be also be considered heathly if the extreme is well-managed, like still within or just at the boundary of the range of vocal capacity. For example, (you have mentioned that) in some performances hitting high notes with falsetto is better than a "balanced" mixed voice or "real" head voice in some vocal pedagogy/philosophy definition like BTS Jimin's falsetto or Mamamoo Hwasa's ones in Immortal songs medley. Another example is aspiration. I remembered a famous veteran pop singer talked about the technique to mix voice with air to create that "ping", nasal, birght, and focus voice to help projection, probably like what you talked about what Mamamoo Wheein does. Final example is Mamamoo Solar's heavy/chesty belting at or closer to lower extreme of her mixed voice. What is your point of view as voice teachers for playing to extreme, stylization, and musicality? Just thought about another two extreme examples, LP's live performance of Lost on you, and Faouzia's Tears live stage of Gold that you have reacted to.

[@samanthajane631]

Love this, thanks Chase for taking the time to explain. I'm not a singer but I love learning new things especially when it helps a layman like me understand your reactions better 😁💜

[@ChaseandMelia]

We hope it makes you want to sing more!!! Don't get bogged down by all the terminology! :)

[@TheSeeking2know]

Thanks Chase! This was a much needed video. I have heard that vocal pedagogues often argue about these terms and how to apply them. I appreciate your light-hearted take and advice about the matter. I would imagine a lot of vocal students fall by the wayside when they can't replicate the strict admonitions to "sing in chest voice", or "sing in head voice", or "mix"! Many could have given up and felt they couldn't follow their singing passion. They could have been locked into impractical ways of thinking about their own voice. I think it's kind of like the difference between science as a tool of analysis and problem solving (and sharing ideas in common way) and the idea of trying to "science" things. Science can help to discover "knowledge", but it doesn't give "understanding". It's hypotheses are to be taken and then tailored to real human consideration if applicable. The key thing is to help us to know ourselves, our bodies and how our voices work then through lots and lots of practice understand how to move around and apply knowledge to improve our vocal production up to our potential.

[@shushgurl]

i agree terms sometimes can restrict u if u too focus on that. i hate it when some fan using it to compare their fav singer.

[@BABYMONSTER_AHYEON_RORA_RAMI]

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[@sela3506]

Right. As you mentioned when reacting to melomance, it doesn't help you sing or enjoy a great song. When you can't classify where the sound comes from, that's a master of instrument.

[@MeLodiCarAma]

Yes, I do agree. The modern sciences just discovered "technologies" the few last centuries... Well, if you believe the story of prophet David (pbuh), he was gifted by God Almighty with 70++ qiraat of singing voice to sing the Zaboor, (the Psalm) ... Where the birds and mountains sang along with him because they got caught up just listening to him... Till the birds died having forgotten to eat, I don't remember what happened to the mountains... So to say what professionals or science have discovered to date even have not, can not classify what is really what. Take other sciences too, discovery has yet to uncover many things. Before, I fell for the same trap of thinking of this classifying things, but after knowing this I do agree we humans just have to go step by step, be grateful for what we were given and keep working and improving on it. I learned a lot from your channel. Thanks Chase & Melia. Have a great day 👍❤

[@auriels1451]

Wow learning a lot from your channel (hahaha a mamamoo fan randomly getting recommended ur reaction video) - have been learning indian classical for a while and have done choir singing but havent had proper western vocal lessons so these kind of things really confused me - but watching ur vids has really helped broaden my perspective esp in my approach to singing more contemporary tunes and also in regards to appreciating different vocal approaches more - thank you so much! Keen to dig into more of your past vids! :)

[@ChaseandMelia]

Thank you!!! We feel like watching these videos is broadening our musical perspectives as well! Thank you for watching!

[@TheSeeking2know]

Wow. It would be interesting to hear some more about your Indian singing experience and to compare the application of that approach to a more versatile singing style. And about the vids, dig in please!

[@jkworld835]

please please jungkook release a cover song FALLING originally from harry! i wanted to hear your reaction please... the song is now the most liked audio song in 24hours in the history of youtube history.... also most viewed and most commented cover song in 24 hours

[@jowr2000]

Chase, nice vid. As an amateur, I stick to head voice or “breathy” head voice. 🤷🏻‍♂️But how about a note in non-breathy head voice that’s turned into mix (?) by adding that “something” that gives it substance. Is that “something” more vocal cord compression?

[@ChaseandMelia]

Great question! Try bringing your vowels forward! Like tooo bright! If it sounds tooo ugly and bright to your own ears, try recording yourself and see what you think!

[@jowr2000]

@@ChaseandMelia Thx. That worked. Bringing the sound forward felt like the sound moved out of the head into the mask. It didn’t sound strident so I didn’t record. Besides hearing my recorded voice, even speaking, 🤮 😂😂

[@TheSeeking2know]

@@jowr2000 😂 Loved the quick practical advice.

[@jikookbts8901]

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH GUYS. I JUST WANT ONE REQUEST FOR MY BIRTHDAY KINDLY REACT TO TORI KELLY'S LIVE VERSION OF LANGUAGE IN TODAY SHOW.

[@user-im5or1gd8z]

Can you pls check out exo amazing vocals (2012 - 2017) they are a male kpop grp one that belts on head voice and chest voice not to say that they don't use falsetto cause they do use it as well kinda curious to see you react to them

[@mnj97]

JUNGKOOK, the “Main Vocalist” of BTS, just released his cover of “Falling” by Harry Styles!! It’s so beautiful and emotional! Please please react to it!! 🌟💜

[@kiyogamings1784]

Wow thanks man glad you did this vid it help me a lot. 😁🍺

[@ChaseandMelia]

Wonderful!! Thats why we do this!!! I hope it helps you just sing!

[@kabuichiu8028]

falling (original song: harry styles) by jk of bts

[@e0n555]

Whoa....this is a DIFFERENT kind of vocal coach reaction channel. I appreciate the fearless breakdowns and detailed explanations, you both are great teachers. 💜

[@ChaseandMelia]

Thank you so much!!! We're noticing that we're kind of different too 😅

[@TheSeeking2know]

Yes, fearless indeed! It's what keeps me keep coming back to them. They're learning as they are analyzing and they are honest about their thoughts, rather than pandering to fans of the artist in the video by using superlatives all the time.

[@mcmbaguih]

Lovely explaination

[@snehachaudhari4921]

Please react on BTS Jungkook's cover song 'falling' (originally by Harry Styles). It's highly recommended. Please

[@tahayassinnajjar9906]

Please react to : bts high notes &falsettos compilation

[@Melarona23]

most of the comments are from non-degree holders who don't have a quarter the experience in music as u guys and cites random stuff which are altered to their taste while they themselves don't know what they r talking about. Ignore them. U guys are my favourite vocal coaches and I love to listen to ur reactions. Keep doing you.❤

[@ChaseandMelia]

Thanks Sunny! I'm not trying to call different people out, just draw attention to a trend I'm seeing. It feels like peoples focus is on something that doesn't actually help them learn how to sing better.

[@tahayassinnajjar9906]

Please react to : pentagon's amazing vocals

[@DarkShani]

I agree with the fact that people have to let it go with terms and feel more what's best for them ! But there is no blurry dimension when it comes to definition and physical explanations : head voice, chest voice and falsetto are three different mechanism that have to work together ! To take your analogy with running : sprinter and long distance runner are both running but it's still different mechanisms it doesn't mean it can't work together or that we have to deny the existence of both of them because "at the end they are just running !" So sorry but running fast is a technique ...

[@giapadilla7275]

Hello i was always waiting ur reaction Please react to jungkook of bts cover song "falling" was uploaded in bangtan tv🙏🙏🙏

[@apemannen3355]

you guys should deff react to BTS HIGH NOTES & FALSETTOS COMPILATION

[@yaaaa3467]

Please Mahalini ~ call out my name from Indonesia.

[@aarondamian2727]

Try reacting to Mirror, a live performance by Morissette Amon. I think you'll find it very entertaining and a good material for vocal coaching.

[@sofiedesu9881]

please do a reaction on Jungkook's cover of Harry style's FALLING! Thank you!

[@shandiismail9248]

HEYYY! CAN U REACT "AGSESISA - WHEN I LOOK AT YOU" ON SEE YOU WEDNESDAY?! SEE HAS SUCH A UNIQUE TECHNIC THAT MAKE U MIND BLOWING

[@purplefamily8375]

Please react to " Falling " cover by JK of BTS ❤ It's amazing.

[@markjaysondelacruz4224]

just create a video singing with your wife so we can judge if you guys are good or not.

[@TheSeeking2know]

😂 They can sing. Look at their past videos.

[@mrusui2792]

Please reaction to siti nurhaliza-memories with whitney houston

[@dietherdanielbas3898]

Please react to broadway medley regine please please please

[@sahilkondhare601]

Please react to bts jungkook 'falling' cover

[@blesshashanahlibo-on7793]

Can you reaction video to SB19 OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO BAZINGA from philippiness...I hope you like it😍😄😄

[@apemannen3355]

you guys should deff react to BTS HIGH NOTES & FALSETTOS COMPILATION

[@yaaaa3467]

Please Mahalini ~ call out my name from Indonesia.