How do I know if I'm ready to start singing with distortion?

Bryson_B

Yesterday I was watching Ken's video about distortion, and he said that you should start out with a powerful clean sound and then add a little distortion over time. But how do I know when it's safe for my voice, to add distortion?

doc_ramadani

Hi Bryson, @Bryson_B,

my name is Marco (most call me Doc because of my profession), I am 49 years old and started the course 1.5 years ago. So, I am Newbie. But I learned a lot of seasoned singers here in the Forums.

I had A LOT of AHA moments here in Ken's Forums. I always thought of distortion being loud and with a lot of power. The opposite is the truth.

First, I learned that Ken wants to use the term "distorted tone". A lot of very cool singers helped me to understand this. First, it is tone. Distortion is a kind of nuance we add to our tone.

Second, I learned, that here at KTVA distortion is a relaxation response. I was really shocked when I learned that my distorted tones were quieter than my clean tones.

I think that you are ready to add distortion to "your tone" when you have have gained very good glottal compression and gained control over your overall singing volume.

But ... I am really a Newbie being only 1.5 years on the course.

Doc

Bryson_B

Thanks for the help Doc!

Chris82

In order to do the type of distortion Ken teaches in a safe manner you should really have the basics of rock solid support down as well as singing with vocal compression (holding your breath). Once you can do those two things well, throughout your entire range, without straining too much, then I would say you could start experimenting with some light distortion. Distortion, like twang is "Icing on the Cake" and used solely for stylistic purposes which is why Ken would rather have you focus first on baking a really nice solid cake before you start icing it.

Note:
If you ever feel pain, discomfort or your voice goes hoarse after distortion then stop and take a break. It's also important to return to a clean sound after you distort for any period of time.