Distorting tenor notes

jonpall

Hi guys. On some days it seems that I can only put distortion/rasp on notes in the E4-C5 range (or thereabout) by simply INCREASING VOLUME until the sound starts to distort. It's pure guttoral screaming and doesn't feel that great in my throat. But on other - better days, I can bring out the rasp simply by thinking more "aggressive" - the sound will be fairly loud, but I still feel that I can get a bit louder. But on those "bad" days, it strains my voice to sing high notes with rasp, I feel that I'm at my maximum volume limit and I really get tired.

I've SOMEWHAT figured out what the problem is, but I'd like to hear your opinions. So my question is:

When I can only distort tenor notes by simply increasing volume and pulling chest TOO high up in pitch, what could I be doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!

sspatrick

Hey jonpal. My first question would,be can you hit the notes clean? If not, there may be a flaw in your technique. If you are getting distortion by pushing the volume, you will hurt yourself. To get a safe distorted tone, you need to regulate the air holding it back. This is explained in volume 3.

jonpall

Yeah, I can pretty much always hit those notes clean.

jonpall

Anyone else want to comment? To re-phrase the question:

If I try to distort a high note and, instead of distorting, I just get LOUDER (and not distort until I'm basically screaming my lungs out), what could I be doing wrong?

Is there like a check list I could go through if this happens? Maybe things like, make sure I'm cutting off almost all air, etc.?

sspatrick

Here is a bit of a checklist.
1. Extreme support( more than usual)
2. Cut back the air( like you are holding your breath)
3. Keep the throat open.
4. Don't force the volume, this takes time to grow. It should be slightly less in volume then your clean tone.

Hope that helps.

jonpall

Thanks!

sspatrick

Also, if you work distortion go back and do the exercises nice and clean