If you’ve ever wondered how singers achieve smooth high notes or powerful low tones, understanding the concepts of head voice and chest voice is essential. These two terms refer to the different resonances singers use in their vocal range.
This guide will help you navigate head singing vs chest singing and find the balance for a stronger, more dynamic voice
Definition: What is head voice?
Head voice refers to the resonance felt in the head when singing higher notes. It often feels lighter and less intense compared to the deeper chest voice.
When a singer uses their head voice, the vibrations resonate in the upper parts of their head, including the sinuses and skull. This is why it’s described as ‘head voice’. The sound typically comes across as clear and light, ideal for achieving those beautiful, sustained high notes.
Head voice in singing
In practical terms, head voice allows singers to:
• Transition smoothly into higher notes without strain.
• Develop flexibility and range in their upper register.
• Produce a soft yet resonant sound that avoids shouting or cracking.
For example, in Eric Vetro’s BBC Maestro course, he emphasises exercises like vocal slides on the sounds ‘hee’ or ‘hoo’ to build strength and comfort in the head voice. Take a look at this vocal warm up video with Eric where he runs you through this exercise here.
One tip to help you sing in your head voice – relax your neck and shoulders and focus on forward resonance. It helps singers access their upper register with ease.
What is chest voice?
Chest voice is the vocal register most people use when speaking or singing lower notes. It is called ‘chest voice’ because you feel vibrations in the chest area while producing sound.
Chest voice in singing
In singing, the chest voice provides a rich, full-bodied sound. It feels natural for most people, as it aligns with the way we speak. For singers, developing a strong chest voice is critical for:
• Creating power and depth in lower pitches.
• Connecting emotionally with listeners through a grounded tone.
• Supporting a seamless transition into higher registers.
Chest voice is what allows singers to belt. Think of your favourite musical theatre performances. Eric-Vetro-trained Ariana Grande’s performance alongside Cynthia Erivo in Wicked’s Defying Gravity, Elaine Paige’s take on Don’t Cry For Me Argentina in Sir Tim Rice’s Evita – those moments where it feels like the singer is giving the performance everything they’ve got – that’s chest voice at play. If you look at any Adele, Whitney Houston or Freddie Mercury performance, you’ll find chest voice supporting powerful notes.
Vocal exercises like ‘may-may-may’, or vocal slides with vowels like ‘ah’ help singers project their chest voice while maintaining control.
Falsetto
Falsetto is often confused with head voice, but the two are distinctly different. Falsetto is a higher vocal register that produces a breathy, airy sound. Unlike head voice, falsetto is not connected to the chest voice.
Falsetto vs head voice
Here’s a quick comparison:
• Head voice is a connected, resonant sound in the upper register.
• Falsetto is disconnected, lighter, and often lacks the power of head voice.
Take a look at the first few seconds of this video to explain the difference. Falsetto is often used stylistically in genres of music, like pop or R&B. For singers, exercises focusing on breath support falsetto help achieve smoother transitions while avoiding strain.
The difference between chest voice and head voice
When comparing head voice vs chest voice, the key difference lies in how the sound resonates:
• Chest voice: Vibrations are felt in the chest, producing a strong, deep sound.
• Head voice: Vibrations are felt in the head, producing a lighter, higher sound.
In between these registers is the ‘mixed voice,’ which blends the power of chest voice with the flexibility of head voice. “This middle voice, which is called passagio (the Italian word for passage), meaning passing from one area to the other,” says Eric Vetro. “We want to sometimes go smoothly into that voice so we go all the way up [to our head voice] without a break”.
So, it’s the point of transition between the two registers.
Many singers struggle with the transition between chest and head voice. Exercises like sliding between low and high notes help smooth out this shift.
How to tell if you’re using head or chest voice
If you’re wondering how to tell if you’re using head or chest voice, here’s a simple test:
1. Place a hand on your chest while singing a low note. If you feel vibrations, you’re in chest voice.
2. Sing a high note and notice where you feel the sound. If the vibrations move to your head, you’re in head voice.
Breath support is critical for both registers. Developing control over your breath will help you switch between head and chest voice smoothly.
When should I switch my head voice to chest?
Switching between head voice and chest voice depends on the song, style, and vocal range. In general:
• Use chest voice for lower, powerful sections of a song.
• Transition to head voice for higher notes, where maintaining chest resonance becomes difficult.
Exercises that work on your passiaggo (mixed voice) are essential for mastering these transitions. Try those ‘hee’ and ‘hoo’ sliding vocal exercises mentioned earlier on in the article to help explore your passaggio area.
Is your head voice your real voice?
A common question singers ask is, “Is your head voice your real voice?” The answer is yes. Both head voice and chest voice are part of your natural vocal range. Singing in head voice does not make it any less real; it’s simply a different resonance used to produce higher notes.
By strengthening both registers, you’ll develop a more versatile and dynamic singing voice.
Can everyone sing in head voice?
Everyone can sing in head voice with practice and proper technique. Regular practice is something to take seriously if you want to develop and protect your vocal voice.
While some singers naturally favour their chest voice or head voice, vocal exercises can help balance both registers.
To improve your vocal range:
- Practice daily
with light, easy scales to avoid tension.
2. Warm up before you sing
Warming up is essential. To sound your best and perform at your peak, proper preparation is key.
3. Cool down after you sing
Cooling down is just as important as warming up. Simple cool-down exercises include gentle humming, lip trills, or descending scales in a relaxed voice.
Have you always dreamt of becoming a singer? Whether you want to improve your vocals, develop your confidence or perfect your performing skills, Eric Vetro takes you through everything you need to know in his course Sing Like the Stars.
