Vocal Cord Closure

Vocal cord closure is one of the most important techniques to learn in your journey to becoming a better singer. Because your tone starts to form at the vocal cords, it is extremely important to learn how to develop and manage the amount of closure your vocal cords make. This vocal technique is vital for shaping and forming a powerful presence in your upper range.

Vocal cord closure (also known as vocal adduction) is the coming together or your vocal cords (also known as vocal folds) in order to produce sound. Vocal cord closure occurs when you speak, sing, shout, whistle, etc. The opposite of vocal cord closure is vocal abduction, which is the state of the vocal cords while you are breathing.

Controlling the amount of vocal cord closure when you sing is key for developing control over your voice. Coupled with the neutralization of the larynx, these two techniques give life to the voice in ways you’ve never imagined.

Many singers suffer from an extremely breathy tone due to the lack of cord closure. Because the vocal cords are not closing correctly, singers use much more air than needed to try to produce tone. The singers soon find out that doing this only causes increased tension in the throat and produces a shouty, unpleasant tone.

The best way to produce quick cord closure is to use the “nay” exercise. The “n” sound automatically forces your cords to come together, and the “ay” gives it that nasal quality. When you put it all together, “nay” keeps the cords closed up properly. The key is to make this exercise nasally as possible. Don’t be bashful – it will sound unpleasant, but it needs to sound unpleasant at first in order to work. Make it whiny and nasty sounding as you work up and down scales. You will notice an immediate difference in the quality of your tone after running through this exercise a few times.

Your vocal cords must be taught how to close correctly, so like any other exercise, building consistent vocal cord closure will take time. However, with practice and perseverance, you too can achieve great control over your voice and unleash the powerful tone within you!

© Forever Singing