Do you ever find yourself drawn to singers with a raspy voice? Have you ever wondered why this type of vocal tone is so attractive and intriguing?
In this post, I’ll dive into the science behind why a raspy voice catches our attention and makes us swoon.
Read on to learn more about why singing with a raspy voice is so captivating!
Is a raspy singing voice natural?
A raspy singing voice is not always natural. It can be attained by practice and skill.
Singers use throat articulation to create a raspy, gritty sound when singing.
This involves intentionally constricting the vocal cords to create a harsher, more intense sound, usually within a lower register.
Some people naturally have more of a raspy tone in their voices, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are naturally great singers since the ability to produce such sounds requires considerable vocal control and training.
What does a raspy voice sound like?
A raspy voice is a voice that sounds rough, hoarse, and croaky.
It’s the voice you might expect from someone who has had a cold or lost their voice after screaming too loudly.
Smoking, allergies, laryngitis, or acid reflux can also cause it.
The pitch of the voice sounds uneven as if one moment it is high and then drops down suddenly in another part of the phrase.
It’s usually weak and breathy with a gritty quality – like sandpaper being rubbed back and forth along your vocal cords!
Are raspy voices good for singing?
Are raspy voices good for singing? Yes! Singing with a raspy voice can add texture and edge to songs, making them sound unique.
There are many ways to use a raspy voice while singing. It can vary the dynamics of certain sections or emphasize specific phrases.
Additionally, it adds emotion and expression to lyrics that may otherwise go unnoticed.
With practice and exploration, singers can maximize their raspiness to achieve the desired sound without blowing out their vocal cords.
Why is a raspy voice attractive?
A raspy voice is attractive because its unique quality sets it apart.
It can add texture and soul to any conversation or performance.
The sound of a raspy voice gives it an otherworldly, mysterious feel, and its characterful quiver helps to convey emotion in a way that no other vocal style can.
It also adds character and flair. Plus, it can be incredibly seductive when combined with just the right style!
How do singers sing with a raspy voice?
There are various techniques to achieve a raspy voice, such as screaming, intentional coughing, taking in dry air, and continuously shouting into a pillow.
Nonetheless, these methods only result in a temporary raspy speaking or singing voice, which can cause severe hoarseness and damage your vocal cords.
If you want to adopt a safe approach, try the following methods:
- To begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This will help you to relax and calm your mind.
- Â Create a relaxed “uh” vowel sound from your lower register.
- Hold the sound and maintain it until it becomes slightly raspy.
- Practice it for several minutes each day
Experts suggest temporarily singing or speaking from this register is safe, but avoiding straining your voice or forcing a raspy singing voice is crucial. Doing so may damage your vocal cords.
How do I find my natural raspy voice?
Finding your natural raspy voice can take some practice, but it’s a great way to find your unique sound.
1. Work With A Vocal Coach
Working with a professional vocal coach is highly recommended if you want to achieve a raspy and hoarse voice for a musical performance or improve your speech generally.
Experimenting with your voice without seeking professional advice can lead to severe problems, such as damaged vocal cords or polyps that may require surgery.
Therefore, it’s better to consult with vocal experts or coaches within your area or online, if you prefer, to avoid any potential harm.
By working with a vocal coach, you’ll be able to learn proper techniques and exercises that can help you achieve your desired voice while keeping your vocal cords healthy and safe.
2. Eating Spicy Food
Spicy foods, especially when prepared with oil, can irritate your throat and cause phlegm.
The phlegm produced affects your voice tone, followed by the impulse to clear your throat, causing your vocal cords to smack together, leading to vocal fatigue.
Spicy foods contain more salt than other types of food, and this salt can dehydrate the larynx and vocal cords, reinforcing your hoarse voice.
3. Vocal Fry
If you have ever tried to create the sound effect of a door creaking open, you might have already discovered your vocal fry.
If you have not, follow these steps:
- Say “umm” as if you are trying to think of an answer.
- Now say “umm” in as low of a pitch as possible. If you begin to produce a gravelly, growling sound, you are dropping into fry.
- Hold the “uh” sound and relax your throat so air still passes through, but you are not sustaining a pitch.
- Â Once you have found that creaky fry sound, experiment with different vowels!
Is having a raspy singing voice a disadvantage?
Having a raspy voice can bring some challenges when singing. Here are problems when singing with a raspy voice.
1. Vocal Tension
Singing with a consistently raspy voice can cause strain on the vocal cords.
The vocal cords are delicate muscles, and if used excessively or improperly, they can lead to vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and even damage.
Raspy singers must maintain good vocal health and use proper vocal techniques to avoid strain.
2. Vocal Tiredness
Singing with a rasp can be pretty challenging as it requires your vocal cords to produce the desired sound by putting in the extra effort.
This increased effort can lead to vocal fatigue over time, causing a decrease in vocal performance, range, and the ability to sustain long notes or perform for extended periods.
3. Restricted Vocal Range
Singing with a raspy voice often means that the agent has a rough or gravelly quality, making it difficult for the singer to sing at their full vocal range.
The raspiness can create a natural limitation in the higher or lower registers, making it challenging to hit specific notes or sing with the same clarity and control as a non-raspy voice.
4. Expression and Clarity
Singers who have a raspy voice may experience difficulty in articulating lyrics clearly.
The rough texture of their voice can interfere with precise diction, which results in a loss of clarity in the words being sung.
As a result, this can pose challenges in conveying the intended message of a song and connecting with the audience.
Why do some people have a naturally raspy voice?
Do you have a naturally raspy voice? If so, it might be caused by a variety of factors. These can include smoking, allergies or a sinus infection, laryngitis, or genetics.
1. Infections or Sicknesses
Temporary changes in the vocal cords can occur due to certain infections or illnesses, leading to a raspy singing voice.
Respiratory infections like laryngitis or bronchitis may inflame the vocal cords and disrupt their normal function.
Inflammation in the throat, airways, or sinuses can also contribute to a raspy voice.
Additionally, conditions like acid reflux, allergies, or a cold that cause chronic irritation in the throat can cause a persistent raspy quality in the voice.
It may seem appealing to sing with a sexy raspiness when you are unwell, but this may only extend the irritation and inflammation in your body.
2. Vocal Cord Lesions
Vocal cord lesions, such as vocal nodules, polyps, or cysts, can cause a hoarse singing voice.
These growths are typically non-cancerous and develop due to vocal abuse or misuse, including excessive yelling, screaming, or singing with poor technique.
These growths interfere with the vocal cords’ proper closure, producing a rough or hoarse sound.
3. Dehydration
To avoid having a raspy voice, it is essential to maintain proper hydration in the vocal tract.
This is because a lack of moisture can lead to dryness, stiffness, and irritation in the vocal cords, resulting in a hoarse or raspy voice.
Therefore, drinking enough water and maintaining adequate hydration levels is essential to ensure optimal vocal cord function and prevent dryness.
4. Smoking
It has been observed that singers who smoke for a prolonged period are more likely to develop a raspy voice, which can detract from the depth and fullness of their tone.
Additionally, smokers tend to experience a significant reduction in their vocal range. Female singers who smoke may also have a distinctively low timbre.
Tips for Protecting Your Vocal Cords
These tips can help keep your vocal cords healthy and protected, whether you use your voice for singing, public speaking, or everyday communication.
1. Staying hydrated
Maintaining optimal vocal cord health requires staying hydrated. When dehydrated, your throat can dry and irritate, negatively affecting your vocal cords and causing hoarseness.
If you perform with a dry throat, mucus can become stuck in your vocal folds, which leads to off-key singing, especially in adult contemporary music.
To avoid these problems, drink up to eight glasses of water each day. This will keep both your throat and body hydrated, naturally moisturizing your throat and vocal cords.
Additionally, using a humidifier at home can help keep the air moist and increase indoor humidity, further supporting vocal cord health.
2. Vocal rest.
Performing vocal rest can help rejuvenate the vocal cords if your throat is sore or overly dry.
During vocal rest, speaking only in your normal pitch and avoiding yelling or speaking loudly for at least a week is recommended.
3. Good posture.
Good posture is essential for vocal health when singing. Sitting up straight can help to keep the throat open and relaxed, allowing for more effortless throat movement and better sound quality.
Slouching can cause your throat to constrict over time, leading to poor vocal health.
A bad posture can limit your breathing, preventing you from using all your range and affecting your performance consistency.
4. Try vocal fry.
Vocal fry is an exciting technique to temporarily create a unique vocal quality, like an animated character or a raspy sound.
Your vocal cords must be loose, thick, and relaxed to achieve it.
Start by making an “uh” vowel from the lowest part of your register and keep that sound going for a few seconds without compressing or tightening your voice.
You’ll soon be able to perfect this technique with regular practice!
Singing with a raspy voice: Top Raspy-Voiced Singers
1. Amy Winehouse
The British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse is renowned for her powerful and soulful voice.
Her music is characterized by a unique combination of smoothness and raspiness that adds depth and character.
Chart-topping hits such as “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” and “Valerie” showcase her exceptional vocal ability and unique style.
2. Tom Waits
Tom is a famous American singer-songwriter known for his distinctive raspy voice.
His unique vocal style, which is often described as a gravelly and smoky sound, can be heard in many of his popular songs such as “Downtown Train,” “Hold On,” and “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Matilda).”
3. Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, also known as Satchmo, was a legendary American jazz trumpeter and singer.
He was renowned for his gravelly voice and distinctive phrasing, making him one of the most influential jazz vocalists ever.
Iconic songs like “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!” exemplify his unique and raspy singing style.
4. Rod Stewart
The iconic British singer Rod Stewart is renowned for his distinctive raspy voice.
His powerful and gritty vocal tone can be heard in hits such as “Maggie May,” “Stay with Me,” and “Forever Young.”r Young.”
5. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday is a legendary jazz singer known for her raspy voice and extraordinary improvisations.
She was one of the most influential jazz singers, popularizing the blues and jazz vocal styles during the 1930s.
Her most well-known compositions include “God Bless the Child,” “Strange Fruit,” and “The Man I Love.” Billie Holiday’s legacy lives on today as one of the greatest jazz singers in history.
FAQs
What is it called when a singer has a raspy voice?
When a singer has a raspy voice, it is called a growl.
It is commonly used in rock and blues music, although some singers of other genres also employ it for certain songs.
Many fans appreciate this singing style because it allows singers to add more depth and character to their voices.
How rare is a raspy voice?
Having a raspy voice is quite rare, as it is typically caused by damage to the vocal cords, which affects people who frequently use their voices in loud settings, like singers, public speakers, and actors.
Some people are born with a naturally raspier voice due to an unusual larynx structure or other factors, but this is exceptionally uncommon.
A raspy voice can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition or illness, so if you’re experiencing hoarseness, it’s essential to seek medical advice immediately.
While having a raspy voice can sometimes help you stand out from the crowd, it’s essential to ensure that whatever causes it isn’t damaging your health.
Why was Louis Armstrong’s voice so raspy?
Louis Armstrong’s voice was raspy because he used the “growling” vocal technique.
This technique allowed him to add a unique depth and soulfulness to his voice that had never been heard before.
His use of this growl was further enhanced by his extensive experience playing trumpet, which made him adept at controlling his diaphragm and breath support for maximum vocal expression.
Does your voice get raspy with age?
Yes, the voice gets raspy with age. As we age, our vocal cords become less flexible and less able to generate the same sound intensity.
Our throats may also become dry due to medications and natural aging processes.
Age-related conditions such as asthma can make it challenging to breathe enough air for normal vocalization.
Additionally, certain habits, like shouting or smoking, can contribute to increased hoarseness in the elderly population.
Do girls like deep raspy voices?
It’s a complicated question, but yes, some girls tend to like deep raspy voices.
It’s often associated with being masculine and strong, which can attract women depending on what they want in a potential partner.
Who was the jazz singer with a raspy voice?
The jazz singer with a raspy voice is often identified as the iconic Billie Holiday, who topped the charts in the 1930s and 40s.
She was known for her distinctive melodic style that blended blues and jazz, highlighted by her smoky vocals.
Her famous songs such as “God Bless The Child” and “Strange Fruit” are said to be masterpieces of the genre.
How did Miley Cyrus’ voice get raspy?
Miley Cyrus‘ raspy voice is a trademark sound many in the music industry recognize and admire. It wasn’t always that way.
When she began her music career, her voice was much higher and more delicate.
As she continued to tour and sing with bands, the strain on her vocal cords combined with lifestyle choices such as smoking caused her vocal cords to become strained over time.
This resulted in a rawer, huskier tone, becoming an iconic sound for fans worldwide.
Conclusion
Overall, singing with a raspy texture can be a great way to add flavor to your voice.
With the right amount of technique and practice, you can learn how to take advantage of your natural raspiness and make it work for you.
It adds a unique flavor and makes you stand out from the rest.
Whether you’re an aspiring singer or enjoy vocalizing on occasion, experimenting with singing in different textures can be an enjoyable experience!