Screaming is a powerful vocal technique used in many music genres, but it can be hard on your voice if not done correctly.

Many singers struggle to scream without hurting their vocal cords or sounding strained. With the right methods, you can learn to scream safely and effectively.

This article will show you how to scream properly, covering different screaming styles and key tips to protect your voice.

We’ll explore breathing techniques, throat control, and ways to build your screaming skills gradually.

You’ll have a solid foundation to practice safe and impressive screaming techniques for your music or performances by the end.

What is Scream Singing?

Scream singing is a vocal technique that produces intense, often distorted sounds. It’s a way to express strong emotions through the voice, going beyond normal singing.

This style involves using the voice in a controlled yet forceful manner to create harsh, raspy, or guttural sounds.

You’ll often hear screaming singing in rock, metal, and punk music. These genres use this technique to add raw energy and intensity to their songs. It’s a key element that sets these music styles apart from others.

Scream singing comes in different forms. Some common types include:

• Growls: Low, rumbling sounds that come from deep in the throat
• Shrieks: High-pitched, piercing vocal sounds
• Fry screams: Raspy, crackling sounds made with little air
• False cord screams: Fuller, more resonant screams using the false vocal folds

Each type of scream has its sound and technique. Singers often mix these styles to create their unique vocal expressions.

How to Scream Sing: Key Techniques

1. Warm-Up Routine

Before you start screaming, it’s crucial to warm up your voice. This helps prevent damage and improves your performance.

Try these warm-up exercises:

• Hum gently, starting low and slowly moving higher
• Make lip trills (like a motorboat sound)
• Practice gentle scales using vowel sounds

2. Basic Scream Techniques

• Listen to examples: Find singers who use screaming in their songs. Please pay attention to how they blend screams with normal singing.
• Drink something warm: This helps relax your throat. Try warm (not hot) water or herbal tea.
• Whisper the “ah” sound: Start by whispering “ah” forcefully. Hold it for 15-30 seconds.
• Close your throat and apply more force: Narrow your throat slightly and push more air through. You should feel vibrations in your throat and chest.
• Practice regularly: Start with short sessions and gradually increase. Stop if you feel pain.

3. Advanced Techniques

Pterodactyl Scream Singing: This technique creates a high-pitched, intense scream. 

• Form your mouth into an “e” shape: Think of the “ee” sound in “feet.”
• Close your throat tight: Leave only a small gap for air to pass through.
• Inhale deeply to produce the scream: Unlike other screams, this happens while breathing in.
• Regular practice: This technique takes time to master. Practice often, but be careful not to strain your voice.

Benefits of Regular Practice

1. Skill Improvement

Regular practice is key to refining your screaming technique. With each session, you’ll notice subtle improvements in your control over pitch, volume, and tone.

You’ll learn to transition smoothly between screams and normal singing. Over time, you’ll develop a more distinct and powerful scream that is uniquely yours.

2. Endurance Building

Screaming can be physically demanding. You’ll build up the strength in your vocal cords and supporting muscles through frequent practice. Start with short sessions, maybe 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase duration.

Eventually, you can perform for an entire set without vocal fatigue.

3. Muscle Memory

Consistent practice trains your vocal muscles to perform screams more naturally. It’s like learning any physical skill – the more you do it, the more automatic it becomes. You’ll find yourself able to hit the right techniques without consciously thinking about every step.

4. Vocal Range Expansion

Regular practice can help extend your vocal range. You might discover you can hit higher shrieks or deeper growls than you initially thought possible. This expanded range gives you more tools to express yourself musically.

5. Confidence Boost

As your skills improve, so will your confidence. This isn’t just about sounding better – it’s about feeling more comfortable and natural when you scream. Your performances will show this confidence, making them more powerful and engaging.

Different Scream Types

Mastering different scream types allows singers to express a wider range of emotions and fit various music styles. These skills make a vocalist more flexible and able to perform in different genres.

1. Fry Scream

A fry scream is a raspy, crackling sound often used in metal and hardcore music. It’s named after the “vocal fry” register, the lowest vocal register.

How to Perform

• Take a deep breath from your diaphragm
• Start with a normal-speaking voice
• Gradually tighten your throat to create a gravelly sound
• Push more air through your vocal cords

Tips for Mastery

• Begin with short, low-intensity screams
• Slowly increase the volume and duration
• Drink water often during practice

2. Inhale Scream

An inhale scream is produced while breathing in, creating a unique, high-pitched sound.

How to Perform

• Exhale fully
• Open your mouth wide
• Inhale quickly while tightening your throat
• Use your diaphragm to control the airflow

Tips for Mastery

• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Don’t overdo it – this technique can be hard on your voice

3. Kvlt Scream

The kvlt scream is a high-pitched, buzzing scream common in black metal music.

How to Perform

• Start with an “ee” sound
• Tighten your throat and push air forcefully
• Aim for a high-pitched, raspy tone

Tips for Mastery

• Listen to black metal vocalists for reference
• Experiment with different mouth shapes

4. Low Growl

A low growl is a deep, guttural sound often heard in death metal.

How to Perform

• Relax your throat
• Push air from your diaphragm
• Use your throat muscles to create a rumbling sound
• Keep your tongue low in your mouth

Tips for Mastery

• Practice saying words clearly while growling
• Keep practice sessions short to avoid strain

5. Mid-Range Growl

This growl sits between high screams and low growls, used in metalcore and screamo.

How to Perform

• Start with a speaking voice
• Tighten your throat slightly
• Push air forcefully from your diaphragm
• Aim for a sound between a yell and a growl

Tips for Mastery

• Focus on controlling your breath
• Try different levels of intensity

6. Pig Squeal

A high-pitched scream that sounds like a pig squeal, often used in deathcore.

How to Perform

• Form your mouth into an “oink” shape
• Push air out while tightening your throat
• Use your tongue to create the squealing sound

Tips for Mastery

• Start with gentle squeals
• Practice daily for better control

7. Tunnel Throat Scream

A hollow-sounding scream used in deathcore and death metal.

How to Perform

• Press your tongue against your bottom teeth
• Open your throat wide
• Push air out forcefully
• Aim for a deep, echoing sound

Tips for Mastery

• Practice often, focusing on the throat position
• Listen to singers who use this technique for guidance

Importance of Breaks and Vocal Rest

Plan short breaks during your practice. Every 15-20 minutes, stop and rest your voice for a few minutes. This prevents overuse and strain on your vocal cords.

Vocal rest means giving your voice a complete break. This can mean:

• Not talking at all for a set time
• Speaking only when necessary and quietly
• Avoiding any singing or screaming

Regular vocal rest helps your voice recover and prevents long-term damage.

Include rest days in your weekly routine. If you practice screaming daily, take at least one or two days off each week. Listen to your body – if your throat feels sore or your voice sounds hoarse, take extra rest.

Remember, pushing through pain can lead to serious vocal damage. It’s better to rest now than to risk long-term harm to your voice.

Tips for Soothing the Throat

1. Hydration

Keeping your throat moist is key for vocal health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before and after screaming. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. Herbal teas, like chamomile or licorice root, can help soothe your throat.

2. Home Remedies

• Warm tea with honey: This mix can ease throat pain and reduce swelling. The warmth relaxes throat muscles while honey coats and soothes.
• Steam inhalation: Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower. This moistens your throat and helps clear mucus.
• Saltwater gargle: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water. Gargle to reduce swelling and kill bacteria.

3. Dietary Considerations

What You Should Avoid

• Caffeine and alcohol: These dry out your throat
• Spicy and acidic foods: They can irritate your throat
• Dairy: It may increase mucus production

What You Should Eat More

• Fruits and vegetables: They provide vitamins for vocal health
• Warm broths: These keep your throat moist and provide nutrients

Wrapping Up

Learning to scream properly takes time and effort, but it’s worth it for your vocal health and musical expression. Remember to start slowly, focusing on proper technique and breathing.

Warm up your voice before each session, stay hydrated, and give yourself plenty of rest.

Don’t push through pain – listen to your body and stop if you feel discomfort.

With consistent practice and patience, you’ll develop a powerful, controlled scream that enhances your music without harming your voice.

Explore different styles to find what works best for you, and always prioritize your vocal health. Happy screaming!