Singers and Vocalists

Step-by-Step Guide to Growl When Singing

Many singers want to add a powerful growl to their vocal collection, but it can seem daunting and potentially harmful.

You’re right to be cautious – improper technique can strain your voice. However, you can learn to growl safely and effectively with the right approach.

This guide will walk you through the process of mastering growl singing step by step.

We’ll cover the basics of breath control, proper throat positioning, and how to build your growl gradually. You’ll also learn how to protect your voice while practicing this technique.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to add an impressive growl to your singing, enhancing your vocal range and musical expression.

How to Growl When Singing

Step 1: Breathe from Your Diaphragm

Good growl singing starts with proper breathing. Using your diaphragm gives you the power you need without hurting your voice.

Instead of breathing from your chest, use the muscle below your lungs called the diaphragm. This lets you take deeper breaths, which helps create strong growls.

How to Do It:

Sit or stand up straight
Put your hand on your belly, just under your ribs
Hum with your mouth closed
Feel your belly move in as you hum – you’re using your diaphragm, right?

Step 2: Pinch Your Throat

After getting your breathing right, it’s time to shape your throat to make the growl sound.

Tightening the muscles at the back of your throat helps control how high or low your growl sounds.

How to Do It:

Open your mouth in an “O” shape
Pull your tongue a bit back toward your throat
Tighten the back of your throat for higher growls, or loosen it for lower ones

Step 3: Exhale Forcefully and Evenly

Now that your throat is in the right position let’s create a growl by breathing correctly.

Push air out from your belly, but do it forcefully. This helps you make a strong growl without hurting your voice.

How to Do It:

Breathe out steadily from deep in your belly
Keep your throat pinched like you practiced
Start with short growls, then try to make them longer
Focus on keeping your breath steady the whole time

Step 4: Practice Nonsense Syllables

Now that you’ve got the basic growl down let’s apply it to actual sounds. This helps you move from simple growls to musical expressions.

Using syllables in your growls helps you shape the sound. It also gets you ready for growling words or lyrics in songs.

How to Do It:

Start with simple syllables like “Ra,” “We,” and “Yo.”
Try to make different tones and pitches with these sounds
Focus on making the syllables flow smoothly
Don’t stop the sound abruptly between syllables

Remember to take your time and don’t push your voice too hard. With regular practice, you’ll get better at controlling your growl across different sounds.

Essential Techniques for Safe Growling

Learning to growl can be an exciting addition to your singing skills, but it’s crucial to approach it safely.

By following these essential techniques, you can protect your voice while mastering the art of growling.

Warm-Up Exercises: Always warm up before growling. Start with gentle humming to wake up your vocal cords. Sip warm tea to soothe your throat. Never begin growling with a cold voice – this can hurt your vocal cords.
Maintaining Good Posture: Good posture is vital for safe growling. Keep your back straight and head up, whether sitting or standing. This allows better airflow and reduces throat strain. Try standing against a wall to check your alignment, then step away while keeping that posture.

How to Improve Your Growl Singing Skills

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to fine-tune your growl singing. These tips will help you take your skills to the next level.

1. Record and Analyze Your Growls

To enhance your growl singing, start by recording your practice sessions. This gives you a chance to hear yourself objectively.

When you review, pay attention to your pitch control, volume changes, and overall style.

Ask yourself: Can you keep the growl steady at different pitches? How’s your volume control? Does your growl fit the music style you’re going for?

Use these insights to guide your practice and track your progress over time.

2. Practice with Lyrics

Once you’re comfortable with basic growls, it’s time to work with real words. Move from nonsense sounds to actual lyrics.

This step bridges the gap between exercises and real singing. Try growling with different types of songs and words to find what works best for your voice.

Listen to singers you admire and notice how they use growls in their music. This can give you ideas for your style.

3. Experiment with Vocal Fry

To add more texture to your growl, try mixing in some vocal fry. This technique gives your voice a raspier, grittier quality.

Start by making a deep “Ah” sound, focusing on creating a crackling noise in your throat. Once you’re comfortable with the fry, slowly blend it with your growl.

Play around with the balance between fry and growl to find a mix that suits your style.

4. Build Growl Stamina

Like any skill, growling gets better with practice. To build up your endurance, start with short growling sessions. Maybe try growling for just a few seconds at a time, then take a break.

As you become more comfortable, slowly increase the length of your growl. This gradual approach helps strengthen the muscles involved in growling without straining your voice.

Be patient with yourself – it might take weeks or even months to increase your stamina significantly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid Tension: Keep your body and throat relaxed while growling. Tension can restrict your sound and cause strain. Focus on using breath support rather than throat muscles for power. If you notice yourself tensing up, pause and reset.
Stop if It Hurts: Never push through pain when growling. Discomfort is a sign that something’s wrong with your technique. If it hurts, stop immediately and revisit your approach. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and consider seeking advice from a vocal coach if issues persist.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of growl singing opens up a whole new world of vocal expression.

By following the steps we’ve outlined – from proper breathing to advanced techniques – you can safely incorporate this powerful tool into your singing repertoire.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Start small, listen to your body, and gradually build your skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your unique growl style.

As you practice, you’ll discover how growling can add depth and emotion to your performances.

So, are you ready to unleash your inner growl?

Start with the basics, record your progress, and soon you’ll be growling with confidence. Share your journey with us in the comments below!

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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