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Low notes don’t always get the hype they deserve. Most beginner singers are focused on hitting those high, powerful notes (and yeah, they are fun), but the low notes? They’re just as important, and often, way trickier than people expect.
If you’ve ever tried to sing a low part and your voice just… vanished into thin air — don’t worry, you’re not alone.
There are a few common things that beginners do wrong when singing low, and once you’re aware of them (and know how to fix them), it gets way easier.
Let’s break it down.
1. Forcing the Voice Too Much
One of the biggest mistakes? Trying to push your voice lower than it naturally wants to go. A lot of beginners think that if they squeeze their throat or drop their larynx forcefully, they’ll hit that low note. But really, it just adds tension and kills the tone.
Low notes actually need less force and more relaxation. You want the sound to drop in, not be pushed out.
Quick Fix:
Think of the low note as a continuation of your speaking voice. Say the phrase like you’re talking, then try singing it gently with the same feel. Keep your neck and jaw relaxed.
2. Weak Breath Support
Low notes often come out weak or airy because there’s not enough breath support. People assume you don’t need much air since the note isn’t “loud,” but actually, low notes need strong and steady airflow to stay clear and connected.
If your voice feels like it disappears or sounds shaky when going low, breath support might be the issue.
Quick Fix:
Put a hand on your belly and try singing a low note while keeping your stomach engaged (not tensed, just gently firm). Your lower abs should stay active and slightly expanded while singing the note.
3. Mumbling or Closing the Sound
Another common one, beginners sometimes close their mouth too much when singing low, maybe thinking it'll help the sound stay “deep” or “contained.” But this actually chokes the sound and makes the note dull.
You need space inside your mouth and throat for low notes to resonate properly.
Quick Fix:
Think “yawn space.” Drop your jaw slightly and open the back of your throat, like you're about to yawn. Try singing an “Ahhh” on a low pitch and feel the openness inside. That’s what you want to maintain.
4. Ignoring the Low Range
This one’s simple: many beginners just avoid singing low notes altogether. Maybe they feel awkward or unsure. But skipping your low register is like skipping leg day at the gym. You need balance to sound complete as a singer.
Working on your low notes helps with control, expression, and even makes your high notes feel more grounded.
So... What Actually Helps?
Now that we’ve covered the don’ts, let’s talk about what you should do. Here are a few simple exercises you can try every day to get better at singing low notes:
1. Humming Downward Slides
- Start from a comfortable middle note and gently hum down a 5-note scale (e.g., Sol-Fa-Mi-Re-Do).
- Keep the tone light and relaxed.
- Let the sound fall naturally without pushing.
Why it works: Humming helps you feel the vibrations in your face and chest, and sliding down gently teaches your voice to move without tension.
2. "Ng" Slides (like in the word "sing")
- Say the word “sing,” and hold the “ng” part. Feel the buzz in your nose and face.
- Now slide down slowly from a mid-range note to a low one while holding that buzzing “ng” sound.
Why it works: It keeps your vocal cords connected while also encouraging forward resonance, even on low pitches.
3. “Mmm-Ah” Switch
- Start with a soft “Mmm” (like you're enjoying food), then open into an “Ahhh.”
- Do this on a descending 3-note or 5-note scale.
- Keep everything smooth and supported.
Why it works: The “Mmm” helps set up good placement, and the “Ah” opens up the sound. This builds control without strain.
4. Speaking Exercises
- Speak a phrase in your natural voice, like “I am singing this low”, then sing it at the same pitch.
- Do this with different phrases and emotions (happy, sad, serious) to get more comfortable with low tones.
Why it works: Singing low is often just a stylized form of speaking. This helps you stay connected and expressive without overthinking pitch.
Bonus Tips
- Record yourself: Sometimes what feels low and powerful sounds totally different outside your head. Recording helps you hear what's really going on.
- Stay relaxed: Keep your neck, shoulders, and jaw loose. Tension is the enemy of good low notes. Sing without stressing.
- Be patient: Your low range might develop more slowly than your highs, and that’s totally fine. Keep showing up.
Watch this video for better understanding and sing like Mitski!
Final Thoughts
Singing low notes isn't just for people with deep voices. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it takes time, awareness, and a bit of daily practice. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t rush it. The more you learn to relax into those notes, support your breath, and let the sound resonate naturally, the better (and more confident) you’ll sound.
So don’t ignore your low notes, embrace them. They add warmth, emotion, and texture to your voice. And honestly? When sung well, they can be just as impressive as any high note.
Written by,
Vishal Agrawal
Western Vocal Coach