Vibrato
Untrained singers often lack vibrato, or it may appear uncontrollably throughout the voice. Vibrato should be intentional—used purposefully, with attention to when and where it’s applied. The speed and range of vibrato can vary greatly from singer to singer, which makes it a unique, personal vocal effect.
Two Types of Vibrato – Wait, What?
There are, broadly speaking, two main types of vibrato: Hammer and Laryngeal. Hammer vibrato is characterized by a pulsation effect, while laryngeal vibrato involves both pulsation and a change in pitch. Vibrato is often used in combination with other vocal effects, adding nuance and depth to the sound.
Creak and Creaking
Imagine the sound of a door creaking—now try to mimic that sound with your voice. Creak refers to producing this sound at the beginning of a word, while creaking involves sustaining the sound throughout a note. This effect happens when the vocal cords create a different vibratory pattern. Creaking can be combined with various other vocal effects, giving the voice a raw, intimate quality. It’s perfect for adding emotional texture to your performance.
Rapid Runs of Notes (Ornamentation)
Ornamentation is all about decorating the melody, and also known as rapid runs of notes or melisma. Think of them as vocal flourishes—adding color and movement to a song. To master ornamentation, it’s important to develop a solid vibrato first, as it provides a strong foundation for these quick note sequences. I’ve been practicing a run that’s 17 notes long! It’s a process that involves breaking it down step by step. Runs are common in genres like R&B, but also in pop, jazz, and even classical music. They can sometimes need strengthening or tidying up for precision.
Audible Air
One of my favorite effects, especially when writing Dream Pop or Synthwave music, is adding air to the voice. This subtle technique creates an intimate, almost whispered sound that works beautifully behind visuals. It’s perfect for atmospheric music, especially in TV scores. To achieve this effect, air can only be added when the voice is in the Neutral vocal mode (we’ll get into vocal modes more later…). When done right, it brings a unique texture to the voice, making it feel closer and more personal.
Intentional Vocal Breaks
Most singers work hard to smooth over vocal breaks and eliminate any awkward transitions. However, adding intentional vocal breaks can be a powerful emotional tool. A vocal break occurs when the voice transitions from any mode into falsetto, creating a noticeable, often emotional shift in the sound. This effect can be heard in songs like The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” and is also common in country and R&B music. Artists like Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey use vocal breaks to add dramatic flair and emotional depth to their performances.
Final Thoughts
These soft vocal effects can dramatically transform the way you approach your singing and songwriting. Whether you’re aiming for intimacy with audible air or adding emotional layers with vocal breaks, these techniques can elevate your performance. Experiment with these effects, and don’t be afraid to mix them with other vocal tools for even more creative expression.
Join us for a face to face workshop in Cambourne –
Or join us online –
https://www.freeyourvoicehub.com/product/the-soft-effects-online-24th-of-may-2025/
Email: freeyourvoicehub@gmail.com