Vocal effects are techniques added to a singer’s voice to convey deeper emotions or feelings. In Complete Vocal Technique (CVT), there are 10 key vocal effects, many of which can be mixed and matched for a wide range of sounds. These effects include: Distortion, Rattle, Grunt, Growl, Screams, Creak and Creaking, Adding Air, Vibrato, Ornamentation (such as rapid runs), and Vocal Breaks.
Vocal effects can be an essential part of a singer’s career, adding unique texture and expression to their performance.
Here are some examples of vocal effects:
* Distortion
Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart
* Creak
Britney Spears – Baby One More Time
* Growl
Louis Armstrong – Fly Me To The Moon
* Rattle
Etta James – Somethings Got a Hold On Me (010 seconds)
* Vibrato (Laryngeal Vibrato)
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
* Ornamentation/Rapid Runs
Chris Stapleton – Tennesee Whiskey (1.14)
* Screams
James Brown – I Feel Good
* Added Air
Billie Eillish – Bad Guy
* Intentional Vocal Breaks (1.44 seconds)
Cranberries – Zombie
* Grunt
Arch Enemy – Reason To Believe (1.10 seconds)
The Power of Spontaneity and Emotion
The key to effective vocal effects is that they should sound spontaneous, as if the singer is making an emotional outcry in the moment. However, even though these effects can seem raw or impromptu, they must be grounded in proper technique to avoid damaging the voice.
Many singers struggle with vocal strain because they don’t use these effects correctly. As a Complete Vocal Technique teacher, it’s my job to understand the anatomy of these effects and to teach my students how to apply them safely. A professional singer should be able to perform these effects consistently, night after night, without injury.
How Are Vocal Effects Created?
Vocal effects are produced within the vocal tract. By understanding the anatomy of the voice, we can pinpoint where and how each effect is created. During my Vocal Workshops, I guide singers through the process, helping them to understand the specific areas involved in creating each effect.
How to Learn Vocal Effects
Training in vocal effects requires control and precision. As a singer, you should be able to choose exactly where to place each effect and determine its duration. Learning to “switch” the effects on and off with control is crucial for both safety and artistic expression.
Because vocal effects require more energy (about 30% more than standard singing), it’s also important to connect with the right physical energy when using them—just like an athlete training for a performance. 💪🏻
Purpose and Authenticity
The use of vocal effects must always serve a purpose. They should be relevant to the song’s emotion and message. If the effect doesn’t fit the expression or tone of the music, it can sound forced or inauthentic. The key is to ensure that the effect sounds natural and enhances the overall performance.
Vocal Effects Across Genres
Vocal effects can be found in almost every musical genre, but the types of effects used often vary. Rougher, more aggressive effects may be found in genres like rock, metal, blues, and pop, while softer effects tend to be used in genres like jazz, R&B, and classical.
For more information on Vocal Effects join me on one of my workshops –