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How to Fix Dys Vocal Crack: A Guide for Singers

Dys vocal crack is a common problem that affects many singers, especially those who sing in high-pitched or loud styles. It occurs when the vocal cords suddenly switch from one register to another, causing a noticeable break or crack in the voice. Dys vocal crack can be embarrassing and frustrating for singers, as it can ruin their performance and damage their vocal health.

Fortunately, dys vocal crack can be fixed with proper vocal technique and training. In this article, we will explain what causes dys vocal crack, how to prevent it, and how to fix it if it happens. By following these tips, you can improve your vocal quality and confidence.

What Causes Dys Vocal Crack?

Dys vocal crack is caused by a lack of coordination between the muscles that control the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two thin bands of tissue that vibrate when air passes through them, producing sound. The vocal cords can change their shape and tension to produce different pitches and volumes.

The vocal cords have two main registers: the chest voice and the head voice. The chest voice is the lower register that uses thicker and looser vocal cords. The head voice is the higher register that uses thinner and tighter vocal cords. The chest voice sounds more powerful and resonant, while the head voice sounds more airy and light.

When singers transition from one register to another, they need to adjust the shape and tension of their vocal cords smoothly and gradually. However, sometimes the muscles that control the vocal cords fail to coordinate properly, resulting in a sudden and abrupt switch from one register to another. This causes a noticeable break or crack in the voice, which is called dys vocal crack.

How to Prevent Dys Vocal Crack?

The best way to prevent dys vocal crack is to practice good vocal technique and habits. Here are some tips to help you avoid dys vocal crack:

Warm up your voice before singing. Warming up your voice helps to relax and lubricate your vocal cords, making them more flexible and responsive. You can warm up your voice by doing some gentle humming, lip trills, sirens, or scales.
Breathe properly. Breathing properly means using your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to support your airflow and voice. This helps to reduce tension and strain on your throat and vocal cords. You can breathe properly by inhaling deeply through your nose or mouth, expanding your lower ribs and abdomen, and exhaling slowly through your mouth.
Sing in your comfortable range. Singing in your comfortable range means choosing songs and keys that suit your natural voice type and ability. This helps to avoid pushing or straining your voice beyond its limits. You can find your comfortable range by singing along with a piano or a tuner, and noting the lowest and highest notes you can sing with ease.
Mix your registers. Mixing your registers means blending your chest voice and head voice smoothly and seamlessly. This helps to avoid sudden jumps or breaks between the registers. You can mix your registers by practicing exercises that involve sliding or gliding from one register to another, such as sirens, yodels, or arpeggios.
Relax your throat and jaw. Relaxing your throat and jaw means keeping them loose and open when singing. This helps to avoid tension and tightness that can interfere with your vocal cord coordination. You can relax your throat and jaw by doing some gentle stretches, massages, or yawning.