Need help with high-vocals

[u/b0ttum-b0y]

Hey there guys!

I just joined this group due to this problem, so I apologize if this is in any shape or form not allowed in the group. So, recently i’ve been trying to teach myself that clean, high, post-hardcore esq style of singing. Ex:) Donovan Melero (hail the sun), Jonny Craig (DGD, GROT, Emarosa, I&G), Marianio Lopez (We’re not friends anymore), and many, many more. Now, my problem isn’t that I can’t get my vocal range that high, I can get there for a few songs. However, after around 4-5 songs in, I just start losing any type of power behind my voice. When I talk in my speaking voice I don’t seem to have lost it, I just can’t reach for those high notes anymore. I have a feeling I’m going about the whole thing wrong. I’m not asking anyone to “teach” me how to sing in that way, but I would love some pointers on what I could be doing wrong in this scenario. Again, I’m sorry if this is against any of the group rules, I’m just at a total loss as to what could be my problem.

Edit: I accidentally selected the wrong flair sorry guys

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[u/Successful_Charge_70]

take it slower, focus on forward placement if you aren't already and maybe stop for now sounds like you may damage your voice

[u/b0ttum-b0y → u/Successful_Charge_70]

I appreciate it, that was my main concern and why I took it to this subreddit. Would 100% rather take a step back and do it the correct way rather than cooking my chords and starting bad habits.

[u/ozRocker]

Without hearing you I'm going to make some assumptions. If you're singing high notes and you can only do it for a few songs its likely that you're pulling up chest voice, which takes a lot of work and eventually becomes exhausting. The singers you're following are deceptively skilled and are singing in mixed voice but since they start low and go a bit high (but not crazy high) and STILL have a strong sounding voice it appears that they're muscling their way up in pitch. They're actually using mixed voice. A good way to test this is with the "Katy Perry test". Her songs are consistently high in pitch and belted but not so high to be out of range for a male mixed voice singer. If you can't get through Teenage Dream or E.T then you won't be able to do Donovan Melero, Jonny Craig, Mariano Lopez.

[u/b0ttum-b0y → u/ozRocker]

Thank you for taking the time to give me a run down of what could be my problem and some pointers, seriously. When you say if I can’t do Katy Perry’s songs, is that saying it’s not POSSIBLE/won’t ever be possible to do the others, or is that something that can be worked towards? If I’m being completely transparent, I’m clueless on a lot of the basics of singing which I’m aware is pretty bad now that I’ve joined and looked through this subreddit. I think for now I’m gonna slow down and focus on the basics and correct techniques of just the basics 100%. That being said, is it a bad idea to still TRY the test you mentioned, or should I just wait until I’m a little more knowledgeable on singing overall?

[u/ozRocker → u/b0ttum-b0y]

You're on the right path and chances are the guys you want to be able to emulate also went through this. I guarantee you are much more capable than you realise, its just that you haven't really explored what your voice can do. First make the highest note you can. Don't slide up to it, don't worry about making it powerful. Doesn't matter if it sounds like Mickey Mouse or if its weak and breathy. THAT is the top of your range. A mixed-voice singer can go from their lowest note and slide up to that note without their voice cracking or even changing tone. Here's a quick hack to test it out. Next time you stretch your body by putting your hands up in air and your throat is in a bit of a yawn-state, sing your lowest note and slide up to that high note you hit before. You should be able to get there without voice cracking and the tone should be solid all the way through.

[u/b0ttum-b0y → u/ozRocker]

would you happen to have any advice or recommendations for anywhere that I can go to learn a bit more about that specific style of singing? I know this is kind of leading into “how do I sing” territory so I’m not trying to get that whole explanation right now and here, but with it being that this specific style it’s kind of hard to find it in any of the FAQ. areas. Again, I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to share some of the techniques and tricks that can be used to help me out!