The scratchy voice results from incomplete contact between the vocal cords and / or from any nodules, calluses, polyps or ulcers present on them. You can simulate a slightly scratchy timbre in singing by stiffening your neck and pushing out a lot of air. However, this long-term technique can cause damage to the voice. If you decide to take this risk, also be sure to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your vocal cords.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Singing with the Slightly Scratchy Voice
Step 1. Warm up your voice
Before trying to sing with a slightly scratchy voice, you need to warm it up appropriately. Start with some breathing exercises, then move on to the stairs. After that, you can keep warming up with trills and murmurs.
Step 2. Stiffen your neck as you sing
Hoarse timbre occurs when the vocal cords are not fully in contact. You can simulate a slightly scratchy voice in singing by stiffening your neck and pushing out a lot of air. In doing so, the vocal cords are not fully in contact and a slightly hoarse voice results.
Singing or recording a couple of songs using this technique is fine, but it's best not to do it for a full album or concert, since vocal cords can be damaged in the long run
Step 3. Simulate a cough to get lower notes
If you sing at almost the minimum of your vocal range, you can combine your timbre with the sharpness of a cough. Try coughing a few times. Notice the "scratching" in the back of the throat that causes the cough. Now recreate this feeling as you sing.
Step 4. Use saliva
One way to get the scratchy voice is to produce a lot of saliva and / or mucus in the back of the throat. He begins to sing simulating a kind of throaty growl. Tighten the throat muscles enough to restrict the flow of air with mucus. You need to feel the same sensation in your throat as you do when you let out a low-pitched growl.
Step 5. Hire a singing teacher
Singing in a slightly hoarse voice can damage your vocal cords. To avoid finding yourself with long-term damage, hire a professional who can guide you in learning this singing technique. Search for singing teachers in your area, ask them about their teaching method and arrange for a first lesson.
Step 6. Use technology
You don't have to ruin your voice to get the slightly scratchy tone you are looking for. Instead, try to use technology. For example, you can record a song by singing in your normal voice and then have a sound engineer change it to make your voice sound hoarse. This will protect your vocal cords and at the same time produce the vocal effect you want.
Part 2 of 2: Using the Voice Wisely
Step 1. Be aware that you can damage your vocal cords
Singing with a hoarse voice can be harmful to the vocal cords in the long run. This singing technique, in fact, can excessively stress the vocal cords. If you abuse your voice or try too hard, lumps or polyps can form in the throat, causing vocal problems.
Step 2. Know when to stop
In an effort to develop a slightly hoarse voice, it is important to protect the vocal cords. Don't sing if your throat hurts or is dry. Also, stop using this singing technique if your voice sounds fatigued.
As a remedy for dry throat, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, rest your voice and drink warm water and lemon
Step 3. Stay within your vocal range
Reaching the notes at the extremes of the vocal range (i.e. singing too high or too loud) can be harmful to the vocal cords. The same thing can happen if you try to sing very low or very soft. So, stay within your vocal range.
Step 4. Hydrate
To sing safely it is important to keep your body hydrated. Make sure you drink 8 glasses of water a day. Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine - both can cause dryness and irritate the vocal cords. You can also use a humidifier indoors.
