Many metal or even hardcore bands today have a lead vocalist who doesn't just sing. Screaming is a new instrument developed for the stage that is starting to catch on as a trend. Learning to scream is a bit more difficult than singing, however. True screaming is bad for your instrument (your vocal apparatus) so follow this advice to avoid damaging your throat while learning to scream like your favorite hardcore bands. Keep in mind that yelling at the top of your lungs is incorrect and you WILL ruin your vocal cords. The bands you hear do not really scream. It's an effect within their vocal cords that anyone can learn. Here's how:
1. Bare down. Yes, like you're using the restroom. Hold your breath while trying this a few times until you get used to the feeling. Don't over-do it.
2. Breathe. Practice letting out a little bit of air at a time. At first it'll sound like you're grunting.
3. Control your tone. Keep trying different methods of letting the air out. You don't want to release too much air, or you'll be of no use on stage.
4. The wider, the higher. Use your diaphragm, and feel where your throat is straining to control the pitch. The wider your mouth, the easier it is to scream highs. The more round you make your mouth, the easier the lows come.
5. Scream to music. The best way to learn is to scream harmonies with your favorite bands. I say harmonies because you won't sound like other screamers yet, especially not good ones. If you're screaming harmonies, you can hear your own voice and learn how without getting discouraged because you don't match the lead's voice.
Tips
# What you drink or eat can have an affect on how you scream, some people scream better after drinking certain drinks. But the temperature matters most. Avoid cold foods and drinks.
# Room temperature tea with honey is great for a smooth scream. It helps coat your throat (But don't take it with sugar, sugar will damage your vocal cords). Anything that will coat your throat helps. Try to avoid milk, as it can make you cough as well.
# If you scream without music, you'll sound awkward and very piecey, like your voice separates too much. The music covers up these tiny flaws, but your ultimate goal is to fix them yourself.
# Scream in your car while driving, just don't pass out.
# Cup your hand and place it against your ear and mouth. This carries the sound of your scream directly to your ear so you can hear it better. This is the closest thing to hearing what you'll sound like through a microphone.
# Cupping your microphone creates a smoother sound. It creates more depth as your scream bounces off your hands and the mic doesn't lose as much of the noise.
# If you sing and scream, try screaming a short phrase or even, "1, 2, 3, 4". When you start, speak or sing the first number, and scream the rest. Repeat the phrase and scream the first number, but sing the second and scream the rest. Repeat this until your voice is more used to alternating and you don't strain or change keys when you switch.
# Practice makes perfect.
# Do not inhale when you scream. Inhale screaming is unhealthy and can damage your vocal cords, impairing your singing and maybe even speech ability.
# Screaming is hard to do in the beginning, but dont worry; Your vocal cords aren't used to the new sound. After continuous practice and having someone teach you, it will become easier, and you will learn things about your voice you never knew.
Warnings
* If you feel any pain, stop immediately. You're doing it wrong. However, at first, your voice won't be used to the feeling. While screaming your throat should not hurt, but if it begins to feel a bit sore, take the night off and try again tomorrow. Your voice needs to adjust to this new action.
* If you cough when you first start, try changing your pitch or repositioning where the scream is actually created in your throat by toying with your own muscles. Sometimes starting off too high or too low will cause you to cough.
* Keep in mind that you are not actually screaming! You're just straining your vocal chords to vibrate harder and allow air out in segments instead of fully. Your scream will be no louder than a general shout or holler. My scream is much quieter than my yelling voice.
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