Music itself has been a constant companion of man for many millennia. The age of the first instruments found (animal flutes) is tens of thousands of years. Probably, the craving for melody, evocative sounds and ordered rhythm is inherent in a person at the genetic level. However, as in many other highly developed animals. Today we are diving deeper into the ocean of music: we learn what growling is. Who first started singing in this manner? Can I learn it? What is the difference between screaming and growling? Answers to these questions are also contained in this publication.
Music
In recent decades, a huge number of new genres have appeared among the musical trends. Not all of them have become popular. But most of them are united by such a feature as informality. It can be considered a bright sign of the times. Complicated enough for perception, but relatively soft classical instrumental music is no longer the basis and mainstream of modern culture. Now it is rock, punk rock, metal and their varieties. In these areas, there are quite a few different styles of vocals. One of them is growling. What it is? What are its differences from other similar singing styles? Can I learn it?
Definition
Growl, or growling, is one of the methods of singing, which is carried out with the "splitting" of the vocal cords, resulting in a kind of "growl". Of course, they use it only in those styles of music where such a vocal effect is appropriate. For example, in grindcore, deathcore, black and doom metal. And although this method of using his voice has been known for a long time, he has gained particular popularity in recent years. Growling is a technique that many rock and metal bands have resorted to for the sake of experiment. True, not always successful. Simply put, this is a rude and aggressive "growl", which not all fans of heavy music styles like. With what it is, we figured out. Now let's briefly tell the story of the appearance of this vocal technique.
Story
For the first time, the 1982 Hellhammer band delighted their fans with a similar singing style. Later, something similar could be found in a number of American groups performing in the genre of gothic, doom and death metal. In the last two, you can increasingly find a kind of cocktail of rude male growling and pure high female vocals. This combination is most popular. Although growling is a technique that in our time can be heard in female performance. True, quite rarely, due to the peculiarities of the anatomy of the speech apparatus. Therefore, women are more likely to use another “aggressive” way of singing called “screaming”.
If we talk about such types of metal as black and death metal, then sometimes there are virtuosos who use a peculiar combination of screaming and growling. Also, this style is often used as a complement to other aggressive and extreme techniques of singing and playing musical instruments. A heavy, low, snarling bass, behind which it is sometimes difficult to make out the words - this is exactly what growling is. How to learn it, we will consider below. But first, for a proper understanding of the subject, we will examine in more detail the technique of growling.
Technics
If we talk about the scientific definition, then growling can be called diaphragmatic bass. Such a vocal technique basically involves the extraction of sounds on the support from the diaphragm during a strong exhalation and the further process of splitting the vocal cords. It is the combination of all this that creates the effect of a rude and terrible growl. And by the way, growling and screaming are often confused. The difference between them, of course, is. So, screaming is a very high wheezing howl, the technique of which also uses the method of splitting the vocal cords. But very often, vocalists use it incorrectly. The result is the usual high shrill scream. Well, what is growling, we already know.
Security
Also, one should not forget that everyone who begins to practice screaming has a sore throat for the first time. And sometimes very strong. True, over time, the pain disappears. The main thing is to establish a performance technique. But, if the discomfort remains after a long time, this is a sure sign that you are singing incorrectly. You also need to monitor your breathing - if it is improperly set up, severe dizziness will necessarily occur as a result of hyperventilation of the lungs. As for the negative impact of this vocal technique on the voice as a whole, there is no evidence of this fact, since with proper screaming, the ligaments practically do not participate in the generation of sound.
Growling: how to learn?
Almost everyone can learn this vocal technique. And for this it is not at all necessary by nature to have a low and rude voice. But, of course, if there is one, then growling with it will be much easier. And the sound will be more saturated and juicy. Also, for the period of classes, cold drink should be excluded from the diet, as well as too hot.
And it is important to remember - despite the fact that you can find a lot of videos and articles with the heading "Growling for beginners", really good and safe technique for bundles can only be obtained in practical classes with the person who already has this skill. But still, we will consider one of the most popular methods:
- First you need to learn the technique of ordinary vibrating vocals. The style of both ordinary and progressive rock or one of the varieties of metal is suitable for this. At this stage, it is most important to learn how to control breathing, to maintain a balance between the tension of the vocal cords and the diaphragm. If you try to “growl” precisely in bundles, then it certainly won’t end in anything good. To expel air, a diaphragm should be used for the most part. And the ligaments themselves should be left relaxed.
- Before and after training, it is advisable to drink something warm. You can also do this between songs. And it is better to avoid alcohol and milk.
- You always need to "warm up." Do not try to growl without a vocal and partly even a general warm-up. You can use articulation gymnastics, Strelnikova’s breathing technique, or exercises of other systems developed for vocalists for this purpose.
- Take a deep breath, and then push part of the air out of your lungs, straining your tonsils and throat. This must be done simultaneously, but without strong stress. You should try to make a laryngeal and high sound, gradually lowering the tonality, returning to the usual style of singing, and then vice versa.
- Imagine a powerful column of air passing through the chest and palate from the diaphragm. In this case, the larynx must be kept open and relaxed. Such a technique will significantly improve the already developed skills of growling and give them melody.
- Air must be pushed by the stomach. Ideally, growling is when all the power of singing should come exclusively from the diaphragm. The same thing happens with opera singers. The straight back and relaxed muscles around the spinal column help with this. Then take a deep breath and exhale powerfully, letting out a growl with open vocal cords.
Conclusion
And most importantly - do not be sad if you can’t growl. This skill comes with time. You need to exercise carefully. In addition, each singer uses his own style. You just need to find it. Listening to professional growling during training is also a good help - since our body is familiar with a kind of empathy, the body will try to take the same position that is characteristic of singing “next to it”. This, together with a direct comparison of sounds and their adoption, can greatly facilitate the task. So now we know how to learn this technique and what it takes. In addition, we answered the question of how scrim and growling differ from each other.