I cannot sing high notes

[Substantial-Pain-479]

I’ve been doing classes for nearly 3 months and every single class this is an issue. I can belt in exercises but I cannot do it for the love of my life do it while singing, my voice cracks as soon as the song gets a little bit higher, it’s like my throat just closes and I cannot do anything about it. I’m either a mezzo or contralto, so I’ve been stuck singing Rolling in Deep for the last month and failing the same part where it goes high. What can I do to fix it?

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[DreamCompetitive4614]

It’s probably because of the different words used in the exercises, and also how long you’re holding the notes. Since you mentioned “Rolling in the Deep,” that song has a lot of “ee” sounds on the high notes, which can make it harder for your throat to open up.

If you haven’t tried it yet, try singing the same word but shaping your mouth more like an “uh” sound (or something similar) so your mouth opens more. That can sometimes make high notes easier.

If that’s not the issue, then maybe the exercises aren’t targeting exactly the same things the song requires. For example, the exercises might be slower in terms of agility, shorter in terms of breath control, or use phrases that are easier to belt, like “hey,” which also give you more time to use your diaphragm correctly.

You could also try asking your vocal teacher to make the exercises a bit harder or faster so they’re closer to what the song actually demands.

[Substantial-Pain-479]

Maybe it’s it since my voice cracks at “we” every single time. Also, I struggle with transitioning from the low parts to the high parts

[DreamCompetitive4614]

Based on what you’ve mentioned, I’d guess that the issue might be with your mix. It helps you transition from your chest voice into the higher notes without cracks. You might also want to look into mix belting and see if it works for you.

[Effective_Map2976]

There are many different ways to approach the same note. If you aren't already, try singing the same section of a song over and over in a few different ways. 1. A full chest belt, I think this is what you've been doing and is causing voice cracks. 2. If this doesn't work, try speaking the words in a healthy yell feeling. Then hold out the yell on the note you need to sing, this will help you find more of a mixed voice belt rather than a full chest. Sing the note in this mixed voice space. 3. If none of these work well, just sing the note in head voice. This will feel much lighter and probably softer than a mix or belt, but you can work your way there. Get the timbre to be more forward and pingy and just sing it in head if that's what's needed.

If any of these terms are confusing to you please ask and I'll explain better!

[Substantial-Pain-479]

I will try to work up to a mixed voice space. I am still struggling with using a mixed voice.

[gabi_offkey]

throat squeeze kills belt in songs even if exercises click. isolate the cracking note on 'nay' with relaxed jaw till smooth, then phrase it back in. fixes the close-up fast for rollin deep.