Voice is strained ... singing tonight ... please help!

davidhughes · Post by **davidhughes** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:36 pm

Hi everyone
I was singing last night at a gig, and I have another one tonight

problem is my voice is very croaky today and I think It could be a bit strained

Does anyone have any tips or advice what I can do to get it better?

minimal · Post by **minimal** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:44 pm

pure lemon juice

hot milk w/honey

davidhughes · Post by **davidhughes** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:32 pm

hey thanks

Im drinking pure lemon juice now, my face is screwing up a lot, but hopefully it will be worth it

Surreal · Post by **Surreal** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:43 pm

sing quietly for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. try to think of pure tones like a singing lesson not like singing on stage. a e i o u

on f above middle C but probably in this order a(ah) o(owe) u(oo) i(ee) e(ay)

...remember...lightly...

i hope that helps.

Surreal · Post by **Surreal** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:44 pm

o and if f above middle C gives trouble but seems almostt doable try starting a third up and working down.

rikhyray · Post by **rikhyray** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:59 pm

minimal wrote:pure lemon juice

hot milk w/honey

I would not advice milk, it may mess up your throat ( depend on individuals, but it is sticky so while it is great home medicine in general not really for singers) hot lemon and honey definitely yes. Cuban method is hot lemon, honey and rum but don't know how you can handle it. If so use real, natural sugar cane rum like Habana Club, Jamaican or from Martinique and not that chemical shit Bacardi.

P.S. chop some ginger((can add some cloves and elaichi-cardamom), boil it for at least 10 minutes in and then add the lemon juice,
You can also simply chew raw cardamom or cloves or both.

Sales Dude McBoob · Post by **Sales Dude McBoob** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:00 pm

No dairy! No eating cheese, no drinking milk, etc etc etc!

Drinks lots of tea. Don't stress about it. Try to stay relaxed as possible. Take care of your voice all day, you'll have it in the best shape as you can when it's time to sing. No need to worry about it. Stressing will wear you out.

sweetjesus · Post by **sweetjesus** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:35 pm

sleep

nebulae · Post by **nebulae** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:45 pm

a shot of bourbon whiskey before, during, and toward the end...

davidhughes · Post by **davidhughes** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:50 pm

that much bourbon huh... are you trying to sabotage me?

:hiccup: *slurrrs words*

hahah, kidding, that sounds good my friend, I will try that

Ive been drinking tea all day and doing some light "EE's" and "OO's" etc
I hope Im ok

Ive also got a gig tomorrow night and sunday night, so I hope the audience doesnt boo me on sunday night when I cant sing a note! *CROOOOAK*

nebulae · Post by **nebulae** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:55 pm

Pasha · Post by **Pasha** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:56 pm

If you're not against medications, there are some prescription drugs you can try, based on cortisone, of course under medical advice. I had one of those problem and by inhaling the drug with an aerosol dispenser my voice went better. Good Luck for tonight!

nebulae · Post by **nebulae** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:57 pm

pimpleburger · Post by **pimpleburger** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:05 pm

Hi davidhughes

It all depends on how you sing. If you are an unschooled singer then you are prob singing in a way that puts strain and damage on your throat. In which case ... anti septic such as strepsils or gargling using salty water and then warm drinks (not too hot) with no milk or sugar. Keep talking to a minimum as well.

To sum it up: rest voice, use antiseptic to control any infection. Keep vocal cords warm (think of it like being an athelite with warmed up muscles).

Best of luck,
pimpleburger

davidhughes · Post by **davidhughes** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:07 pm

nebulae wrote:one other thing...shut the fuck up about not being able to sing...I mean I know you're making light of something that's concerning you, but you have to think positively...

Visualize being able to do it...just like an athlete does before competition. if you believe you can get through these gigs, you will. If you keep thinking and worrying, then you'll never hit the notes. And worse, if you're underconfident, the audience will know. And confidence is so much more important than ability.

So look yourself in the mirror, and repeat the following mantra:
"I am a god; my voice knows no bounds; my penis is frighteningly enormous; and the next three gigs are already in the bag."

What a lovely way of talking to people! I can see some good advice in there, but totally uncalled for attitude! I wasnt asking for confidence lessons, I have that, the problem is my voice is hurting, and wanted advise of how to repair it. Just saying something in the mirror doesnt make it happen. But I think you know that, youre just being awkward

Ive taken everyones advice though thanks guys, im out