15/02/2025 - Distortion Awareness

Distortion; Undertones and Overtones

Distortion can be accessed in many different ways, weather it be true cord or false cord, Fry, Pig Squeal or just a simple BLEH, we need to start thinking critically about what tone we should be reaching for to create a more successful sound.

@shotbytrendy - Student Showcase Summer 2024

When I first started using Distortion I was very young and began learning, as most of us do, from YouTube Tutorials. I found that many of these tutorials lacked information that I feel as if I would have greatly benefitted from, and now - as a teacher, I do my best to ensure that if any of my students come to me and ask to learn to distort, that I explain not only the different types of distortion, but the ways that we can access it.

Undertone, Overtone, distorting free...

When discussing overtones and undertones within the context of distortion, we are looking at the vibrational frequencies that the vocal folds are making, as well as the overall sound the voice makes while being used in this way. We're looking for a combination of singing and distorting, with variations in intensity and overall tonality.

Overtones:

When distortion appears above the lead note. Compression with additional support, breath is being controlled and funnelling the sound. Projection to the voice to help the sound carry. When: Vocal effect taking precedence over singing, using the voice as a more percussive instrument. Types: Fry, Growl, False Cord (solo tone) & Mixed Tone Use Resonation space: Nasal Cavity.

Mixed Tone Use: Mixed Tone use is when distortion appears sounding above the fundamental tone when singing. without distortion, the vocal fold vibrates as a whole, producing the fundamental. If it vibrates in sections or splits the frequency, it produces overtones. This is how we create mixed tone use.

Undertones:

When distortion appears below the lead note. Relaxed sounds When: Effect, creek (primal sound), fry onsets & offsets Types: Fry, Growl Resonation space: Buccal Cavity

Pencil Technique; Frequency splitting

Frequency splitting with the voice (AKA singing above or below the pencil) means being able to split the passageway between singing and distorting the voice.

Imagine two channels of sound. (e.g. one blue, one red)

Below the pencil/Undertone distortion:

The blue channel (clean) will sit above the pencil, while the red (distortion) comes out below it. When this occurs we want to be relaxed in our output of vocal. This means yes, we still support, but the way we compress the vocal changes. It’s not all coming from hyper-compression anymore, you’re letting go of the control of the main vocal output and allowing the crackle/bubble to occur.

Above the pencil / Overtone distortion:

The blue one (clean) will sit below the pencil, while the red (distortion) comes out above it. When this occurs we want to be compressing our output of vocal. This means we’re giving lots of support, but the way we compress the vocal is increased to help maintain equal pressure on the vocal fold. This is how we achieve hyper-compression, you’re squashing the main vocal output and allowing the crackle/bubble to occur.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Voice cutting in and out with distortion

  When the voice is cutting in and out with this technique, it's usually down to a compression issue as with techniques like this, we rely on high levels of compression to achieve the overtone distortion sound, but relaxing and backing off the compression when accessing the undertone version. Don't be afraid or ashamed if you need to pause and start again. Just think about weather you want to be squashing and limiting your air flow or relaxing into it and giving yourself more space to let the air out.

• Not able to figure out which one you're accessing

If you're not able to figure out which type of distortion is being used here, go back to your visualisation techniques. Really think about those coloured frequencies as they sit above and below your pencil. Try and remind yourself that it's ok to not get it right first time.

• Shortness of Breath:

If breathlessness is an issue, make sure you're using belly/balloon breathing rather than shallow chest breaths. Visualise the breath shifting into the stomach, rather than holding it up high, and use your hands to help guide the breath with diamond tummy.

Final Thoughts

Distortion is one of those techniques that I know lots of my students desire to get right and fear about getting wrong.

I think, in truth, the only way we can safely access this incredible source of vocal power is by letting yourself experiment and relinquish some of that fear. If you're able to set yourself up with a strong foundation in Posture, Breath and Support, then you should be well within your abilities to have a play around with your voice. If you'd like to see one of my tutorials on distortion, check out this one on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-XuW0dNjyb/