1. Know the Basics
Before diving into techniques, it’s important to understand the basics of death metal vocals. Growls are characterized by the ‘throaty’ or ‘raspy’ sound, which is created by vibrating the vocal cords. Unlike singing, which uses the full range of your vocal cords, growls only utilize a small portion of them. They are mostly used in the lower frequencies and can be deeper or higher pitched depending on what you’re aiming for.
2. Warm-up Your Vocals
Just like with regular singing, it is important to warm-up your vocal cords before you begin growling. This will help you avoid any strain or damage to your voice. You can start by humming, lip-rolling, or doing some breath exercises for a few minutes before beginning your practice session.
3. Find Your Voice
Every person’s voice is unique, so finding your own sound is crucial. It’s not about mimicking your favorite artist, but rather finding a sound that suits your style and vocal range. Experiment with different techniques until you find the one that works best for you.
4. Learn from the Pros
Watching and listening to professionals can help you develop your technique. There are numerous tutorials and videos on the internet that can guide you through the process of growling. Some notable death metal vocalists include George Fisher, Chris Barnes, and Travis Ryan.
5. Practice, Practice, and Practice
Like any other skill, mastering death metal growls require practice. Start slow and work your way up to longer sessions. It’s important to be patient and consistent, as it can take a lot of time and effort to produce a good growl. You may also want to experiment with different styles and techniques to find what works best for you.
6. Work on Your Breathing
Breathing is crucial when it comes to death metal growls. You need to control your breath to sustain growls for longer periods. Try to breathe from your diaphragm rather than your chest, and learn to take long deep breaths before creating the sound. You can also try to exhale partially rather than completely to produce a more powerful growl.
7. Experiment with Different Techniques
There isn’t just one way to produce growls, and experimentation is key to finding what works best for you. You can try different techniques like fry highs, guttural lows, or false chord screams. It’s important to find something that is comfortable with your vocal range and style.
In Conclusion
Producing death metal growls requires dedication, practice, and patience. Remember to take care of your vocal cords by warming up and avoiding strain. Find your own sound, experiment with different techniques, and learn from the pros. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to produce a growl, so enjoy the process and have fun. With time and effort, you too can achieve the death metal growls of your dreams.