All About Passaggio

By Shawn Leonhardt

When you switch between vocal registers it is common for your voice to crack!

In classical music they called this transition "passaggio" but even those of us in other genres can work towards smoother changes when we sing.

The ultimate goal of the passaggio is to keep a consistent tone or timbre throughout the switch.

There are a variety of ways to keep your voice from cracking.

As we learn how to sing, understanding the transition between registers is crutial.

We'll go over this transition and different techniques to help you make this as smooth as possible.

Head Voice vs Chest Voice

The way we teach our singing techniques is not the most scientific process.

It can be difficult to understand terminology since everything we singers do is inside the body and we can't see!

It’s similar to when people say ”sing from your diaphragm.”

In reality you are supposed to notice the sensation of where a deep breath support comes from which is that muscle area.

Your diaphragm itself cannot be manipulated in such a way.

The same will be true with describing where our low and high notes come from in our voice.

When we sing low it feels as if it is coming from our chest and as we ascend in pitch the sound eventually works its way into feeling like it comes from the head.

This is called chest voice, head voice, and mixed voice.

But these aren’t the most helpful terms for beginners.

It can be hard to describe the anatomical aspects that are occurring when we sing.

Some vocal coaches will even attribute note ranges to each voice register.

It may be better just to work on singing songs and doing exercises that allow you to work through the process. 

Avoiding Voice Cracks

Voice cracks or voice breaks occur when a person’s shifts through different vocal registers forcefully.

Either they are young, untrained, in a rush, or they are simply attempting a note change that may be too hard.

As you are shifting the pitch from chest to head or the other way, doing it too fast can cause the muscles in your throat to change shape leading to interrupted air flow and a crack.

First, since singing is such a physical activity, let's start with the physical aspects to smooth passaggio.

It is important to always have great posture, deep breath support, and the shape of your throat and tongue will matter.

All these parts working together will allow a smooth transition as you go from one voice register to the next.

Next, add pitch exercises to these physical foundations.

There will only be a couple semitone note changes that take you through a transition.

Sit down at a piano or keyboard and find a low note that you can feel in your chest as you sing.

Now slowly move up a semitone at a time and find the notes where you can feel it going more into your throat and then head.

Keep track of any notes that crack, break, or sound weak; these are the areas where you need to refine.

Notice how your tongue and throat are shaped, focusing on these muscles along with breathing will help you prevent cracking.

Passaggio Tips and Tricks

Listen to a lot of music in many genres and start focusing on spotting when other singers switch.

You can get accustomed to listening for when the transition occurs so you have a better idea of what to listen for when you try it yourself.

If you can see a singer do this, watch their body and facial movements as they sing notes in different registers. 

Use the ‘ng’ sound as you sing octave scales, like saying the word "hung" with each note.

This tongue and larynx shape can make it easier for your voice to pass through.

In fact altering your tongue and palate in different ways will make interesting sounds; hear and feel what’s happening!

Try different movements and sounds to see what works and what doesn’t.

In fact, some trial and error is needed since the experience of singing can be very different for everyone.

You will find some vowels and consonants may be perfect while others are a struggle.

Some people cannot feel the difference between their chest, head, and mixed registers.

It’s not the end of the world.

By pushing yourself with daily singing practice and trying to mimic better singers, the control over the registers and vocal cords will become more evident as you go.

Remember; there are no shortcuts and it isn’t an overnight process.

It can be a struggle for a new singer when they are dealing with head and chest voice and switching between them.

All of these terms about biology, vocal exercises, and registers may be confusing so here is the best tip of all:

Sing everything you can!

At the end of the day music is an aural art and the best way to learn sometimes is through mimicking.

Avoiding voice cracking and learning passaggio can be frustrating for anyone taking beginner singing lessons.

But like any musical instrument, the voice just needs honed.

If your voice cracks while singing a particular song, take that song and make it regular practice.

With time you can accomplish these techniques even if you struggle to define them.

FAQ

What is your passaggio?

Your passaggio is the transition area between your vocal registers, like from your chest voice to your head voice. It's that spot where your voice might crack or feel less stable.

How do I find my passaggio?

To find your passaggio, sing a scale from your lowest comfortable note to your highest. You'll notice a shift in tone and feel around the middle—that's your passaggio.

What does the passaggio feel like?

The passaggio can feel like a slight bump or break in your voice. It might feel a bit tricky to navigate at first, but with practice, it gets smoother.

How do I strengthen my passaggio?

Strengthen your passaggio by practicing scales slowly, focusing on even tone and smooth transitions. Exercises like lip trills and gentle sirens can also help.

How do singers make their voice wobble?

Singers create a wobble, or vibrato, by alternating quickly between two pitches. It's a natural result of good breath support and relaxed vocal cords.

Can you strengthen weak vocal cords?

Yes, you can strengthen weak vocal cords with regular vocal exercises, good hydration, and proper technique. Working with a vocal coach can provide personalized tips.

Do you flex your stomach when singing?

Yes, engaging your diaphragm and core muscles helps support your breath. It should feel like a steady, controlled engagement rather than a tense flex.

Do opera singers use mixed voice?

Yes, opera singers often use mixed voice to blend their chest and head voices smoothly. This technique helps them achieve a powerful and consistent sound across their range.

Am I singing in head or chest voice?

If your voice feels resonant in your chest, you're in chest voice; if it feels more in your head or nasal area, you're in head voice. With practice, you'll get better at identifying the difference.

Which singer has the best head voice?

There are many great examples, but singers like Freddie Mercury and Mariah Carey are often praised for their incredible head voices. Their control and range are truly impressive.