How to Hit High Notes (Without Falsetto)

As a voice teacher, I have students come in all the time with one question on their minds: how to hit high notes without falsetto.

I am so happy that in modern music we are seeing a resurgence of singers (especially males) who sing high notes.

Whether you’re trying to hit notes like Sam Smith or Jeff Buckley, the name of the game is understanding and getting comfortable in head voice.

Exclusive Bonus: Download our FREE Video with 3 Bonus exercises to hit high notes without falsetto.

So what’s that?

Hitting High Notes (Without Falsetto)--Sing Higher Notes

First, a little science, then we’ll get into how to use it.

The body has different resonance chambers that vibrate according to the notes you’re singing.

The most well known of these resonance locations are chest and head.

Hence the names: chest voice and head voice.

For example, if you’re singing lower notes, you are more likely to feel vibrations in the thoracic or chest area.

If you then sing a much higher note, you will notice that the vibrations that you used to feel in your chest moved somewhere.

But where?

To your head voice.

There are many great tips to get into head voice if you’re not familiar with it.

The easiest and most familiar way is by going into an airy, light, falsetto on the higher note.

But the problem with falsetto is that it’s not a balanced sound.

There’s no flexibility and there’s no power.

So how do you hit those high notes without falsetto?

One great tip is adding in what I call a “crying” sound.

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Like you’re really sad.

That’s right. Blubber like a baby.

Get it all out!

Remember, this sound is unfinished and you won’t be performing with it.

Now, try to add a little bit of that crying sound to the high notes that you’re trying to hit.

For example, if you’re trying to hit a C5 with power, it might be a good idea to add your now familiar crying sound to a word like “Gee”.

Repeat the note a few times while repeating the crying “Gee, Gee” and you should hear an immediate difference.

All of a sudden, the note is there and it’s not light and airy.

Soon, you can accomplish the same note without the aid of the crying sound and you’re on your way.

Obviously, there is no substitute for private voice lessons, but hopefully you find this small tip helpful.

If you’re having trouble achieving this sound, consider booking your first lesson at the Ramsey Voice Studio so I can hear exactly what’s wrong.

high note on a scale

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How Can I Put This to Use With My Own Voice?

I created a free bonus video that you can use to apply the most important info from this post in your own singing.

The bonus video includes 3 videos to help you hit high notes without falsetto!

That way, you can expand your range with power.

Click the big download button for the free video!

Expand Vocal Range

Want to Nail Those High Notes?

Every singer wants to expand their range. Expand Your Range Fast will show you how to finally hit high notes in your voice without straining. Expand your range by 5 notes or more!

Learn More

14 Comments

  • by Ashimatey Fortune Posted February 3, 2017 5:16 pm

    wow…I think I love this a lot
    will love to get more of your lessons
    Thanks so much

    • by Matt Ramsey Posted May 1, 2017 4:41 pm

      Ashimatey, thanks so much for your comment.
      I hope this was helpful!

  • by Nur Posted July 18, 2017 8:09 am

    Thank you so much! This sounds clever; gonna try it now!

    • by Matt Ramsey Posted July 18, 2017 10:02 am

      Let me know how it goes Nur!

  • by Liam Dahal Posted July 18, 2017 8:56 am

    I’m clear about how to hit high notes without falsetto i.e. belt them…but even though I can belt very high notes, I can’t sustain or hold those notes for long…So please tell me how to sing long high notes.

    • by Matt Ramsey Posted July 18, 2017 10:06 am

      Hey Liam, great for you that you can belt high notes. Sustains are something to build up gradually rather than forcing them.
      Also keep in mind that finding a balance on those notes on the top is healthier than just “belting” them. Usually when you’re belting, you’re adding strain and increasing the breath pressure which will make sustaining more difficult.
      Speaking of balance, did you try the “Gee” with cry? That “ee” vowel will drive a little more head voice while the “g” keeps the edge you’re looking for.

      • by Liam Dahal Posted July 19, 2017 7:11 am

        Thanks a lot Matt for your advice. Actually I’ve really been looking for videos about such exercises as you mentioned. So could you please send me link to such videos?

  • by Liam Posted July 19, 2017 6:33 am

    Thanks a lot Matt for your advice but I’ve really been looking for the videos with such exercises…So could you send me a link to such videos please?

  • by Ashimatey Fortune Posted November 16, 2017 6:29 am

    it was helpful. thanks
    Can I have more on adlips?

    • by Matt Ramsey Posted January 11, 2018 10:39 am

      Hey Ashimatey, can you clarify what you mean by adlips?

  • by Naomi Todoroki Posted November 3, 2020 10:25 pm

    I’m only twelve, will my range change after puberty? If so, will it mess up what I’ve been practicing?

    • by Matt Ramsey Posted November 10, 2020 10:02 am

      Hey Naomi, I’m assuming you’re female. Yes, it’s possible that your voice will change a bit.
      However, it’s important that you keep singing through the transition.
      Too many singers quit at this point!

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