#9 | Why Do High Notes Feel So Weird? How to Become More Comfortable With Your Higher Pitches

"When I sing high, my voice is straining."

"My high notes are uncomfortable."

"I'm definitely an alto."

"It sounds so weird when I sing high."

"When I sing high, it doesn't feel like my voice."

"Can I sing that lower?"

These are sentences I hear so often in my classes. Have you thought that too?

Introduction

Today I want to dive into one simple reason that – in my opinion – plays maybe the biggest factor in why singing high feels awkward, especially when you're new to singing or just starting out with vocal coaching. Yes, our muscles need to get used to new movements, and of course our range gets wider over time. But apart from the physical side, I think there is one big factor that scares us away from singing high or makes us think we can't or shouldn't:

We simply are not used to the sound of our own voice in those higher pitches.

(What?? Is that really MY voice?)

And that can feel weird, awkward, even a little scary.

In this blog post, I explore why high notes often feel so unfamiliar and why that discomfort is often more in our heads (and ears!). You'll learn why singing high might not be as impossible as it feels right now, how to find out if those pitches are already there waiting for you, and two simple tools to help you reach them with more ease and power.

Table of Contents

1. Is your voice just "naturally low"?

2. Your ear needs to catch up too

3. But what if it actually feels uncomfortable?

4. Tool 1: The big wide smile

5. Tool 2: The puppy whimper

6. Want more support?

1. Is your voice just "naturally low"?

Let's talk about the idea that your voice is "just low." Yes, of course, that can be true for some people. But here's a simple test to find out if your voice can only produce low sounds:

Try talking on a higher pitch first. Imagine you're a small child or that posh lady from "Dinner for One" and see if that's possible.

If it is? Your body can already produce those high pitches. And if you can speak them, you can also sing them.

2. Your ear needs to catch up too

It's not only our body that needs to get used to new voice use, it's also our ear. High pitches can sound unfamiliar, even strange, simply because we speak in a much lower range every day. Of course it sounds different. Of course it feels like "not you."

But maybe don't see it as "this is not my voice" – see it as "my voice can also sound like this."

And honestly? That's pretty cool. I'd bet that some of your favourite singers also sing high: Freddie Mercury, James Blake, Beyoncé, Rihanna... I could go on. So maybe singing high isn't so weird after all – it's just something we need to get used to, in our body and in our mind.

3. But what if it actually feels uncomfortable?

If it's straining or uncomfortable, that's absolutely something to work on – it shouldn't feel like that. Yes, there can be an unfamiliar feeling when you're using your voice in a new way, but it shouldn't hurt or feel forced.

So here are two tools that can help you reach those higher notes not only with more ease, but also with more power.

4. Tool 1: The big wide smile

You've probably already practised this one – a big, wide smile! Imagine a big inner laugh and feel how not only your face smiles, but your throat opens up and gets wide. With that open feeling, sing your phrase.

Notice how the notes become easier, how the breath flows more freely – because you've made room for it.

The physical effect behind this: It helps your throat (specifically your false vocal folds) to retract, creating more space in your vocal tract. Singing feels easier, freer, and more open.

5. Tool 2: The puppy whimper

Imagine you're whimpering like a little puppy. Start on lower notes first, and if it feels okay, slowly go a little higher. Do this a few times until your voice feels settled and at ease. Then apply that feeling to your song, keep that light, whimpery quality in your voice as you sing.

Not a big, low, dramatic cry – more like a light, a little stubborn whimper. A small dog who really wants the treat.

The physical effect behind this: The whimper helps your vocal folds stretch without pushing, making higher notes feel lighter and easier to reach.

Try it and let me know how it goes!

6. Practice (happy) high notes together with me!

If you'd like to have these tools on video so you can do them together with me, I have a course called HAPPY HIGH NOTES – with 3 tools, a warm-up, and a workbook.

Until the end of March, you can get it for just 7€ (so don't miss it). And of course, you can always reach out to me with questions.

Here you can find the happy high notes.

I'm excited to hear from you!

Love, Viola

☕️ Let's have a coffee!

If this makes you curious, or if you’ve been feeling stuck in your breath or voice lately, I invite you to a free Coffee Call:

With this link, you can book a free 20-minute Discovery Call with me.

No pressure – just a talk over a coffee and some guidance. During this discovery call, we can discuss your goals and needs, and how I can support you best. I am excited to get to know you!

A great place to start:

If you want to explore your voice and how it moves in the world, my membership "Your Confident Voice" offers a space to experiment safely, practice at your own pace, and gradually uncover more freedom, presence, and joy in expressing yourself.

P.S.: To learn more about me, you can also sign up for my newsletter or connect with me on Instagram.