How to Do a Chin Muscle Test

The chin muscle test is a way to determine whether a singer is tightening up the throat and straining to hit the notes while singing. Keeping this muscle relaxed will help get the full natural range of the voice and keep it in better condition without hoarseness or loss of the voice. You can perform it on yourself to monitor your muscle control. Here's how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place one finger firmly on your throat about midway between the point of your chin and your hiatal bone (the Adam's apple). You should feel a large, soft muscle.

2. Sing the scale, using an open tone, such as an "ah" or an "o" while keeping your finger on the muscle. If you feel the muscle tensing as you sing, you're straining. Even experienced singers can have this problem.

3. Concentrate on keeping this muscle relaxed as you sing. If you still feel the muscle tensing, try singing progressively softer until you feel the muscle relax. Close your mouth and hum the scale to get the feel of using your voice without the muscle tensing.

4. Increase the volume of your voice gradually until you can sing at full voice without the muscle tensing up. See the Resource section for tips on how to use this technique to improve your voice. It may take some time and a good deal of practice to maintain a relaxed chin muscle, but the results will be worth the effort.

Resources

• Video tips on the chin muscle test and keeping the muscle relaxed