How to Do the "HA" Singing Exercise Going Down

Vocal exercises are extremely important, especially if singing is a desire of yours. Your vocal chords are just like any other muscle; they need to be exercised in order to become stronger. The “Ha” vocal exercises are a great way to strengthen your muscles and warm them up before a performance. In this guide, you will learn how to perform the “Ha” exercises going down the scale.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piano (or Internet)
• Water
• Good Posture

Beginning the Exercise

1. If you have a piano, then you will want to utilize this instrument for the exercise. Once you have gathered your piano, you will want to start the exercise by playing C, D, E, F, G. Depending on your vocal range, you may have to change octaves, which means playing a higher, or lower, version of these notes. If you do not have a piano, there are many online resources that will play these notes for you.

2. Make sure that your posture is excellent. Keep your shoulders back and your chin elevated forward. Never let your chin drop or rise too high. Place your hands on your diaphragm, the area right below your center rib cage, and keep your shoulders relaxed.

3. Breathing is very important. There are two different ways you can breath, one is correct and the other is not. You will want to always perform a low breath, which is breathing so that you expand your diaphragm and your upper body does not move. High breathing, which is when your chest and shoulders raise once you inhale, will not provide you with the air support you need to clearly, and easily, produce your vocal notes. You will always want to perform low breathing when singing and doing vocal exercises.

4. After you have made sure your posture is perfect, and you are breathing from your diaphragm, start off singing the word “Ha.” Make sure you do not extend the note; you will want it to be firm and sharp. Push in your diaphragm when you sing each note.

5. Begin the scale by playing the C-note, and then follow the rest (D, E, F, G). Once you have done this, continue your way down the scale until you cannot go any further. Never overly push your voice, as this can actually hurt your vocal chords.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your shoulders relaxed. If you feel they are tensing up, bend over at your hips and let your arms dangle and relax.
• If you're unsure about diaphragm breathing, lay down on your back and close your eyes. Simply breath in with your hands on your diaphragm and feel how your stomach is the only part of your body expanding and contracting. This is diaphragm breathing.
• Always drink plenty of water before performing vocal exercises. Steer clear of coffee, soda and dairy products before you sing or do vocal exercises.
• Never push your vocal chords past their comfort level. When hitting a low note, if you cannot do so without strain then back off the note.

Resources

• Vocal Exercises from Vocalist