How NOT to Sing from Your Diaphragm

6 days ago3 min read

Don't sing from your diaphragm!

Let’s bust one of the biggest myths in singing: "sing from your diaphragm." You’ve heard it before, right? But here’s the truth—it’s one of the most misunderstood concepts in vocal technique. You don’t actually sing from your diaphragm. You sing from your vocal cords, and the diaphragm plays a supporting role. If you’ve been trying to "push" from your diaphragm, you’re probably working way harder than you need to—and that can lead to all kinds of vocal issues.

How Singing Really Works

Here’s what’s actually happening when you sing: air from your lungs moves through your vocal cords. The cords vibrate, and that’s what creates sound. Your diaphragm is the muscle responsible for inhaling, but once the air is moving, your vocal cords act as a valve to control how much air leaves your body. The diaphragm is partially involuntary—it’s going to do its job whether you think about it or not. But your vocal cords? Those are completely under your control, and that’s where your focus should be.

When singers focus too much on “singing from the diaphragm,” they often push too much air or tense their abdomen. This overwhelms the vocal cords, which are delicate little strips of tissue. If too much air hits them, they’ll pop apart, causing strain, breathiness, or even cracking. The key is learning to manage airflow at the level of the vocal cords.

Feel the Difference: An Exercise

To help you feel what I mean, let’s try a simple exercise. This will demonstrate the difference between adducted (closed) vocal cords and breathy (apart) vocal cords.

Breathy Vocal Cords
Start by whispering the phrase, “Hi, how are you?” Notice how much air you’re using. Whispering keeps your vocal cords apart, so the air escapes freely without much resistance. Feel how quickly you run out of air and how the sound feels airy or weak.
Adducted Vocal Cords
Now, say the same phrase, “Hi, how are you?” in a relaxed, conversational tone, like you’re speaking to a friend. Notice how much less air you’re using compared to the whisper. Your vocal cords are closing efficiently, which creates a clear and strong sound.
Vocal Exercise to Practice Closure
Try a simple lip trill (brrrrr) or humming exercise. These naturally encourage your vocal cords to close without forcing extra air through. Focus on keeping the sound steady and smooth.

By practicing these contrasting sounds, you’ll begin to feel how your vocal cords control airflow and sound production. When your cords are properly adducted, your voice will feel stronger and more controlled—and you’ll use way less effort.

Why "Singing from Your Diaphragm" Can Go Wrong

Here’s where things get tricky. Beginners who try to "sing from the diaphragm" often end up:

Tensing their abdomen in an attempt to “support” the voice.
Pushing too much air, overwhelming the vocal cords.
Misinterpreting breath support as something you have to force.

These habits can lead to vocal fatigue, strain, and a breathy or uncontrolled sound.

Instead, think of your vocal cords as an air-pressure valve. When they’re closed efficiently, they regulate the airflow coming from your lungs. You don’t need to force anything—your diaphragm will naturally adjust as long as your cords are working properly.

Real-Life Example: Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury of Queen was a master at controlling his vocal cords. His ability to sing with power and clarity across a huge range wasn’t because he “sang from his diaphragm.” It was because he had incredible control over his vocal cord closure. Even in softer moments, like the verses of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” you can hear how his voice remains clear and supported without any unnecessary airiness. His technique allowed him to preserve his voice while delivering unforgettable performances.

FAQs About Singing From The Diaphragm

Q: Shouldn’t I focus on diaphragmatic breathing to improve my singing?

A: Diaphragmatic breathing is great for taking a deep breath, but it’s not the secret to good singing. Your vocal cords control the sound, so learning to manage airflow at that level is what makes the difference.

Q: How do I know if I’m pushing too much air?

A: If your voice feels breathy, strained, or cracks easily, you’re probably pushing too much air. Focus on gentle onset exercises, like lip trills or humming, to balance your airflow.

Q: What should I focus on instead of my diaphragm?

A: Concentrate on vocal cord closure and relaxed posture. When your cords are working efficiently, your diaphragm and lungs will naturally follow suit.