How to Make Your Voice Raspy: Simple Technique and Tips

Various factors can cause a raspy voice, from seasonal allergies and respiratory infections to vocal nodules, dehydration, and even heartburn from consuming spicy food. In some cases, an individual may have a naturally husky voice or speak with a natural rasp.

• Allergies and illnesses: When caused by allergies, infections, and respiratory illnesses, a raspy or hoarse voice generally clears up after treatment or healing from the underlying condition.
• Gastroesophageal reflux: Acid reflux is a condition that can lead to a raspy or deeper voice. When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and throat after consuming a meal or acidic beverage, it can cause dryness, irritation, sore throat, and a hoarse voice.
• Overuse: Overuse of the voice can cause strain on the vocal cords, also referred to as vocal folds or voice reeds, which can lead to a temporary rasp and a hoarse voice (dysphonia).
• Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption: Those who frequently smoke or consume alcohol may develop a raspy voice due to the continual irritation of the throat and vocal cords.
• Vocal nodules: Vocal nodules are non-cancerous growths that develop on the vocal folds and cause vocal fatigue and limit your vocal range. Nodules can also cause the voice to break more frequently, which is especially difficult for singers and vocal performers. Vocal nodules often require surgery, as they can permanently damage the vocal cords when left untreated.

There are several ways to make your voice raspy, including screaming, intentional coughing, breathing in dry air, and yelling continuously into a pillow. However, while these techniques create a temporary raspy singing or speaking voice, they can cause a severely hoarse voice and damage your vocal cords. Here’s a safe approach to try:

1. 1. Create an “uh” vowel sound. Try to direct the sound from your lower register, located in the back of your throat area above the chest. If done correctly, you should feel your vocal cords gently vibrating.
2. 2. Hold the sound. Maintain this sound for several seconds until the tone sounds a bit throaty or raspy.
3. 3. Wait for the rasp. Once your voice sounds raspy, you have reached the vocal fry register. According to vocal experts, temporarily singing or speaking from this register is safe, but it’s important not to strain your voice or force a raspy singing voice, as this can lead to damaged vocal cords.

Whether you’re a singer, public speaker, or use your voice to communicate in your personal and professional life, these tips can help keep your vocal cords healthy and protected:

1. 1. Hydration is key. Staying hydrated is essential in maintaining optimal vocal cord health. Dehydration can lead to dryness and irritation of the throat, which, in turn, can affect your vocal cords and cause hoarseness. Performing with a dry throat causes mucus to become lodged in the vocal folds, resulting in off-key singing in genres like adult contemporary music. Drinking up to eight glasses of water a day helps keep both the throat and body hydrated, as it naturally moisturizes the throat and vocal cords. Alongside staying hydrated, use a humidifier at home, which turns water into a light mist that helps keep the air moist and increases indoor humidity.
2. 2. Limit speaking and singing. If your throat is sore or overly dry, going on vocal rest helps to rejuvenate the vocal cords. Vocal rest is vital for both singers and voice actors with upcoming performances, and it aids in healing for individuals with laryngitis. During periods of vocal rest, only speak in your normal pitch and avoid yelling or speaking loudly for at least a week. If you’re getting over a respiratory illness, stay hydrated and rest your voice until the illness clears up. Seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist if your condition doesn’t improve after resting your vocal cords.
3. 3. Use appropriate posture. Poor posture can contribute to poor vocal health because sitting in slouched positions for extended periods of time can cause the throat to constrict. When your throat tightens, airflow is reduced, which leads to strain on the vocal cords.
4. 4. Try vocal fry. If you want to create a temporary rasp to sing a particular song or create an animated character, practicing a technique called “vocal fry” can help. The vocal cords must be loose, thick, and relaxed to achieve vocal fry. Slowly make an “uh” vowel sound from the lowest part of your register. Maintain this sound for a few seconds without compressing or tightening your voice.

While certain medical conditions or external factors can cause raspy voices, some singers and speakers learn and use this technique to add texture to their sound. While online tutorials and videos provide tips on making your voice raspy, some methods, like screaming into a pillow, can be unhealthy and potentially damage the voice box.

When attempting to create a raspy sound, it’s best to consult with a vocal coach or practice recommended techniques that don’t harm the sensitive tissues of the throat and vocal folds. Illness, smoking, acute laryngitis, frequent smoking or alcohol use, and living in dry climates are among the myriad factors that can contribute to poor vocal health and damaged vocal folds.

All you need is a MasterClass Annual Membership and our exclusive video lessons from Nancy Cartwright, the Emmy-winning voice actor responsible for bringing beloved animated characters—like Bart Simpson and Chuckie Finster—to life. With Nancy’s help, you’ll be ready to use your voice as an instrument in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways.