Head Voice – Voice Science

Head Voice refers to the cricothyroid (CT)–dominant mode of vocal fold vibration, also known as Mode 2. In this configuration, the vocal folds lengthen and thin, often increasing longitudinal tension while reducing vibrating mass. This allows for higher fundamental frequencies (F₀) to be produced with relatively lower subglottal pressure than in the thyroarytenoid (TA)–dominant or chest voice configuration.

Acoustically, head voice is characterized by less harmonic intensity—that is, fewer and weaker upper partials relative to chest-dominant phonation. This lighter spectral profile contributes to its perceptual association with “lighter” or “brighter” tone qualities, though resonance tuning and vocal tract shaping strongly influence the resulting timbre.

A traditional head voice is not inherently breathy. While some singers produce falsetto—a more loosely adducted form of CT-dominant vibration—as part of their upper register, falsetto and head voice are not synonymous. The key distinction lies in glottal closure: head voice typically exhibits a more complete and efficient closure pattern, whereas falsetto involves greater glottal leakage.

In voice pedagogy, training head voice serves to develop access to the upper range and to balance registration across the pitch spectrum. Coordination between TA and CT activity allows for smoother transitions (passaggi) and improved pitch control. Understanding head voice as a physiological mode rather than a stylistic effect prevents confusion between tone color, registration, and muscular function.

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Referenced In:

The Voice Science Podcast, Episode — “Without Head Voice, You’re Missing Half Your Instrument.”