Why is Low Bass Singing So Cool?

Let’s face it: there’s just something undeniably cool about low bass singing. Whether it’s the rich, rumbling tones of a choir’s bass section or that moment in a pop song when the singer suddenly dips into notes you didn’t even know existed—low notes are the ultimate flex. They’re mysterious, powerful, and they make people go, “Whoa, was that even human?”

As a professional musician and singer, I’ve always admired bassists. To me, they’re like the superheroes of the vocal world, able to plumb the depths of the sonic ocean while the rest of us mere mortals flounder somewhere in the midrange. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have a voice that shakes the floorboards?

But here’s the kicker: I’m a tenor. A tenor. The very voice type that’s forever locked in the higher octaves, cheerfully dancing around the upper registers while the basses loom below, effortlessly hitting notes that could make the earth tremble. Don’t get me wrong—I love being a tenor. We get all the pretty melodies and the soaring high notes, but... come on. It’s just not the same as having a voice that can double as a foghorn.

I spent years envying those bassists. I mean, sure, I could belt out a G2 on a good day (and I made sure to brag about it whenever possible), but let’s be honest—no one’s impressed by a G2. It’s like the “Diet Coke” of low notes: technically a low note, but not the full experience. So, my dreams of singing in the basement voice register remained just that—dreams.

Enter Subharmonic Singing (AKA: The Secret Weapon)

And then, one fateful day, I discovered the magical world of subharmonic singing. Geoff Castelucci and Tomi P were the ones, who took the time explaining it on their awesome YouTube channels. For the uninitiated, subharmonic singing is this incredible technique where you essentially create a second, lower pitch by manipulating your vocal cords in ways that seem almost illegal. It’s like your vocal cords throw a secret party for deep notes, and suddenly, you can hit bass notes that make people wonder if you’ve secretly swallowed a tuba.

Now, I’m no stranger to weird vocal tricks. I’ve been doing overtone singing for a while, which is where you can produce two notes at once, sounding like you’ve somehow cloned your voice. So naturally, I thought, “If I can do overtone singing, how hard could subharmonic singing be?” Spoiler: not that hard. With a bit of practice (and a lot of strange looks from my neighbors), I started hitting notes I never thought possible.

At first, I managed to squeak out a B1, which, for a tenor, is like winning the low-note lottery. But the more I practiced, the deeper I went. Recently, I hit an E1. Yes, E1. That’s so low that whales might mistake me for one of their own.

My smartphone's mic didn't really like it, I hope you do.

And let me tell you—hitting those low notes for the first time is the vocal equivalent of discovering you have a superpower. It’s like suddenly being able to lift a car with your pinky finger. Who cares that you’re only using a sneaky technique to do it? The important thing is that it works, and no one can take that away from me (except maybe a very skilled bass singer, but we don’t talk about them).

So, you’ve read all about how cool low bass singing is, and now you’re probably thinking, “This subharmonic singing sounds awesome, but how do I actually do it?” Well, grab your vocal cords and let’s dive into the details. Spoiler: it’s not as mysterious as it sounds. No dark rituals required—just a bit of vocal experimentation and a dash of patience.

The Science-y Part (But Not Too Science-y, I Promise)

Subharmonic singing, in its essence, is a vocal technique that lets you produce a sound that’s one octave lower than what your vocal cords normally want to do. Think of it like this: your vocal cords are basically lazy elastic bands. They like to vibrate at certain frequencies (which is why you have a normal vocal range), but with subharmonics, you trick them into vibrating in a way that produces an extra low tone. It’s like convincing a cat to go for a walk—it takes some convincing, but it can happen.

In more technical terms, subharmonics happen when you manipulate your vocal folds to vibrate in such a way that they produce two pitches simultaneously—one at the usual frequency and one at half that frequency, creating a note an octave lower. It’s like giving your vocal cords a little nudge and saying, “Hey, you’re not done yet! Go deeper!” And, miraculously, they do.

How to Start Practicing Subharmonics

Okay, now for the practical part. Subharmonic singing isn’t some elite bass-secret that only Gregorian monks know. It’s accessible to almost anyone with a bit of patience and a willingness to make some pretty strange sounds (yes, it’s going to get weird, but trust the process).

Here’s a step-by-step guide to unleashing your inner low-note beast:

1. Start with Your Chest Voice

   Subharmonic singing relies on your chest voice—the deeper, fuller part of your range. Start by warming up with some low chest voice exercises. Sing comfortable, low notes (even if “low” for you isn’t basement-level just yet). This helps get your vocal cords ready to vibrate slower, which is key for the next steps.

   
   

2. Introduce Vocal Fry

   Vocal fry is that sound you make when you’re waking up in the morning and groaning about getting out of bed. It’s a low, creaky sound that’s like a controlled version of your vocal cords just giving up on life for a second. Try producing that fry at the lowest possible pitch you can, keeping it relaxed and slow. It might sound like a rusty door hinge, but trust me—it’s crucial.

   
   

3. Slide from Vocal Fry into a Chest Note

   Now comes the tricky part. Starting from that vocal fry, slide smoothly into a low chest note. This transition is where the magic happens. When done right, you’ll feel a sort of “click” or extra vibration that produces the subharmonic sound. You’ll know it when you hear it because it’ll sound like there’s an extra low rumble underneath your regular note. It’s like your voice just discovered it had a secret basement.

   
   

4. Maintain the Vibration

   Once you hit that subharmonic note, your goal is to maintain it without sliding back up into regular chest voice. It takes some practice to keep those vocal cords vibrating in the right way, but with time, it’ll become more natural. The feeling is strange at first, like you’re somehow singing two notes at once, but that’s exactly what’s happening. You’ve unlocked your inner human bass guitar.

   
   

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

   Like any good vocal technique, subharmonic singing takes time to master. Start small—don’t expect to hit an E1 on day one (unless you’re some kind of vocal superhero). Begin by aiming for an octave below a comfortable chest voice note, and work your way down. Eventually, you’ll hit those impossibly low notes that make people question if you’re secretly a bear in human form.

   
   

I think I also learned a thing or two, you can check out my online course that covers subharmonic singing as well.

Why Low Notes Are So Cool (and Why Everyone Should Try Them)

But let’s take a moment to talk about why low bass singing is so cool in the first place. First of all, bass notes have this unique ability to make people stop in their tracks. It’s primal, really. Humans are hardwired to be impressed by deep sounds, probably because they remind us of, like, thunder or mammoths or something. So, when someone hits a low note, it triggers that part of our brain that goes, “Whoa. That’s serious business.”

Bass notes are the vocal equivalent of wearing sunglasses indoors—you don’t need to do it, but you’re automatically 30% cooler if you can pull it off.

And here’s the best part: anyone can learn subharmonic singing with a bit of practice. That’s right—even you, dear reader, can tap into the dark, mysterious world of low bass notes. You don’t need to be born with a naturally deep voice. All you need is some patience, a willingness to make some bizarre sounds, and a good set of vocal cords (preferably ones that don’t mind being put through a bit of experimentation).

The Growl Factor

Now, if subharmonic singing sounds too fancy, there’s always another technique: growling. No, not like an angry dog (though that could work in a pinch). I’m talking about that gritty, almost distorted sound you hear in rock and metal vocals. It’s not as refined as subharmonic singing, but it gets the job done. Plus, growling has the added bonus of making you sound like you just walked out of a battle with a dragon, which, let’s be honest, is pretty cool in its own right. To be honest, I haven't really practiced it, but you can surely find something on the net, when you search for it.

Final Thoughts: The Low Note Journey

In conclusion, low bass singing is the ultimate vocal power move. It’s the sonic equivalent of driving a sports car or wearing a leather jacket—people might not need to know you can do it, but it sure feels good to show off. And thanks to subharmonic singing (and/or growling), even us tenors can finally live out our deepest bass dreams.

So, whether you’re a tenor, a soprano, or somewhere in between, don’t be afraid to explore the depths of your voice. With a little practice, you too could be hitting those room-shaking, heart-stopping low notes. And who knows? You might even impress a whale or two.