Vocal Effects Explained: Vibrato, Distortion, Air, Growl
A register is how you make the sound. An effect is something you add on top. The same register can sound very different, with or without one of these.
Four effects to know
Vibrato
A regular wave in the pitch. The singer controls two things: how wide the wave is, and how fast it moves.
Distortion
A rough, crunchy texture in the tone. Mostly used in rock and metal, to give a line more edge and aggression.
Air in the voice
A soft, breathy quality, usually on top of the neutral register. You hear it a lot in quiet and close pop parts.
Growl
A dark, rough sound deep in the throat. It belongs to metal. It comes more easily in lower voices, so it is more common among male singers.
Like salt in cooking: a little goes a long way. 🧂
Frequently asked questions
Is an effect the same as a register?
No. A register, like overdrive or belting, is the way the sound is made. An effect, like vibrato or growl, goes on top of it and shapes the texture.
Which effect should I learn first?
Vibrato is usually the most useful place to start. You find it in almost every style. Distortion and growl are more for specific styles.
Can I use too much of an effect?
Yes. Vibrato on every single note, for example, can make a performance flat instead of alive. Effects work best when you use them on purpose, on the right lines.