Inhaled Phonation 1
Discover inhaled phonation—making a sound while breathing in—and learn new ways to use airflow and the parts involved in voice production.
▶ First, watch the movement in the video
Check the technique, then continue to the explanation below.
Why practice this?
Inhaled phonation means producing a sound while breathing in.
Practicing inhaled phonation teaches you a completely different way to produce voice with the same parts. It can help expand the range of movement of frequently used parts and teach airflow control for more efficient voice production with less effort.
When singing, combining inhaled phonation with a breath before phrases that need momentum, such as a chorus, can help create a powerful delivery.
Exercises and key points
How to practice Inhaled Phonation 1
First, breathe in and add an “ah” or “oh” sound.
Should I use a particular voice, such as Goo or Paa?
At first, aim for a breathy sound like a slightly exaggerated Paa voice.
Next, breathe in, add an “ah” or “oh” sound, and raise the pitch.
Finally, breathe in, add an “ah” or “oh” sound, and lower the pitch.
Can you tell by listening whether a sound uses normal, exhaled phonation or inhaled phonation? I thought I might have to judge it myself.
As you learn to produce inhaled phonation yourself, you will gradually become able to recognize its tone as well.
I just can’t manage inhaled phonation. Are there situations in everyday life when I might be doing it without realizing?
You may be doing it when you laugh.
For example, Japanese comedian Sanma Akashiya’s inward laugh uses inhaled phonation.
When you pant noisily after sprinting, you also alternate exhaled and inhaled phonation. A startled person’s reflexive “Hah?!” or gasp is often inhaled phonation too!
Try making the sounds
Follow the steps in the explanation one at a time and try making the sounds without straining.