Raising and lowering the larynx (Goo + eh)
Switch between larynx heights while producing three tone colors on “eh” through the mouth.
▶ First, watch the movement in the video
Check the technique, then move on to the explanation and audio examples.
Why practice this?
We will increase the difficulty slightly from Intermediate 01. This time make “eh” through the mouth instead of “mmm”.
Exercises and key points
How to practice raising and lowering the larynx
Make “eh” through the mouth with the Goo voice in three positions: (1) larynx lowered, (2) larynx raised, and (3) between the two, your ordinary voice.
First, say “eh” with the larynx at its normal height.
Next, create a wider mouth and throat space than at the normal height, as if a large tube ran from the mouth to the throat, and say “eh”. Imagine being a giant about ten meters taller, with a deep, muffled tone. Keep the tongue tip against the back of the lower teeth.
Finally, raise the larynx, pressing the tongue from tip to base against the entire palate to reduce the mouth and throat space almost to zero, and hum “mmm”. Aim for a piercing tone as if you were a tiny person a few tens of centimeters tall.
Listen to the examples and try
Keep the volume low and play the examples one at a time to hear the differences between the voices.