This exercise develops the pitch-specific control of the weight of closing structures needed for high notes.

Start from Goo with both true and false folds engaged, then reduce only false-fold involvement. This helps you find Choki with little relaxation of the true folds and little breathiness. At high pitches, that Choki setup provides the basis for a chest-like high tone.

Conversely, Choki made mainly by loosening the true folds while keeping much false-fold closure may fail to withstand air pressure at high pitches, flip into falsetto or feel strained. With good control, however, it can also produce an intentionally breathy voice.

Start with a buzzy Goo “mmm” and gradually smile with delight to turn it into Choki “mmm”. That kind of smile is effective for Choki without breathiness. Imagine something that makes you smile, such as a favorite food, a cute animal or someone you like. If Goo’s rough edge gradually disappears and the tone becomes softer and rounder, the exercise is working.

Next, make Goo “ee” with the false-fold buzz and smile with delight to change it to Choki.

Finally, make Goo “eh” with the false-fold buzz and smile with delight to change it to Choki.

Many people retract the tongue or lower the larynx when trying to separate the false folds.

When creating Choki, aim to keep the larynx slightly raised and smile with delight while looking for the sensation of the false folds retracting.

Not sensing false-fold control is common when control of other parts is still developing, so do not worry. Improving the precision of those other parts also improves sensitivity to and control of the false folds. Rather than staying frustrated, focus on the other exercises and occasionally revisit false-fold practice to notice what has changed.