Have you ever listened to a singer and thought, "Their voice sounds incredible, but something feels off when they hold certain notes"? Often, this distraction comes down to how they're singing diphthongs.
So, what exactly is a diphthong? Simply put, it's when we combine two distinct vowel sounds into one syllable. Common examples include words like "my" (mah-ee), "day" (deh-ee), or "house" (hah-oos).
When we speak, diphthongs fly by unnoticed because we typically don't elongate our words. However, singing is a completely different story. When holding out a long note, singers naturally tend to shift from the first vowel to the second vowel sound, creating an exaggerated, sometimes awkward transition.
Why Singing Diphthongs Can Sabotage Your Sound
The trouble starts when singers treat both vowels equally. Imagine singing the word "my" by quickly moving to the second vowel sound (ee). Instead of a rich, resonant note, listeners hear "mah-eeee," creating a jarring and distracting effect.
Take Celine Dion's "All By Myself" as an example. If you sing:
"All Bah-eeeeee Mah-eeeeee seeeeelf"
...you're chewing up your vowels and losing vocal control, clarity, and listener engagement.
The Rule That Changes Everything
There's a simple yet powerful guideline for handling diphthongs in singing. Here it is:
Hold or sustain the first vowel sound, then gently treat the second vowel as an ending consonant.
Going back to "All By Myself," here's how it should sound:
"All Baaaaaaaahee Maaaaaaaahee Seeeelf"
Notice the shift is subtle, controlled, and happens right at the end of the note. This technique maintains vocal beauty, enhances resonance, and prevents listener distraction.
Mastering the Art of Diphthongs
Let's put this into practice with a few more examples:
"I" should be sung as "Ahhhh-ee," not "Ah-eeeee."
"Day" should become "Dehhhh-ee," not "Deh-eeeee."
"Now" should become "Nahhhh-oo," not "Nah-oooooo."
Try this exercise:
Pick a simple melody you know well.
Sing it once normally, paying attention to diphthongs.
Now, sing it again, consciously sustaining the first vowel and gently placing the second vowel at the very end of the note.
Immediately, you'll notice an improvement in your tone, resonance, and overall vocal quality.
Why Does This Trick Work So Well?
Diphthongs, if handled improperly, cause your sound to lose clarity and resonance because the rapid vowel shifts create instability. By holding the first vowel longer, you're anchoring your voice, allowing your tone to remain stable, clear, and resonant.
The second vowel, when treated as a subtle finish, adds just enough color and shape to the word without overpowering the musicality of your performance.
Remember: There Are Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, rules in music are often made to be broken. Sometimes, especially in contemporary or pop styles, exaggerating diphthongs intentionally can add character, style, or emotional expression.
However, the trick to breaking rules effectively is knowing how to follow them first. Once you've mastered the basic approach to diphthongs, you can confidently and purposefully choose when and how to bend this rule for stylistic impact.
Gonna Make a Change?
Mastering diphthongs may seem like a small adjustment, but it's these tiny nuances that separate good singers from great ones. This simple trick will significantly enhance your vocal clarity, control, and resonance—making you stand out, whether you're recording, performing live, or simply singing for your own enjoyment.
So, next time you're practicing your favorite song, pay special attention to diphthongs. You'll be amazed at the difference this one small change can make in your overall sound.
Happy singing!
