inproper breathing

[Grachi]

sometimes when I'm playing and singing i get really into it and go like really loud or high for an extended period of time like in a jam or in the chorus or something, but i notice when i do this sometiems i start to get a headache and i realize im out of breath and my voice is falling. I am working on improving that but do you think its possible im like depriving my brain of oxygen or something? cuz i get like really light headed. I try not to hold a note for that long or sing so high or loud but sometimes i get carried away. I thought maybe its just normal but i dont know i figured someone who knows about singing and breathing might have some feedback on whether thats bad to get headaches like that.

[wayward_blue]

I'm guessing it is from lack of oxygen to the brain if it happens while you are singing.

[TikiGod]

If you try to go all out with parts that stretch your vocal range (pitch-wise) and breathing capacity, especially if you haven't really practiced singing much, it's very easy to get a little light-headed. Keep practicing without overdoing it too much, and over time those extra loud/high parts will be less difficult to hit and will put less strain on you.

If you're really serious about improving your vocal range, you could always find little drills to do to practice (think do re mi type stuff, anything that forces you to practice hitting notes vocally). Then again, choosing songs that challenge you (pitch-wise, etc) does the same thing.

Just keep at it

[Teego Time]

I found that sometimes you just have to take in more air then you think you're going to need.

In fact, since you need a more consistant airflow when singing anyways, it's always good to "fill your diaphram" up as much as you can.

[aleceiffel]

have you noticed a difference between standing and singing and sitting and singing? because sometimes I can't get enough air while I'm hunched over my guitar.

[Hydro120]

have you noticed a difference between standing and singing and sitting and singing? because sometimes I can't get enough air while I'm hunched over my guitar.

I've noticed that too. I just can't belt out the high notes the way I can when I'm standing up.

The lightheadedness may also be caused by forcing a rush a blood to the head </coldplay reference>, when you're using your diaphragm (hopefully I'm using the right terminology, heh) to sustain notes, rather than using pure air, especially if you're starting to run low of oxygen, and you really have to force it.

Hope that makes sense.

[Grachi]

yea i think i'll try to take it easier and build up, that way i think i can get rid of running short on breath and feeling light headed and all. Also, I know that it is worse i'm sitting then standing because my back is a lot straighter standing and playing. So recently i've been sort of sitting/leaning on a high stool and playing and i feel its much easier to sustain notes.

[MakoMako]

Well, to the sitting/singing question remark. If it applies like it did when I was in my school band, this has to do with the hunching over your guitar tends to constrict your lungs. If you sit on the edge of your chair and sit straight up, you should have no trouble taking in air. But I don't know anyone that can play guitar sitting down without hunching some.