Chest as Resonator

The bones of the chest or rib-cage do sympathetically vibrate on lower pitches, and this is why we have the term “chest resonance” - a feeling of bone conduction of vibrating air molecules.

But, this does not enhance our sound to any appreciable degree above the lowest pitches. It would be erroneous when ascending the scale to maintain this lower vibrational feel. If one attempted to do so, then they would be keeping the cords thick and not letting them adjust for higher pitches.

Bottom line: the chest cavity does not make a good resonator due to its being a house for the lungs which are spongy. There is a better resonator - the larynx!

About the author

Allen Rascoe

Allen has been enjoying singing since he was a little kid. He officially studied voice at ECU and USC. However, he ran into some vocal trouble. The search for healing led him to the studio of Dr. Joel Ewing, and into the world of functional vocal mechanics. Allen has explored vocal truth, and thus highly recommends the writings of E-Herbert Caesari, Cornelius Reid, and William Vennard. He is blessed to invite and accompany folks on the journey towards vocal wellbeing. The adventure awaits!