While much is said about the arytenoids and crico-thyroids—the "closer" and "stretcher" muscles—we must not forget the vocal cords themselves! It is helpful to think of the vocal cords as tiny muscles that constantly change their size and shape to produce a vast array of sounds. Understanding these physical shifts is key to unlocking a more flexible and free voice.
Most singers are familiar with how the cords look from above: they get longer and thicker at the bottom of the range and become smaller and thinner as you ascend. However, if we could view the cords from the side, we would see that their depth is also being adjusted. This depth is directly related to the textures and sensations we experience while singing.
For the singer, the depth of the cords determines the "weight" of the sound. Depending on your coordination, different layers of these tiny muscles are engaged:
It might seem strange, but with sufficient training, a singer can learn to navigate these minute variations in length, width, and depth simply by thinking. You can begin in falsetto, "think downward," and feel the subtle shifts as the cords engage more depth until you reach full voice. These physical variations provide the singer with a wide palette of "feels" and tonal colors.
Never forget that your vocal cords are muscles. As they become stronger and more flexible through correct exercise, the act of singing becomes increasingly free and, most importantly, fun! When you trust your muscles to respond to your mental commands, the limitations of your range and texture begin to fall away.