Can't sing high notes in a chest voice but can in falsetto?

Question

I've always sang in a falsetto voice-its simply easier for me-but I've recently wanted to sing in my chest voice more. When I sing high notes I can reach really high notes (I'm a soprano), but when I sing in a chest voice, I can't. My voice gets strained when reaching notes. My range is very weak in chest voice but not in falsetto. What should I do?

Answer 1

G2? It's possible that you've misidentified the octaves, as it's much more likely that you can sing G3-F4 (G2 is often a difficult low note for male singers; G3 is much more common at the bottom of female ranges). But regardless...

The issue here is a consequence of the definition of the registers. Falsetto voice is nearly always significantly higher than chest voice across all voice types (I've yet to hear an example to the contrary).

It's not going to be that difficult to develop a stronger chest voice, as long as you commit to improving. This is one of those things that will be easier with a vocal instructor of some sort and practice. Now, F4 is a rather low high note for a soprano. G3 is a rather low low note as well for female voice types. It's possible that in terms of vocal classification you might actually be considered more an alto, which wouldn't be a bad thing at all. The last thing you want to do would be injuring yourself trying to sing soprano in chest voice if that's not what your voice is capable of.

My best advice would be not to attempt to make yourself into something you're not. It's possible that you're simply a soprano voice without much chest voice training. But it's also important that you find some teacher who can first of all confirm your vocal range and type, and second of all, help you work on that chest voice. This is an issue that nearly all singers struggle with, so don't worry. Good Luck!