How to Get Rid of Tongue Tension When You Sing

If you’ve been feeling like your tone isn’t as clear as you’d like, or you’re having trouble moving through your range smoothly, your tongue might be working overtime! 

I totally get it—this was a hurdle in my own singing journey. Addressing tongue tension made a world of difference for me, and it can for you, too. It’s a sneaky issue that can limit your vocal freedom and hold back your best tone and range. 

The good news? I’ve got you covered with the exact exercises that helped me tackle it, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

In today’s video, we're diving into tongue tension:

👉 What happens when tongue tension is present in your singing

👉 Simple, easy-to-follow exercises to release tension

👉 How a relaxed tongue gives you a clearer, more resonant voice

So, why does tongue tension matter?

When your tongue is tense, it pulls back in your throat, restricting airflow and making it harder to hit higher notes or keep a clear tone. This can cause vocal strain, and you might even notice a "Kermit the Frog" effect, where your voice sounds—well, a bit like Kermit the Frog.

But don’t worry—in this video, I’ll walk you through six simple exercises to immediately release that tension and improve your voice. You’ll feel more freedom in your range and start sounding more relaxed and confident in no time.

What’s inside the video:

1. Manual Tongue Stretch – Simple, effective, and easy to do at home.
2. Tongue Trill – An easy way to loosen up the tongue and get the air moving.
3. Raspberry Trill – Yes, it’s silly, but it works wonders.
4. NG Sounds – Use this trick to reduce tension in the back of the tongue.
5. N Sound on the Roof of Your Mouth – Perfect for bringing the tongue forward for more resonance.
6. Gug with Tongue Out – Awkward, but so effective for freeing up the tongue.

Watch the video below!

These tips have been game-changers for me and my students, and I know they’ll help you, too.

Let me know how it goes after you try these—I’d love to hear how they work for you!

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Wishing you clear, relaxed, and powerful singing!