5 signs of tongue root tension

Photo by Tarzine Jackson from Pexels

Tongue root tension is a very common issue experienced by singers and speakers alike.

There are many causes of tongue root tension, but essentially it is the result of misplaced effort when using our voice. Effort that isn't released becomes tension and the tension easily becomes a habit that you may not even notice.

Unlike most structures of the vocal anatomy, your tongue is easy to feel and can become the “go to” in all sorts of vocal tasks, such as projecting or singing high in your range. Tongue root tension can also happen when you are mentally or physically tired. If your body doesn't help to support your voice, your tongue will kick in to give stability instead.

Unfortunately, this strategy is counterproductive. Before you know it, tongue root tension becomes part of your habit as a singer or speaker; you are left with a tight sensation under your chin and wondering why voicing feels so effortful.

A brief overview of the tongue

The MRI image below (image 1.) shows the tongue and the vocal tract in cross section. As you can see, it’s a big structure!

Image 1.

We can divide the tongue into different parts: tip, blade, back, base and root.

Tip, blade and back together form the body. This is the part of the tongue you can eaily see. It’s made up of several layers of muscles called the intrinsic tongue muscles.

There are also extrinsic tongue muscles that connect to the jaw, soft palate, tongue bone and into the head.

When we talk about tension in the tongue root in voicing, it’s useful to understand how closely linked the tongue is to the larynx. As you can see in image 2. they share a connection with the tongue bone (hyoid bone). Tension in the tongue will easily affect how your voice functions because of this close relationship.

Image 2.

Five signs of tongue root tension

It's possible to feel tongue root tension physically, but if it is an entrenched habit you may only notice symptoms, such as:

1. Effortful singing and speaking

Tongue root tension will make you work harder than you need to. It's like trying to drive a car without disengaging the handbrake - the only way forward seems to be more and more power.

2. Scratchy vocal tone

Overworking will result in a scratchy, sore throat, You will sound husky and will struggle to get clear tone in your singing or speaking.

3. Reduced singing range

Tongue root tension can limit your range, both at the top and low end of your voice. Like that car with the handbrake on, your larynx isn't able to move freely and easily.

4. Monotonous speech

Just like singers, speakers need range, too. But if your larynx isn't free to move the options to vary your tone are very limited.

5. Muffled tone

The sound of your voice is throaty, swallowed or “froggy” - not clear and free.

If any of these signs feel or sound familiar, remember that you are not alone - tongue tension is a common issue experienced by everyone from beginners to professionals.

Now that you have more awareness, you can begin to release tongue tension and start the journey toward building new, efficient habits that prevent the tongue from getting involved when it shouldn't.

Learning how to isolate out tension from voice production in speaking and singing is an integral part of Estill Voice Training. Book a session or join a course to learn vocal craft that doesn't involve tension in the tongue!

Stefan Holmström is a professional opera singer and voice teacher working with speakers and singers of all ages and abilities with a wide range of goals. He offers online and in-person vocal coaching and workshops from his studio in central Brighton in the UK. As an Estill Mentor & Course Instructor (EMCI), Stefan uses Estill Voice Training (EVT) as a baseline for safe and sustainable voice use.