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Music vocabulary · Instruments and Voice

Falsetto

Meaning in music, with examples

nounCommon term

In music, falsetto means: A light upper vocal register that often contrasts with a singer's fuller speaking or chest register and may have an airy sound.

In Turkish: falsetto, hafif üst ses rejistri

How it is used

Used in vocal coaching and pop production. Describe the register, not simply a high note; singers may produce high pitches in other ways too.

Example sentences

  1. He switched to falsetto for the soft answer at the end of the chorus.

    The singer changes vocal register to create a lighter contrast with the lead line.

  2. The producer kept the falsetto take because it suited the intimate arrangement.

    The chosen vocal colour supports the arrangement's quiet, personal mood.

Common collocations

  • sing in falsetto
  • falsetto voice
  • falsetto register
  • vocal rangeThe span of notes from the lowest to the highest that a singer can sing well. Voices are grouped by range, from bass and baritone to tenor, alto and soprano.
  • vocalsThe singing parts of a piece of music, especially in pop, rock and jazz. The main singer sings the lead vocals, and others sing the backing vocals.
  • timbreThe quality or colour of a sound that lets you tell two instruments or voices apart, even when they play the same note at the same volume.

More terms: Instruments and Voice

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