Falsetto and head voice are similar, but they are also different in many ways. The reason the two are often confused is because you can sing head voice very softly so that it sounds very much like falsetto.

What is Falsetto?

Notice the word "falsetto" contains the word "false!" That's exactly what it is - a false impression of the female voice. This occurs when a man who is naturally a baritone or bass attempts to imitate a female's voice. The sound is usually higher pitched than the singer's normal singing voice. The falsetto tone produced has a head voice type quality, but is not head voice.

Falsetto is the lightest form of vocal production that the human voice can make. It has limited strength, tones, and dynamics. Oftentimes when singing falsetto, your voice may break, jump, or have an airy sound because the vocal cords are not completely closed.

What is Head Voice?

Head voice is singing in which the upper range of the voice is used. It's a natural high pitch that flows evenly and completely. It's called head voice or "head register" because the singer actually feels the vibrations of the sung notes in their head. When singing in head voice, the vocal cords are closed and the voice tone is pure. The singer is able to choose any dynamic level he wants while singing.

Unlike falsetto, head voice gives a connected sound and creates a smoother harmony.

Tips to Develop Head Voice

If you want to have a smooth tone and develop a head voice singing talent, you can practice closing the gap with breathing techniques on every note. Just the right air pressure balance is needed to bring notes through smoothly. Try singing notes without straining your facial muscles and without trying to force your voice into something it's not.

As you can see, falsetto and head voice are totally different though they can sometimes sound similar. Practice with voice exercises to enjoy a smoother flow and tone while singing. You’ll be surprised at how great your voice can sound!