The vocal cords—more accurately called vocal folds—are two small bands of soft tissue located in the larynx, or voice box.
Despite the name, they are not strings like those on a guitar. Instead, they are flexible folds of muscle and tissue that can open, close, stretch, and relax.
Their main job is to:
- Produce sound
- Protect the airway
- Help regulate breathing
You can analyze vocal pitch easily with Vocal Range Tester.
Where Are the Vocal Cords Located?
The vocal cords sit inside the larynx, which is located at the top of the windpipe (trachea), just behind the Adam’s apple.
They are positioned:
- Above the lungs
- Below the throat (pharynx)
- Between the mouth and the respiratory system
This placement allows them to control airflow before it reaches the mouth and nose, where sound is shaped into speech.
How Do the Vocal Cords Produce Sound?
At rest (when you are breathing quietly), the vocal cords are open, allowing air to pass freely.
When you speak or sing, the process works like this:
- Airflow from the lungs moves upward
- The vocal cords come together
- Air pressure causes them to vibrate rapidly
- These vibrations create sound waves
- The sound is shaped by the throat, mouth, and lips
This process is called phonation.
Sound is produced by vibration, not by air alone.
Do the Vocal Cords Touch When You Speak?
Yes. During normal speech and singing, the vocal cords come close together or lightly touch as they vibrate.
This controlled contact is normal and healthy. Problems arise only when:
- The contact is too forceful
- The muscles are tense
- The voice is overused without rest
How Do Vocal Cords Change Pitch?
Pitch (how high or low a sound is) depends on tension, length, and thickness of the vocal cords.
- Higher pitch: vocal cords stretch, thin, and tighten
- Lower pitch: vocal cords shorten, thicken, and relax
This is similar to how a rubber band sounds higher when stretched tighter.
Muscles inside the larynx make these adjustments automatically as you speak or sing.
How Do Vocal Cords Control Volume?
Volume (loudness) is mainly controlled by air pressure and vibration strength.
- Soft sounds: gentle airflow, light vibration
- Loud sounds: stronger airflow, larger vibration
Importantly, loudness should come from breath support, not throat tension. Forcing the vocal cords to be loud increases strain and fatigue.
How Do Vocal Cords Work in Singing vs Speaking?
The basic mechanism is the same, but singing requires greater precision and endurance.
In singing:
- Vocal cords sustain vibration longer
- Pitch changes are wider and more controlled
- Muscle coordination must be more refined
This is why singers often train technique—to keep the vocal cords working efficiently under higher demands.
What Are the Vocal Cords Made Of?
Vocal cords have multiple layers:
- A flexible outer lining
- A soft, gel-like middle layer
- A muscular core
This layered structure allows them to vibrate smoothly while remaining strong enough for frequent use.
Healthy vocal cords are:
- Moist
- Flexible
- Free from swelling or irritation
What Can Damage Vocal Cord Function?
Common factors that interfere with how the vocal cords work include:
- Excessive shouting or yelling
- Chronic throat clearing
- Dehydration
- Smoking or vaping
- Acid reflux
- Prolonged vocal strain
- Illness (such as laryngitis)
Damage does not usually happen from one use, but from repeated misuse over time.
Common Myths About Vocal Cords
Myth 1: Vocal cords are like strings
They are flexible folds, not strings.
Myth 2: Louder means stronger
Loudness without proper support often increases strain.
Myth 3: Whispering rests the voice
Whispering still uses the vocal cords and can increase tension.
Myth 4: Pain is normal
Pain is a warning sign, not a training tool.
How to Keep Vocal Cords Working Well
Basic vocal health habits include:
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding excessive shouting
- Taking vocal breaks
- Speaking at a comfortable volume
- Warming up before heavy voice use
Healthy technique keeps the vocal cords efficient and resilient.
Q: How Do the Vocal Cords Work?
What do vocal cords actually do?
They vibrate to create sound and help control airflow during speech and breathing.
Do vocal cords vibrate when whispering?
They do not vibrate normally, but they are still actively positioned and under tension.
Can vocal cords heal themselves?
Yes, mild irritation can heal with rest, hydration, and reduced strain.
Do vocal cords work differently for everyone?
The basic mechanism is the same, but size, flexibility, and coordination vary.
Are vocal cords muscles?
They contain muscle, but they also include specialized tissue layers that allow vibration.
Final Summary
The vocal cords work by vibrating as air from the lungs passes through them.
They change pitch through tension and length, and volume through airflow and vibration strength. When used efficiently, they produce clear sound with minimal effort.
Understanding how the vocal cords work helps you:
- Protect your voice
- Sing or speak more comfortably
- Avoid common vocal mistakes
- Learning about voice mechanics pairs well with does vocal coaching work.
- Beginners often benefit from understanding how to increase your vocal range.
- Posture influences cord function, as explained in best posture for singing.
- Understanding high-pitched singing is easier after reading how to do whistle voice.
- Range comparisons give context, such as is a 2-octave range good.
- Exploring tone control works well with how to do vibrato in singing.
- Career-focused singers can combine this knowledge with how to start a singing career.