Can You Use a Regular Straw for Singing? (Why the Singing / Straw™ Works Better)

Maybe your voice teacher told you to try singing through a straw during warm-ups this week.

Or maybe you saw one of our ads and thought, “Wait, do I really need a fancy straw for this?”

So you wander into the kitchen…

Aaaand you start digging through your junk drawer (you know, the one with takeout menus from restaurants that don’t even exist anymore and three half-dead pens that might work if you scribble long enough)... 

Until you finally spot a bendy straw leftover from a Capri Sun and think, “Eh, close enough.”

Technically? 

Sure. 

You can hum through it and call it a vocal warm-up.

But here’s the catch… 

It's kind of like trying to fix a leaky pipe with duct tape. 

Or like showing up to spin class on a rusty old tricycle.

Will it “work”? 

Maybe…. 

Will it actually get you the results you want for your voice? 

Not really… 

Why Not Just Any Straw?

When you sing or speak through a narrow straw, you’re doing something called straw phonation (or SOVT — semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, if you want to get nerdy about it). 

The narrow diameter creates resistance and back pressure in your vocal tract. 

That back pressure sends energy back toward your vocal folds, which helps them:

• Vibrate more efficiently

• Reduce strain and tension

• Lower the larynx into a more relaxed position

• Minimize swelling or inflammation

• Improve tone, range, and stamina

The problem with regular drinking straws? 

They aren’t designed with your voice in mind. 

Most are too wide, too flimsy, or require you to stick them in a glass of water (messy and inconvenient). 

The Singing / Straw is different:

• Precision diameters (2mm, 3mm, 4mm) that target specific vocal needs

• Durable stainless steel or silicone… no flimsy plastic

• Designed for dry phonation (aka no water required) so you can warm up anywhere, anytime

Why This Matters

The difference is subtle but powerful. With the right diameter and build, your vocal folds get the perfect amount of resistance (not too much, not too little) so your warm-ups become faster, easier, and way more effective.

That’s why singers, teachers, podcasters, and even lawyers shouting through long trials swear by The Singing / Straw.

Labor Day Deal

If you’ve been curious to try it, this week’s your moment:

We’re running our Labor Day Sale… 25% off ALL Singing / Straw products with code LaborDay25.

The Original Set is the perfect starting point for beginners — durable, precise, and loved by over 44,000 singers worldwide.

👉Shop the Labor Day Sale here

Still Not Sure Which Straw?

If you’re side-eyeing me like, “Okay Whitney, but which one’s right for my voice?” — I got you.

Take my Perfect Straw Match Quiz.

It’s 9 quick questions, takes less than two minutes, and you’ll walk away with a personalized recommendation (plus a discount baked right into your cart).

👉Find your perfect match here

Because yes, you can use a regular straw.

But your voice deserves better than “rusty tricycle” vibes.