How To Know When To Drop Down From Two Singing / Straws™ To One

If you’ve ever looked at your Singing / Straw™ set and thought, “Wait… do I need one straw, two, or all three at once?” 

You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from singers (and teachers!) who are just starting out with straw phonation.

So let’s break it down.

First Things First: Your Voice Knows Best

Here’s the golden rule: if anything you’re doing with your voice feels painful or uncomfortable, just stop. 

Period.

Take a break. Reset. Maybe check in with your vocal coach. 

You can always come back to it… no vocal exercise is worth strain.

That said, using a smaller straw diameter isn’t harmful. 

The “worst case scenario” is simply… too much back pressure.

What Too Much Pressure Feels Like

If you’re blowing into one straw and it feels like your eyes are about to pop out of your head, or you’re dizzy, or your range suddenly shrinks down to three sad notes? 

That’s your body telling you: time to size up.

This is where the magic of the Singing / Straw PRO comes in. 

With its multiple straw sizes (4mm, 3mm, 2mm), you can adjust resistance by mixing and matching until it feels just right.

Because here’s the deal: back pressure is the whole point. 

It’s what helps your vocal folds find balance and efficiency. 

Too little resistance? 

No real benefits. 

Too much? 

You’ll feel like you’re blowing into a pinhole.

When to Drop Down from Two to One

If you’re brand new to straw phonation, it’s totally normal to start with two or even three straws at once. 

This lowers the resistance so you can ease in without feeling overwhelmed.

After a few days (or a week) of regular practice, start experimenting:

• From three straws to two.

• From two straws to one.

And trust me, you’ll notice the difference. 

The resistance will increase… a lot. 

But that’s not a bad thing. 

In fact, it means your voice is learning to lean into the efficiency that straw phonation builds.

The Goal

Over time, your body adapts. Instead of fighting the resistance, you’ll settle into it.

That “buzz” you feel will start working with you, not against you. 

And when you step away from the straw? 

Singing feels easier, freer, and more connected throughout your range.

That’s the magic.

Want to figure out which Singing / Straw set is right for your voice? 

Take the Perfect Straw Match Quiz. 

In just two minutes, you’ll know your match (and snag a discount, too).