In this video, a singer uses an overtone technique — similar to Tuvan throat singing — to produce a lovely rendition of “Amazing Grace.” If you are not used to listening to overtone singing, listen for the high-pitched flutey sound that is created OVER the sound that he’s making with his mouth. Don’t focus so much on what he’s doing that you miss the actual overtones. You might need to close your eyes.
Allison
Very cool. I didn’t know you could sing overtones!
I had a flute piece where a large section was done purely in overtones. I like this better, it doesn’t sound as annoying as a flute would 
gail
Allison, the singer in this clip also has a tutorial explaining how it’s done — and there are lots of traditional “throat singers” who have been doing it for centuries, including Mongolians and Inuit.
Ty
oh my god, i had to listen to that three times before i heard the flutey sound, but when i catch onto those tones, it finally became clear.
AWESOME!
DrJones
This kid looks like the nerdy child on Honey I Shrunk the Kids! Kinda sounds like him too…minus the singing!
MrPumpernickel
Better example with much clearer overtone sounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY1pcEtHI_w
Though not Amazing Grace.
alison
wow! I’ve never heard of this before but I caught it after 2 listens, that was so cool!!
Alex
Whoa – that was cool! I had to close my eyes and just listen, but it was pretty clear.
Hirudin
Oddly enough I first heard about throat singing from Futurama… The episode is “Where the Buggalo Roam” (Season 4 Episode 6).
Nastia
Unless you like bagpipes I don’t see how that is enjoyable to listen to
gail
Xana32, try not to focus on the low sounds he’s making. If you listen to them too closely, you’ll miss the higher-pitched flute-like sound that kind of hovers above them. It helps to close your eyes.
gail
Well, that’s a matter of taste. It’s a form of tone production that’s been around for centuries in the East (particularly Mongolia, Tibet) and is also practiced among the Inuit (so it apparently came across the Bering Straits with them from Siberia). Even for people who don’t like the way it sounds — and lots of Westerners can’t appreciate Eastern music — it has historical and cultural interest, and musical interest as well for people who are interested in the production of overtones.
Viola
//and lots of Westerners can’t appreciate Eastern music
Totally with you there, gail. I think it’s amazing to listen to.
hedwig
Not my taste, but I certainly did hear it and I’m impressed. I’m heading over there to see the tutorial… totally interesting.
hedwig
Ok, I’m back from the youtube trip- that is so totally amazing. I think, like it or not, I’m going to have to try to do it… but I’m going to wait till I’m alone in the woods somewhere… lol
Courageous Grace
My 2 month old son can make two distinct sounds come out of his throat when he’s upset….sounds like he’s possessed. He also sleeps with his eyes open and all you see are the whites. Creepy. 
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