Harmonic Singing

What is overtone singing? A guide to the voice that sings two notes at once

Q: Is overtone singing the same as throat singing?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Throat singing usually refers to the Mongolian and Tuvan styles, some of which use a deep, growling voice; overtone or harmonic singing is a broader term for any technique that makes the harmonics of the voice audible.

From the steppes of Mongolia to the workshops of today: how harmonic singing works, where it comes from, and how to begin.

By Sacred Origins Travel · 6 min read

Imagine a single voice producing a deep, steady note — and, floating above it, a clear, almost crystalline melody, like a flute or a whistle. This is overtone singing, also called harmonic singing or throat singing. Born on the steppes of Central Asia, it is today practised around the world as a music, a meditation and a path of inner listening.

Also calledHarmonic or throat singing

OriginMongolia & Tuva

Mongolian nameKhöömii

UNESCOHeritage of Humanity since 2010

What is overtone singing?

Every sound we make with our voice is not one single frequency but a rich blend: a fundamental note, the one we hear as the pitch, and a whole series of higher, quieter frequencies called overtones or harmonics. Normally, they melt together into the colour, or timbre, of our voice.

Overtone singing is the art of isolating and amplifying some of these harmonics, so that they become audible as a second voice. The singer holds the fundamental, while a melody of harmonics seems to dance above it.

One voice, two sounds: the earth below, the sky above.

How does it work?

The secret lies in the shape of the mouth. By moving the tongue, the lips and the soft palate very precisely, the singer turns the mouth into a resonating chamber that reinforces one harmonic at a time. Shifting slowly between vowels — from “oo” to “ee”, for example — makes the harmonics rise and fall, creating a melody.

Some styles also use the throat in a particular way to produce a very deep, growling fundamental, which is why the practice is often called “throat singing”. Gentler styles, often taught in workshops, keep the voice soft and relaxed and focus on listening to the harmonics.

Traditions around the world

Yaks on the snow-covered Mongolian steppe in winter — The Mongolian steppe, cradle of khöömii.

Mongolia: khöömiiThe Mongolian art of khöömii, imitating the sounds of nature — wind, water, the echo of the mountains — was inscribed by UNESCO in 2010 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

TuvaIn the Republic of Tuva, in southern Siberia, throat singing is a national treasure, with many styles, from deep growls to whistling melodies.

Tibetan chantSome Tibetan Buddhist monastic traditions use a very deep chanting voice, rich in harmonics, for prayer and ritual.

Contemporary practiceSince the late 20th century, harmonic singing has spread worldwide through musicians, choirs and teachers, who use it for music, meditation and personal development.

Why practise it?

For many people, harmonic singing is above all a practice of listening. To hear the harmonics, you have to slow down, breathe and become fully present. Practitioners often describe:

a deep sense of calm and centring, close to meditation;
a new awareness of the breath and of the body as a resonating instrument;
the joy of discovering their own voice, without needing to “sing well”;
a powerful feeling of connection when singing in a group, as harmonics blend and fill the space.

Harmonic singing is not a medical treatment, but as a gentle practice of voice and breath, it can be a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself.

How to begin: a simple exercise

1. Find your noteSit comfortably, relax your jaw and hum a low, comfortable note on “mmm”. Keep it steady and soft.

2. Open to “oo”Open your lips slightly into a small “oo”, as in “moon”, keeping the same note.

3. Glide to “ee”Very slowly change the vowel from “oo” to “ee” (as in “see”), and back again. Move the tongue, not the note.

4. ListenListen to the faint whistling that appears above your voice: these are your harmonics. Practise a few minutes a day, gently, without forcing.

Learning with a teacher, and in a group, makes progress much faster: you learn to hear the harmonics in others before finding them in yourself.

Sing with us

Harmonic singing in the heart of Kenya

On our journey Kenya – a return to the primal forces of the Earth (13 – 23 February 2027), Catherine Darbord, workshop leader in harmonic and throat singing, guides you to let your voice resonate with the wind, the birds and the silences of the Maasai lands, at the foot of Kilimanjaro. No musical background is needed.

Discover the journey →

Catherine also guides a journey for women in India weaving harmonic chanting with the sacred places of the subcontinent. Discover all our harmonic singing journeys.

Frequently asked questions

Is overtone singing the same as throat singing?

The terms are often used interchangeably. “Throat singing” usually refers to the Mongolian and Tuvan styles, some of which use a deep, growling voice; “overtone” or “harmonic” singing is a broader term for any technique that makes the harmonics of the voice audible.

Can anyone learn harmonic singing?

Yes. No musical training is needed. Most people can hear their first harmonics after a few sessions with a good teacher, as long as they practise gently and with patience.

Does it hurt the voice?

Gentle harmonic singing, as taught in workshops, keeps the voice relaxed and should never hurt. Some traditional throat singing styles are more demanding and are best learned with an experienced teacher.

What is khöömii?

Khöömii is the Mongolian art of overtone singing. It was inscribed by UNESCO in 2010 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Where can I learn harmonic singing while travelling?

Our Kenya journey in February 2027 includes harmonic and throat singing workshops with Catherine Darbord, in the heart of nature.

Read also our guides to Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian New Year and Sámi shamanism.