how to howl
Learning how to howl is easy – it often comes instinctively to those who try – and really, there is not right or wrong way to do it. Something that is truly felt and meaned, and comes from within is what makes a good howl. The easiest way to achieve this is just to tilt your head back and let lose from within – doing this can often prove refreshing and cathartic. It can energize you and release stress.
But if you’re wanting to refine your howling technique, there are a few things that biologists have studies as common among howls. Field biologist Gudrun Pflueger goes over some simple steps employed by wolves on how to howl. Practicing these techniques will result in a good, strong howl similar to that of a wolf.
Step 1: Breath deeply.
A howl comes from within, so take a few deep breaths to fill your air with lungs so the howl can last long and strong.
Step 2: Make a funnel with your hands to direct the sound.
Just cup your hands around your mouth, this will help the sound travel in the direction you want it to.
Step 3: Start slow and low
With your head facing forward, start your howl a little bit, you’re finding where you tone is and getting comfortable with it. Don’t aim for something high pitched and loud right away. Keep it low and strong. Feel the howl as it starts to build, and decide where you want to go with it.
Step 4: Slowly build your howl, making it louder and louder.
You’ve established the base tone of your howl, now really grab it and feel it. Build it. Make it stronger and louder so that everyone can hear.
Step 5: During the howl, switch an octave.
Now that you have a good strong howl going, switch octaves so that you can get that high pitched “awooooo” sound….this is the peak, and where your howl has been building to.
Step 6: Go down low again.
After you’ve switched octaves, let your tone go as long as you feel comfortable, and then slowly as you feel the howl releasing and dying off, let your tone go back down lower and softer.
You can find example of how to howl by looking at wolves, the experts at the craft. Here is an example of a Real Wolf Howling…when the humans howl, the wolf howls back!
In the wild, howling starts with babies. Here’s a video of how the howl is taught to baby wolves…
And sometimes it’s good to howl just for fun. Here’s a fun howl!