While there are many variations, most practitioners recognize three foundational styles:
A deep, gravelly "undertone" style that uses the false vocal folds to create a sound reminiscent of a bullfrog or a low growl. Mongolian Throat Singing
A low, fundamental bass note produced deep in the larynx. Modern Echoes: From the Gobi to the Global
Characterized by very high, piercing overtones that sound like a bird or the wind whistling through a canyon. Modern Echoes: From the Gobi to the Global Stage the growl of a wolf
Khöömei (or Khoomei) literally translates to "pharynx" or "throat" in Mongolian. It is a unique vocal technique where a singer manipulates their vocal tract to produce multiple distinct pitches simultaneously:
Historically, this art form was born from nomadic life, as singers sought to imitate the natural world—the babbling of rivers, the growl of a wolf, or the echo of the mountains. The Three Main Styles
The standard style, known for its clear, shimmering overtones that sound like a whistle.