Hi, I'm new , and I've noticed that I tend to use an ugly amount of compression whenever I'm belting high notes, and I think this damages my tone.

How do I achieve a better tone when belting? Less compression? How do I do this?

SappyB, you shouldn't strain while singing. Your diaphragm should be strained, of course, but your vocal cords shouldn't. My vocalist told me I used too much compression when I had the same problem. It was difficult to change the way I used to sing, but I sang a lot and practise made perfect.
P. S. It will be also useful to determine your range.

Oh thanks for responding! I know I shouldn't strain, but when I strain/flex my diaphragm, I tense up along my back as well, which could be affecting my tone. I just can't relax! How do you relax everything BUT your diaphragm?

Well, everyone knows that practise makes perfect. I started singing with a very "easy-to-sing" song - "A wonderful life" (Black). my vocalist told me I should sing a lot. And I sang while walking, painting, etc. I recommend you to sing while walking - it really MAKES you relax. Of course, I know that position/pose is really important while singing but... You should sing the same melody VERY often. I would also recommend you to sing Lara Fabian's song "Why" - that's a bit conservative this song helped me A LOT.

This song is a bit conservative BUT it helped me alot... I'm sorry

Oh my gosh, thank you. I will try these when I can.

Thank you so much!

I'm always pleased to help you!

Hi,

Not sure if this is what you mean but I'm a new singer who's got a background in music production. Do you mean compression when recording yourself singing? If so, I might have a few tips for you