Creak and creaking takes place at the vocal cord level (Level 1). The very delicate creaking sound occurs from vibrations of the vocal cords. The vocal cords vibrations in both creak and creaking have a complex but regular vibratory pattern.

Creak can be produced in a healthy way by preparing for a metallic mode but then reducing the volume, so that the metallic sound cannot be sustained, resulting in a creaking, frail and shaky sound.