It is important to know the advantages and limitations of the modes at different volumes. The diagrams below chart modes, pitch and volume for women and men. The colour and the width of the diagram illustrate the volumes in the various modes. Intense red means loud volume, medium red means medium loud volume, pale red means medium quiet volume, and white means quiet volume. The vertical divisions of the diagram show the various pitches.

In general, the following rule applies: the more metallic the mode, the louder the volume can be. Conversely, it is easier to obtain a quieter volume if the mode is less metallic. In addition, the higher the pitch, the louder the volume can be. So, it is possible to sing louder in the high part of the voice than in the low part of the voice. In the beginning, the metallic modes often become louder as the pitch increases.