Tibetan Buddhist monks have long practiced multiphonic chanting. It is said to be the holiest sound ever heard. Apparently, the monks achieve a state called “samadhi” which is “a trancelike state of pure consciousness, undisturbed by the polarities of life, experience, and thought”. It is thought that the multiphonic tones can only be created by someone who has realized selfless wisdom.
And that’s my $0.02
-Tom
If you’re talking about the same thing I saw on a documentary movie Genghis Blues about blind blues singer Paul Pena’s trip to Tuva to learn throat singing, it’s not restricted to those you’ve described. Have you seen this film?
I presume you’re commenting on Can one person sing two notes at the same time?
Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Boards, beckerxc, glad to have you with us.
It’s helpful, when you start a new thread, if you provide a link to the column that you are commenting on. Helps keep everyone on the same page and reduces the confusion (well, mostly.) No biggie, and you’ll know for next time. Welcome.
Here’s an article from Scientific American explaining how it’s done.
– Beruang