Vocal Types/Range

“In its broadest sense, vocal range refers to the full spectrum of notes that a singer’s voice is able to produce.”

(Definition found here.)

This post explores the six main vocal ranges: Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass. Each singer has their own personal range that can be expanded with repetitive practice and vocal strengthening.

You can find out more about how the voice works here.

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Soprano

This is a range mainly used by females and is most commonly used to sing the melody. A soprano usually sings a range from C4 to A5 or even higher. There is also descant soprano line, often used in choral pieces, that is an higher extension of the soprano range, showcasing notes above the treble stave. It’s tone colour can be described as: piercing, ringing, airy, bright and strong. Popular performers include: Birdy, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Ariana Grande, Lea Michele and Diana Ross.

A good example of the soprano voice:

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Mezzo Soprano

This is a range mainly used by females and is the most common female range. A mezzo soprano usually sings a range from A3 to F5 or it can be lower or higher. This range is characterised by the singer’s ability to extend it higher or lower but not so high or low that it becomes a different range. It’s tone colour can be described as: warm, smooth, powerful, mellow and resonant. Popular performers include: Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Madonna, Demi Lovato, Regina Spektor and Carrie Underwood.

A good example of the mezzo soprano voice:

PS. I’m a mezzo soprano!

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Alto

This is a range mainly used by females. An alto usually sings a range from E3 to E5 or it can be lower. It’s tone colour can be described as: warm, smooth, resonant, bright, brilliant and silvery. Popular performers include: Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Etta James, Stevie Nicks and Shakira.

A good example of the alto voice:

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Tenor

This is a range mainly used by males. A tenor usually sings a range from C3 to G4 or it can be higher. There is a technique called Falsetto, which is commonly used by tenors, meaning that the singer can reach notes higher than the normal chest voice range. It’s tone colour can be described as: airy, resonant, ringing, mellow, pure, sweet and smooth. Popular performers include: Bruno Mars, Adam Lambert, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Usher and Sting.

A good example of the tenor voice:

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Baritone

This is a range mainly used by males. A baritone usually sings a range from F2 to G4 or it can be lower or higher. Like alto, this range is characterised by the singer’s ability to extend it higher or lower but not so high or low that it becomes a different range. It’s tone colour can be described as: grand, sensual, booming, strong, rumbling and clear. Popular performers include: Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Josh Groban and Jimi Hendrix.

A good example of the baritone voice:

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Bass

This is a range mainly used by males. A bass usually sings a range from F2 to E4 or it can be lower. It’s tone colour can be described as: powerful, strong, dark, rumbling, booming and dry. Popular performers include: Steve Harwell (Smash Mouth), Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Don Henley (Eagles) and, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Richard Wright (Pink Floyd).

A good example of the bass voice:

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The following image gives a visual for the vocal ranges as shown on a piano as described above. (Found here along with lots of other information.)