Ever wondered how high or how low you could sing?  Or if there was anything such as a female bass or baritone? Well, today’s post is for you. We will look at the typical ranges of the major voice types and then help you to decide where you fit in. So, let’s get started!

Soprano: A soprano is typically a female singer that can sing from the fourth C on the piano to the sixth C on the piano. Bear in mind that there are many sopranos that can sing higher or lower, but this is just the average range. For instance, Mariah Carey uses a whistle register that hits notes way above this range!

Mezzo-soprano: A mezzo soprano or second soprano can typically sing from the third A up the piano to the fifth A on the piano.

Contralto: A contralto is a female singer whose range is close to a tenor’s range. She can sing from the third F on the piano to the fifth F on the piano. (You go girl!)

Tenor: A tenor is typically a male singer who can sing from the second C on the piano to the fifth C on the piano.

Baritone: A Baritone is a male singer that can sing from the second G on the piano to the fourth G on the piano.

Bass: A Bass or Basso singer is a male singer that can sing from the second E to the fourth E on the piano.

Now you may be saying, “That’s great! But what’s my range? Am I a tenor or a bass?”

Well, here’s how to find out!

Sit at a piano and try playing the middle note of each one of these ranges. You want to start with the middle and not the extreme notes of each range because you want to give your voice a chance to warm-up in order to sing a really high or low note.

For instance, if you are checking to see whether you are a soprano, try singing the fifth C on the piano and work your way up the piano until you’ve sung that sixth C. Did you get it? Now work your way down to the fourth C on the keyboard, singing each note in between. Were these notes comfortable for you? If yes, then you are a soprano. If no, don’t despair! Just try another range in the same way. The key is to find the the most comfortable range for your voice.

Did you know that your body type can help you decide your range as well?

Stand in front of a mirror and look at your neck. Is it pretty long and slender? Chances are you are either an alto or contralto (if a girl) and a bass or baritone (if a guy). The reason for this has to do with your vocal chords. People with long necks tend to have longer and larger vocal chords which are essential to sing lower notes. The opposite is also true. A shorter neck tends to mean that you  can sing higher notes. Now is this always the case? Nope, but try it for yourself and send me a comment. For tips to increase your range, check out the post http://www.vocalbuddy.com/how-to-sing-high-notes/#more-37 .  And remember:

SING OUT LOUD!