The 6 voice types and their vocal ranges
A voice type is the label for where a voice naturally sits. There are six common ones. From highest to lowest: soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass. Notes are written with a letter and a number, and C4 is middle C.
| Voice type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Soprano | C4 to C6 |
| Mezzo-soprano | A3 to A5 |
| Alto | F3 to F5 |
| Tenor | C3 to C5 |
| Baritone | A2 to A4 |
| Bass | E2 to E4 |
Soprano
Soprano is the highest voice type, with a typical range from middle C (C4) up to C6. Bright, clear and light, with the most ring at the top of the range. In a choir the sopranos usually carry the melody.
Mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano is the middle higher voice, between alto and soprano, with a typical range from A3 to A5. Warm and full in the middle with an easy upper range. It is the most common of the higher voice types.
Alto
Alto is the lowest of the higher voice types, with a typical range from F3 to F5. In classical singing it is called contralto. Rich, dark and full, strongest in the lower and middle notes. True altos are less common than choir seating suggests.
Tenor
Tenor is the highest of the lower voice types, with a typical range from C3 up to C5. Bright and ringing at the top. Many lead singers in pop and rock are tenors, which is why so many songs feel high for other men.
Baritone
Baritone is the middle lower voice, between bass and tenor, with a typical range from A2 to A4. It is the most common male voice type. Warm, round and versatile. A baritone can sound gentle or powerful in the same song.
Bass
Bass is the lowest voice type, with a typical range from E2 up to E4. Deep, dark and resonant. A true bass is the least common of the lower voices.
How to find yours
Sing down to your lowest steady note and up to your highest comfortable one, then compare the two with the table. The voice type test does this for you with your microphone in about 2 minutes, and this guide explains how to do it by hand.