Some singers manage to hit breathtaking high notes, while others manage to dig deep for soul-shaking bass. Some lucky ones manage to do both! A singer's "range" is the range of notes he can sing comfortably and clearly. Finding your range is easy - all you need is a musical instrument such as a piano (or a digital alternative) to have reference notes and you will discover your range in minutes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Piano or Keyboard
Step 1. Press middle C (C4) on the keyboard
With the ability to play many perfectly tuned notes, a piano (or electric keyboard) is usually the most useful tool for finding your vocal range. Start by pressing the note on the keyboard Middle C (also called Do4). You don't need to know how to play the piano to use this method to find your vocal range.
- If you are not familiar with piano keys, middle C is the fourth C natural counting from the left of the keyboard. In other words, it is the fourth white key that is to the left of two black keys. Usually, it is located exactly in the center of the keyboard, under the manufacturer's name or logo.
- If you're not sure you're using the right note, consider using a digital central C reference (which you can find on YouTube, etc.) to make things easier.
- Starting from middle C is a good choice, because it is contained in all the classical vocal registers (bass, baritone, tenor, soprano). Middle C, however, is at the upper end of a bass range and at the lower end of a soprano's register, so if you have a very high or low voice, you may not be able to sing it. Not a problem - in this case start on a more comfortable note.
Step 2. Sing the note, intoning it carefully
When you've found middle C, sing the note out loud. It sustains the note well with the breath - you don't have to force the note with the diaphragm, but you will have to sing it (like all the other notes of the exercise) with strength and confidence.
Step 3. Play descending notes, intoning them each time with your voice
Press the white key to the left of middle C. This is Si4. If you can, sing this note. Then, press the white key to the left of B4 (A4) and repeat. Keep going down on the piano all the way to G3 and F3, until you reach a note that you can't sing comfortably. The preceding note is the lower limit of your vocal range.
For example, let's assume that you started from middle C and reached F3 (four notes below it) comfortably. But when you try to sing the next note, the E3, your voice breaks and you can't produce a clear note. This means that F3 is the lower limit of your vocal range
Step 4. Play notes ascending from middle C, intoning them as before
To continue, go back to middle C and proceed in the other direction. When you hit a note that is too high, which you can't sing clearly and comfortably, you will know that the note preceding it marks the upper limit of your local range.
Let's say you started from middle C and hit D5 (eight notes higher - plus a full octave) without any problem. When you try to sing the E5, you can't keep the note. This means that D5 is the upper limit of your vocal range
Step 5. Repeat if necessary
Your vocal range contains all the notes between (and including) the highest note is that lower.
In our example, your range goes from F3 to D5. This means that the vocal register is roughly that of an alto - the traditional lowest register for women
Method 2 of 3: Using Online Solutions
Step 1. Use a video to find reference notes
If you don't have a piano or don't want to use it, fear not - it's easy to find the reference notes you need on video streaming sites like YouTube, etc. Just search for "Middle C" or "Find vocal range" to get many results that can help you sing the right notes and identify your vocal range.
Alternatively, use a tool like the SingScope app. This app allows you to record your voice and is able to show you the notes you sing in real time. It can also switch between your lowest and highest notes to help you determine your range
Step 2. Use a course to find the vocal range
This article offers a simple but effective way to find your extension. However, this is not the only way to do it. With a simple internet search, such as "find my vocal range" you will be able to find many courses and tests to achieve the same result.
The BBC offers a pretty in-depth DIY lesson to find your vocal range with five exercises
Step 3. Refer to the resources used by the singers for more information
If you feel like spending more time and energy, you can learn a lot more about what allows each person to have a unique vocal range. Try reading the "serious" articles and guides written for intermediate to advanced singers as the next step - you will find tons of them with a simple search!
- Choirly.com offers a beginner-friendly introduction to the different vocal registers and associated terminology.
- Vocalist.org.uk offers an article with more technical content. Included in the article you will find definitions for dozens of voice registers.
Method 3 of 3: Define your own speech range
Step 1. Learn what the note ranges are in the most common traditional registers
Your voice will fall into the category it comes closest to. Note that it is possible not to exactly fit into any of these categories and that lower vocal registers than those described are possible, although rare.
- Soprano. Range: B3-Do6 (Female). Famous examples: Maria Callas, Mariah Carey, Kate Bush
- Mezzo soprano. Range: La3-La5 (Female). Famous examples: Maria Malibran, Beyoncé, Tori Amos
- Alto. Range: Fa3-Fa5 (Female). Famous examples: Adele, Sade
- Controsoprano. Range: G3-D5 (Male). Famous examples: Alfred Deller, Philippe Jaroussky
- Tenor. Range: C3-Bb4 (Male). Famous examples: Luciano Pavarotti, Freddie Mercury
- Baritone. Range: Fa2-Fa4 (Male). Famous examples: David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix
- Bass. Range: Mi2-Mi4 (Male). Famous examples: Klaus Moll, Barry White, Louis Armstrong
Step 2. Work with a professional singing teacher
A teacher can help you find your vocal range and tell you which vocal parts are best suited to your voice. Search online or ask family and friends for recommendations to find a teacher in the area where you live.
Meet at least three teachers before choosing one to make sure you find the one that best suits your needs
Step 3. Determine which notes have the best timbre if your range extends across multiple voice types
For example, if you can sing as a baritone, bass and tenor, think about which notes you can play more easily. Also consider which notes have the fullest and most robust sound in comparison to the others. This can help you determine which vocal parts are best suited for your particular voice.
Step 4. Find where your voice moves from one register to another
This is where you switch from the chest voice to the head voice. The chest voice is used to play the lower notes, while the head voice is used to sing the higher notes. Your voice may crack or become more shrill as you move from one register to another.
Advice
- Many singers warm up their vocals before singing (for example by drinking hot tea and doing exercises) to maximize the range. On wikiHow you can find articles with more information on voice warming.
- Singing "clear and clean notes" with strong breath support is important. To find the vocal range you don't have to strain your voice looking for the highest and lowest notes you can produce - you will have to find the notes you can sing in music.
Warnings
- This advice is worth repeating: Not strain your voice to reach notes outside your vocal range. This is the best way to put stress on the vocal cords. Over time, this practice can even reduce the extent.
- Avoid smoking, screaming often, and all other coughing activities - they can damage your voice.
