Dear all,

I've often been asked what my voice type is when I go for auditions. The problem is, I'm not really sure any more; I had previously classed myself as a Bass/Bass-baritone, but I can sing High Tenor. My full range is G1 - G5. Therefore, what would you class me as for future reference?

Many thanks,

HallowGhost2774

Range isn't really the most important factor when determining your voice type. What are you basing your range on? Keep in mind, guys sing an octave lower than written in treble clef. I seriously doubt you can actually sing a G5. Four full octaves in full voice would also be ridiculously impressive. What I'm guessing you mean is it's written as a G5 on piano, and you're actually singing a G4.

And G4 isn't high tenor. Most Baritones these days are asked to be able to hit at least G4, if not the A4.

What range are you most comfortable singing songs in (your tessitura)? Do you feel more comfortable in the lower range, or singing really high in full head voice? Do you know where your register breaks are?

Tessitura and Register breaks are bigger determinations of your voice type than range.

Although based on just your range, I'd say you're Bass/Baritone with a decent high range. I don't know any true Baritones that can hit a G1, let alone a Tenor, and G4(G5 on piano) isn't high for a tenor, although it is for a Baritone.

Thanks for this. Basically, I'm basing my range on what I can comfortably sing. With regards to the G5, it is actually a G5 (I guess I should have been clearer) and I sing in falsetto - yeah, four octaves in chest voice would be ridiculous

(Think of the Ted Neeley-style rock singing G5s in JCS - that's basically what I'm talking about with my top notes; they're powerful, but in full head voice)

My most comfortable range (in chest voice) is in the lower end; G1 - A4 (and then up to G5 in falsetto), so your analogy sounds pretty accurate: Bass/Baritone with good high range

Thanks again - very helpful

Well, falsetto doesn't factor into your actual range when determining voice type. Head voice is different than falsetto.

I still think there is some confusion on range. With the exception of countertenors, I don't know of any guy, even professional opera singers who can sing a true G5 in head voice. Most guys can barely hit a C5 without extensive operatic training. Singing a true G5 pitch would be written as a G6 for a guy since guys sing an octave lower than written in Treble clef.

If you can comfortably sing down to a G1, to me it sounds like your range is G1-A3, with a falsetto up to G4.

Is that G1 full or more of a groan? Be honest here, because that's a serious bass note and for you to have that AND an A just seems unlikely.

If I warm up prior to singing, then yes, I can do that G1 in full voice. It isn't loud, but it's still in full. the same applies to the A4; with a proper warm up, it is possible to do it in belt. To be honest, the A is easier to reach because it falls in what I would class as my "normal range" (ie: without needing to warm up), which is C2-F4.

My range, with warm-up, can be extended either way, but the very low G is not easy to reach without starting at a G2 and working down to it. The A4 too, can be done in belt by working up to it from Middle C, and if I use falsetto, the range can go even further (up to G5), but that is not easy.

Hope this answers your question!