Vocal Ranges
Soprano
High female voice, G3 (below middle C4) to F6 above high C6 although
anywhere above high C can be included.
Coloratura
A singer, usually soprano, who sings ornamental passages in music C4 to F6 or G6 above high C6
Lyric Soprano
Warmer middle sound - Bb3 below middle C4 to high C6 or D6
Spinto Soprano
Usually a thicker sound with more edge and volume but with the same
range as a the Lyric Soprano
Dramatic Soprano
The loudest and lowest with cutting power - low Bb3 or A3, to a
pushed high C6
Mezzo-Soprano
Middle female voice with dark quality, Low A3 or G3 (below middle C4)
to at least high C although it is not uncommon for high A6 or Bb6 to
Eb6 above high C6.
Alto or Contralto
Low Female Voice, low C3 (below middle C4) to high C6 or up to high
A6.
Tenor
High Male Voice, C (an octave below middle C) up to high C or D (or
above).
Countertenor
Highest male voice, also called alto, often falsetto - (see Russell
Oberlin distincts True Countertenor from Falsettist YouTube clip)
Heldentenor
Poweful dramatic tenor voice
Baritone
Middle Male Voice, low G/F an octave below middle C to B, F or G
above middle C (just below the Tenor high C).
Bass
Baritone - More like a bass than a baritone, lacks the low bass notes
Bass
Low Male Voice, low E (or lower) an octave below middle C to E, F G
above middle C.
Basso Cantante
High bass voice suitable for solo singing
Basso Profundo
Deep bass voice encompassing about two octaves above C below the
bass staff
These are just a few classifications which are split into sub
classifications covering all types of vocal range and tone. Please note
that the tone, resonance and ornamentation of the voice should be
taken into consideration before assuming it falls into one or other
'fach'..... The amount of notes or range/register alone does NOT equal
'fach type'. An individuals vocal range may extend in each direction of
their comfortable 'fach' or lack the full range of indicated notes but
would still fall into the catagory due to the tone and quality of the
voice. Also note that 'Middle C' denotes the C note closest to the
center of the keyboard or the piano. In the UK this is often referred to
as C4 but this is not standard for all countries who may have a
different numbering system.