There are many vocal ranges and voice types for females, and this section will discuss about the 3 main types of female voices, their respective note ranges, as well as how their tessituras or most comfortable voice ranges differ from each other.
One point to note: There is a difference between the 2 terms – Vocal Range and Voice Type; The Range of our Voice refers to the range of notes that the voice can reach or produce a sound at, whereas Voice Type refers to the various kinds of voices classified using certain criteria like range of vocals, tessituras, register transition points, vocal timbre or tone and so on.
Click on the links provided above to learn how to find the full range of your voice, as well as understand more about the various voice classification criteria and learn how to determine your own voice type!
Also, watch the video below to learn how to extend your vocal range and sing high notes easier:
Now, the 3 main types of female voices are as follows:
1. Soprano
2. Mezzo Soprano
3. Contralto
Let us look at each of these voices in more detail:
1. SOPRANO
As many of us would know, the Soprano voice is the highest of the female voices, and many of us would be familiar with this voice type. I am sure many ladies out there would be envious of their Soprano friends who seem to be able to hit the high notes with such ease!
A typical Soprano vocal range would probably be from the A note below middle C (A3) to the F or G note 2 octaves above (F6 or G6), making it a range of 2 plus to 3 octaves. Of course, this is not to be taken as an exact measurement but more as a rough guideline for soprano voices, and proper breath support must be used when measuring vocal ranges during singing.
The Soprano Tessitura is also usually higher than the other female voice types, considering that the overall vocal range is the highest among the female voices.
A Soprano would also probably transition out of her chest voice around the E flat note above middle C (E4) and shift into her head voice around the F sharp note one octave above the middle C (F5).
The soprano voice usually has a bright tone, and she would usually have a strong head voice, but a relatively weaker middle voice. Sopranos are also able to sing more high notes and sustain at a high pitch better than a mezzo soprano can, and they are also most often the lead role for operas or shows.
2. MEZZO SOPRANO
For most ladies out there, you would probably belong to this voice type as the Mezzo Soprano voice is the most common female voice type out of the 3 main types, and it lies between the higher Soprano voice and the lower Contralto voice.
The vocal range for the Mezzo Soprano voice would be likely between the G note below middle C (G3) to the C note more than 2 octaves above (C6), making it also a range of around slightly more than 2 octaves. The Mezzo Soprano Tessitura or most comfortable vocal range lies somewhere between the Soprano Tessitura and the Contralto Tessitura.
The Mezzo would probably transition out of chest voice around the E note just above middle C (E4) and shift into head voice around the E note one octave above the middle C octave (E5). Be sure to avoid the common singing problem of head raising when you are measuring your register transitions.
The Mezzo Soprano has a stronger middle voice and a weaker head voice as compared to the Soprano. Also, the tone of the Mezzo Soprano’s voice is darker or deeper than the Soprano’s.
3. CONTRALTO
The Contralto voice is the lowest among the female voices, and it is certainly more unique among females, as the typical female voices would probably either be the Soprano or Mezzo Soprano voices.
Also, a common misconception would be to use the term ‘Alto’ instead of ‘Contralto’ to refer to female voices with this low range of notes. We should use the term ‘Contralto’ to refer to this low female voice type, as ‘Alto’ more commonly refers to the range or notes to be sung and is not exactly a voice type. The term ‘Alto’ is commonly used in choral singing to refer to the vocal parts to be sung by singers doing the Alto section.
The vocal range for the Contralto voice would lie somewhere between the E note below middle C (E3) to the 2nd G note above middle C (G5). This would mean that the Contralto voice would be very close to the male tenor voice, having a similar range in vocals, and would thus be able to handle most of the songs that men may sing too!
The Contralto would probably transition out of chest voice around the G above middle C (G4) and shift into head voice around the D note an octave above middle C (D5).
Also, the tone of the Contralto’s voice would be darker and richer than the Mezzo Soprano, and she would be totally comfortable in the lower part of her voice.
Understanding more about the 3 main female voice types and their vocal ranges helps us to be able to understand more about our own voice as well as which voice type we may belong to. This will help us to determine the various keys or pitches with which to do our vocal exercises and vocal warmups!
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Stephanie Noboa September 2, 2014 at 11:08 AM
I’ve read from someone that I am an Alto, though that kind of made me question myself if I should keep singing or not cause they mentioned I couldn’t quite hit those very high notes. I know I’ve always wanted to be able to, it would’ve been really nice; but, after reading what you wrote about Alto and Contralto it completely changed my opinion on how I view my singing and that I should be happy with it and keep practicing so that I can be a good singer as a Contralto (Alto) though I’m still not sure if that is my vocal range, I’ve never really known what it is.
I really love this singing guide I came across, it has really great information, and can’t wait to put it to good use! And to also mention that it’s free, it’s amazing! Thank you so much!
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Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of the vocal arts. I am here to share my extensive knowledge and expertise on the fascinating realm of female vocal ranges and voice types. As someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of vocal classification, I've not only delved into the theoretical aspects but have also had practical experiences that contribute to a nuanced understanding of the subject.
Now, let's unravel the concepts embedded in the article about the three main types of female voices: Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, and Contralto. The author emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between vocal range and voice type, offering insights into the criteria for voice classification.
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Vocal Range vs. Voice Type: The article draws a clear distinction between vocal range and voice type. Vocal range pertains to the span of notes a voice can produce, while voice type involves classification based on criteria such as range, tessitura, register transitions, vocal timbre, and tone.
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Soprano Voice:
- Range: A Soprano's vocal range typically spans from A3 to F6 or G6, covering 2 to 3 octaves.
- Tessitura: Sopranos have a higher tessitura compared to other female voice types.
- Transition Points: Chest voice transitions around E4, shifting to head voice around F5.
- Characteristics: Sopranos exhibit a bright tone, strong head voice, and are often cast in lead roles for operas or shows.
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Mezzo Soprano Voice:
- Range: Mezzo Sopranos usually have a range from G3 to C6, spanning slightly more than 2 octaves.
- Tessitura: The tessitura lies between Soprano and Contralto tessituras.
- Transition Points: Chest voice transitions around E4, moving to head voice around E5.
- Characteristics: Mezzo Sopranos possess a stronger middle voice, a darker tone than Sopranos, and are a common voice type among females.
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Contralto Voice:
- Range: Contraltos have the lowest vocal range among females, spanning from E3 to the second G note above middle C (G5).
- Transition Points: Chest voice transitions around G4, shifting to head voice around D5.
- Characteristics: Contraltos boast a darker and richer tone than Mezzo Sopranos, and their comfort zone lies in the lower part of their voice.
Understanding these distinctions aids individuals in determining their own voice type and choosing appropriate keys or pitches for vocal exercises. The article also provides valuable resources for further exploration, including links on finding one's vocal range and understanding voice classification criteria. It even offers a video tutorial on extending vocal range and singing high notes more effortlessly.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide offers a rich tapestry of information for anyone aspiring to comprehend the intricacies of female vocal ranges and voice types. Feel free to explore the provided links and video resources to enhance your vocal journey.
