If you didn’t know, having a good grasp of your vocal range is super important for nailing your notes, increasing your range if you desire, singing with confidence, and keeping your voice healthy and happy.

So, let's dive in so you can see how to discover your vocal range!

Finding your vocal range involves identifying the highest and lowest notes you can sing comfortably and consistently while maintaining proper vocal technique. This process requires careful exploration and experimentation, as each individual's vocal range is unique.

Even though vocal ranges are individual, most people fit into one voice category. These categories are what most singers - especially those who are in vocal groups and choirs - identify with. They include soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto (bka alto), tenor, baritone, and bass. 

Although it’s important to work with a trained vocal professional to determine your voice type, as they can assess factors such as range, tone, and timbre that may not be something you have access to or time or coins for. The tips in this blog are for you to informally assess your vocal range and gain a rudimentary picture of your vocal landscape. 

By understanding your vocal range, you can enhance your performance, identify weak spots in your voice and achieve your musical goals.

Utilizing vocal warm-ups and exercises can aid in discovering your range and improving your technique. Once you have identified your range, it is important to continue practicing and developing your voice to expand your range and improve your overall singing ability. 

So, how do you find your range in the first place?

FIRST

If you own a guitar or piano, you can use that. Use a piano/keyboard app or head to YouTube and follow this video or this one or any other you like. There are several. Just search “finding your vocal range”! 

If you’re using an instrument or piano/keyboard app, find Middle C. This is C4, the C in the middle of the keyboard or the C on the 1st fret of the B string on guitar. 

You’ll be singing on an “Ah” vowel. Starting on C4, move downward, singing “ah” on each note. Pay attention and mark when you hit the lowest note you can sing in tune without straining. 

NEXT

Do the same thing, but this time move upward and mark when you hit the highest note you can sing in tune without straining. 

FINALLY

Write out your vocal range. Here’s the formula.

Lowest Note (with octave number) - Highest Note (with octave number)

Find the octave number by taking notice of the octave where your lowest or highest notes are. Look at the picture below. This keyboard has 3 octaves displayed. Let’s imagine that the “C” in the middle is - you guessed it - Middle C. This would be C4. Which means each of the notes after it would be designated with a 4. 

Ascending or moving towards the right, if we look at the next octave starting with C, this C and every note after that would be designated with a 5 (i.e., C5, D5 -> A5, B5). As you continue ascending, so do the numbers. 

Going back to Middle C, when you descend or move towards the left, the next octave would be designated with a 3 (i.e. B3, A3 -> D3, C3) As you continue descending, so do the numbers. 

So, if these were your lowest and highest notes, you would write out your vocal range as:    G3 - D5

And that’s it! You’ve found your range! 

Now if you want to increase your range, your next step is to engage in some vocal exercises and possibly connect with a vocal coach. 

Check out Cheryl Porter or Angel Lea - extraordinary vocal coaches - and their channels on YouTube. 

We also like these vocal exercises and warm-ups on YouTube. 

Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, please let us know and any other vocal topics you would be interested in learning about. 

Keep singing and stay tuned for our next installment!