How to Find Out What Type of Voice You Have: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding your voice type is essential to becoming a better singer. Knowing your vocal range and capabilities allows you to select the best songs for your voice, improve your technique, and avoid strain or injury. But how do you figure out what type of voice you have, especially if you’re new to singing? In this blog, we’ll explore the different voice types and share methods for discovering yours. Plus, if you're in Glasgow and want personalized guidance, Singing lessons Glasgow at Southside Performance Studio can help you understand and develop your unique voice.
What Are the Different Voice Types?
The first step in understanding your voice is knowing the basic voice types. These categories are based on your vocal range—the range of pitches you can comfortably sing—and are often used in classical music and opera. However, they also provide useful guidance for pop, rock, and other genres.
Here are the primary voice types for both male and female voices:
Soprano (Female) – The highest female voice type. Sopranos can typically sing from middle C to the C two octaves above (C4 to C6).
Mezzo-Soprano (Female) – A mid-range voice for females. Mezzo-sopranos can sing from A3 to A5, with a rich, full sound in their lower register.
Contralto (Female) – The lowest female voice. Contraltos usually sing between F3 and F5, and their sound is dark and rich.
Tenor (Male) – The highest male voice. Tenors can sing from roughly C3 to B4, and their sound is bright and powerful.
Baritone (Male) – A middle-range male voice. Baritones typically sing from A2 to A4, offering a rich, resonant tone.
Bass (Male) – The lowest male voice type, with a range from E2 to E4. Basses have a deep, resonant sound.
Your voice may not fall neatly into one of these categories, and that's perfectly normal. Everyone’s voice is unique. The key is to explore your vocal range and qualities to find what feels and sounds best for you.
Step 1: Identify Your Vocal Range
The first step in discovering your voice type is identifying your vocal range. Your vocal range is the span of notes you can sing from the lowest to the highest without straining your voice.
To find your vocal range, try the following steps:
Warm up: Before starting, warm up your voice to avoid straining your vocal cords. Try simple humming or lip trills.
Find Your Lowest Note: Start at the lowest note you can sing comfortably and move upward by half-steps. Continue until you can no longer reach a note comfortably or without straining.
Find Your Highest Note: Start at a note you can sing comfortably in your mid-range and move up to higher notes. Again, stop when you reach a note that feels forced or uncomfortable.
Record Your Range: Write down the lowest and highest notes you can sing comfortably. This will give you a rough idea of your vocal range.
Your range will help determine whether you’re a soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, or bass. Keep in mind that this is a starting point, and with practice, you can expand your range.
Step 2: Assess the Timbre of Your Voice
The timbre of your voice refers to its unique quality or color. It’s what makes one person’s voice sound different from another’s, even if they’re singing the same note. For example, some voices may sound light and airy, while others are rich and resonant.
To assess your timbre, try singing a note or a phrase and listen carefully to how your voice sounds. Is it bright, dark, airy, or full? The timbre, combined with your range, will help you determine your voice type.
Step 3: Pay Attention to Your Voice’s Strengths
Certain voice types are better suited for different styles of music. Your strengths—whether it’s your powerful high notes, your warm middle register, or your resonant low notes—will also guide you in finding your voice type.
Sopranos tend to have strong high notes and often excel in classical and musical theatre styles.
Mezzo-sopranos are versatile and often shine in pop, jazz, and operatic styles with their rich middle register.
Tenors are great at hitting high notes with a bright, energetic sound, often favored in pop and classical music.
Baritones are often the most versatile male voice type, excelling in musical theatre and pop with their rich, full middle range.
Basses have a deep, powerful voice that stands out in classical, gospel, and jazz music.
By paying attention to what feels easiest and most comfortable for you to sing, you can begin to understand the strengths of your voice.
Step 4: Record Yourself and Listen
One of the best ways to discover your voice type is to record yourself singing. By listening to a recording of your voice, you can objectively assess its qualities, range, and timbre. Record yourself singing different notes, scales, and songs. Listen carefully to see if there’s a particular range or sound that stands out.
Recording yourself regularly will also help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Step 5: Seek Professional Feedback
If you’re still unsure of your voice type or need help developing your vocal skills, working with a voice coach can be incredibly beneficial. A professional vocal coach can help you determine your voice type, identify your strengths, and create a tailored vocal training plan to improve your singing.
If you’re in Glasgow, Singing lessons Glasgow at Southside Performance Studio offer individual coaching designed to help you discover your voice type, improve your technique, and develop a stronger, more confident voice. With personalized lessons, you’ll gain the guidance and expertise needed to fully understand and develop your unique vocal abilities.
Step 6: Explore Your Voice Through Different Genres
Sometimes, the best way to discover your voice type is by exploring different musical styles. Try singing in various genres to see what suits your voice best. Whether it’s classical, pop, rock, jazz, or musical theatre, different genres will highlight different aspects of your vocal abilities. By experimenting with a range of styles, you can better understand where your voice shines and how to develop it.
Conclusion
Finding your voice type is a crucial step in becoming a better singer. By understanding your vocal range, timbre, and strengths, you can make more informed choices about the songs you sing and the techniques you use. If you're serious about improving your voice and discovering its full potential, working with a professional vocal coach is one of the best ways to accelerate your progress.
For those in Glasgow, Singing lessons Glasgow at Southside Performance Studio can help you unlock your true voice. Our individual singing classes are designed to give you personalized attention, helping you find your voice type, improve your technique, and develop a stronger, more confident sound.
Start your journey toward becoming a better singer today—your voice is waiting to be discovered!