Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.
Pablo Casals, renowned Spanish cellist and composer
A lot of famous singers today have exceptional vocal abilities. From powerful head voices to flawless harmonies, their talent is beyond question, and I would dream of singing half as well as them.
Regardless of voice type, one thing that makes a singer stand out is when they hit those high notes.
These high notes can give you chills and are incredibly impressive. However, not every singer can hit these notes; there's more to it than occasionally hitting the high notes. You have to consistently hit them without straining your vocal cords too much, especially if you're expected to do it night after night on tour or in the recording studio. This is where the concept of vocal range comes into play.
What is Vocal Range?
Vocal range refers to the variety of pitches a human voice can produce, spanning from the lowest to the highest pitch.
In the context of singing, vocal range serves as a defining characteristic for classifying voices into specific types. Simply put, it represents the distance between the highest and lowest tones a singer can reach, including all possible vocal sounds, from the low-pitched grunt to the highest achievable vocal squeal, often termed the 'vocable compass.'
Understanding vocal range is essential when exploring the awe-inspiring capabilities of renowned vocalists. The greatest vocalists showcase not only impressive technical prowess but also an innate understanding of how to utilise their vocal ranges to evoke emotions and captivate audiences. In this article, we explore singers with impressive vocal ranges and those who effortlessly reach the high notes, delving into the nuances of their vocal abilities.
So which of these great singers can?
Mariah Carey
🎵 Vocal Range:
G#2 to E7 (5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Vocal agility, intricate vocal embellishments
You'd be hard-pressed to find a singer who can surpass Mariah Carey's vocal range. This international superstar has a vocal range covering five octaves, which is not bad!
Mariah Carey's vocal range includes notes from G#2 to E7. She is celebrated for her incredible vocal agility and the ability to effortlessly reach soaring high notes and execute intricate vocal embellishments, making her a true vocal virtuoso.
Her whistle register is particularly impressive. Of course, she sings well in her chest and head voices, too. Hear her hit E7 in her song "Emotions".
Singing lessons provide personalized guidance, tailored to your unique strengths and areas for improvement.
There are few pop singers, however, that can sing as well in the whistle register as Mariah Carey. There are some, though, and we'll get to them later.
Learn more about how to increase your vocal range.
Freddie Mercury
🎵 Vocal Range:
F2 to E6 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Baritone/Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Versatile voice, ability to switch from baritone to tenor, songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Few can match the charisma and vocal prowess of Freddie Mercury when it comes to legendary musicians.
He possessed an extraordinary vocal range, which allowed him to navigate through various musical styles and genres effortlessly. His voice was a versatile instrument, reaching both high and low notes with incredible precision and control.
Freddie Mercury's vocal range spanned an impressive four octaves. While Freddie Mercury's entire vocal range was awe-inspiring, one note, in particular, stands out as an astonishing feat. In the song "The Show Must Go On," Freddie reaches an incredibly high note known as a B5. This note is notoriously tricky to get for most singers, but Freddie Mercury effortlessly hits it with remarkable power and accuracy, showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities.
Developing your vocal prowess through singing lessons enables you to tackle a diverse range of music genres and styles.
Jonas Kaufmann
🎵 Vocal Range:
C2-B4 (2 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Versatile voice, emotional depth, roles in operas like "La Bohème" and "Tosca"
The German opera singer Jonas Kaufmann is one of the most impressive male voices.
Jonas Kaufmann is a tenor, technically speaking. However, his voice has many nuances, and his range also covers a large part of a baritone while also being able to hit those high notes. While he's a natural tenor, he's also so much more.
Jonas Kaufmann sings high C's in La Boheme. Some of his standout roles include Don José in Carmen, Don Alvaro in La Forza del Destino, Siegmund in Die Walküre, Cavaradossi in Tosca, Maurizio in Adriana Lecouvreur, and the title roles in Werther, Parsifal, Don Carlos, and Lohengrin.
Find out how to hit the higher notes.
Minnie Riperton
🎵 Vocal Range:
D3 to F#7 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Whistle register, incredible control, known for high notes and melismatic singing
Minnie Riperton was an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You" and had a stunning four-octave range from D3 to F♯7. Minnie was trained as a singer, actor and dancer at Chicago's Abraham Lincoln Centre.
The song has had something of a revival now that it has become trendy to use as audio on TikTok.
Sometimes called "Queen of the Whistle Register" in the media, she recorded six albums in her ten years as an active singer. Riperton sadly died of breast cancer in 1979 at the age of 31.
Ariana Grande
🎵 Vocal Range:
D3 to E7 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Whistle register, vocal agility, intricate vocal runs, pop and R&B songs like "Problem" and "Thank U, Next"
Remember when we were talking about the whistle register earlier?
Much like Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande can also effectively use this type of voice. The young American singer can stop you in your tracks with her voice.
While most of us can use a whistle register, it takes a lot of training to master it. The vocal cords must be tense and vibrate quickly to produce these notes. Similarly, getting your breathing to make this register without straining or screaming would be best. She whistles the note E7 in her cover of Mariah Carey's "Emotions".
Luciano Pavarotti
🎵 Vocal Range:
D3 to F#7 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Whistle register, incredible control, songs like "Loving You", known for high notes and melismatic singing
Luciano Pavarotti was renowned for his ease in reaching high notes—the Italian tenor who died in 2007 more than deserves his place on this list.
Did you know that he never went anywhere without his scarf?
This was to keep his neck warm when he wasn't singing on stage. In 1990, the tenor lost his favourite red silk scarf in Florence and issued a plea in local media for it to be returned to the theatre in the city.
Find out how to hit the lower notes.
Chanté Moore
🎵 Vocal Range:
D3 - C8 (5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for:
Whistle register, vocal agility, songs like "Love's Taken Over" and "Chanté's Got a Man"
Chanté Moore's incredible, four-octave range voice has always set the atmosphere and gets the crowd screaming with sweet melodies.
She released her first album Precious in 1992 and has since been heard on the radio and seen on television. She has also written books and acted—a true multi-talent, in other words.
Yma Sumac
🎵 Vocal Range:
B2 -C7 (5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Extreme vocal range, exotic style, and songs like "Malambo No. 1"
Originally from Peru, she was named Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo. She took Yma Sumac based on her mother's name, which derived from Ima Shumaq, Quechua, for "how beautiful!".
In 1951, Sumac became the first Latin American singer to debut on Broadway. Her shows on Broadway sold more than 20 thousand tickets, and she has sold more than 40 thousand albums.
One source claims that when she sang the song "K'arawi", she reached D8. If true, this will extend her vocal range to over five octaves, perhaps even six.
Whitney Houston
🎵 Vocal Range:
C3 to G#5 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Powerful, emotive voice, melismatic singing style, songs like "I Will Always Love You"
Whitney Houston is a legendary singer whose voice still resonates with audiences today. Her remarkable ability to effortlessly navigate through octaves showcased her immense talent and set her apart as an exceptional vocalist. Houston's vocal range spanned approximately three octaves, allowing her to explore the depths of her lower register with a velvety warmth while effortlessly soaring to the highest notes with incredible clarity and precision.
Enhance your breathing control and vocal projection with the expert guidance of singing lessons.
What truly distinguished Houston was her ability to effortlessly reach into the whistle register, a rare and impressive feat. This uppermost range showcased her extraordinary control and agility, captivating listeners with her ability to hit and sustain unbelievably high notes. From the soulful richness of her lower register to the breathtaking heights of her upper register, Houston's vocal range was a force to be reckoned with, enabling her to deliver stunning performances that touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Her vocal prowess solidified her status as one of the greatest singers ever, impacting the music industry.
Adele
🎵 Vocal Range:
B2-D6 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Contralto
⭐️ Known for: Rich, emotive voice, powerful belting, soulful ballads, songs like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You"
Adele, the British singer-songwriter, is celebrated for her rich and soulful contralto voice, which spans three octaves from B2 to D6.
Her vocal delivery is characterised by its depth and emotive power, allowing her to convey profound emotion in her music.
Adele's breakthrough came with her second album, "21," which featured chart-topping hits like "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Set Fire to the Rain."
Known for her powerful belting and heartfelt ballads, Adele's voice resonates with a broad audience, touching on themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
Her ability to connect with listeners through her vocal intensity and lyrical honesty has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Adele's influence extends beyond her vocal prowess, as she has set new standards in the music industry with her authentic artistry and emotional depth
Grimes
🎵 Vocal Range:
B2-E6 (3,5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Ethereal voice, eclectic style, experimental pop songs like "Oblivion"
Claire Elise Boucher, born 17 March 1988 in Vancouver, better known by her stage name Grimes, is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter and music producer.
Grimes' music has been described by several labels, including synthpop, electropop and lo-fi, with elements of hip-hop and R&B. Grimes is known for her eclectic and futuristic sound, which blends elements of experimental music to create a unique musical style that pushes the boundary of contemporary music.
Adam Lambert
🎵 Vocal Range:
F2-F#5 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Powerful voice, theatrical style, known for his work with Queen
Adam Mitchel Lambert is an actor and singer-songwriter from San Diego, California, USA. He began performing in musicals at ten but came to prominence in May 2009 when he placed second on the eighth season of American Idol.
He is known for his three-octave vocal range (B2-B5), expert vibrato, and dynamic, piercing, robust falsetto singing, which allows him to stretch into the fifth octave.
Vitas
🎵 Vocal Range:
G2-G7 (5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Countertenor
⭐️ Known for: Russian singer known for his unique voice and songs like "Opera #2"
Vitas is a Russian-Ukrainian artist with an impressive 7-octave vocal range. He became best known in the world through the song The 7th Element, which went viral on YouTube a couple of years ago. I'm willing to bet you recognise him in the clip below.
After being rejected from the music school in his home town of Odesa, his family could not afford to send him to a public school. Vitas, who was already using his name as a pseudonym, began performing in nightclubs. He began his career paying tribute to Michael Jackson but has also performed parodies and his own songs.
His breakthrough came when Vitas and his girlfriend filmed a video clip for "Opera #2", in which Vitas plays an eccentric lone man with fish gills, who lives in a bathtub with fish jars and plays the accordion naked. The clip was first broadcast in December 2000 and generated a lot of interest. Vitas began performing the song with artificial gills, prompting the Russian media to compare him to Ichthyander, a character from the novel The Amphibious Man.
Rachelle Ferell
🎵 Vocal Range:
G2-G6 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Contralto
⭐️ Known for: Jazz and R&B singer, known for vocal control and songs like "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This"
Rachelle Stephanie Ferrell is an American singer and musician. Although she has had some success in the R&B, pop, gospel and classical scenes, she is best known for her contemporary jazz singing.
Ferrell began singing at six and has developed a six-octave range by the time she is an adult. She is also able to sing in the whistling range.
Laura Branigan
🎵 Vocal Range:
E3-G5(2 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Mezzo-Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Powerful voice, hits like "Gloria" and "Self Control"
Laura Branigan was an American singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and her hit songs in the 1980s. She was born on July 3, 1952, in Brewster, New York, and began her musical career in the 1970s, primarily as a session singer and backing vocalist for various artists.
Branigan's breakthrough came in 1982 with the release of her debut single "Gloria," which became an international hit.
Laura Branigan's voice extends over four octaves and her music blended pop, rock, and dance elements, often incorporating synthesizers and catchy melodies. Her songs were known for their energetic and memorable hooks, contributing to their commercial success. Branigan also gained popularity internationally, particularly in Europe, where she achieved numerous chart successes.
Christina Aguilera
🎵 Vocal Range: C3 to C#7 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Powerful voice, use of melisma, vocal agility, songs like "Beautiful"
With a range of four octaves, Christina Aguilera never ceases to amaze. Renowned for her powerful voice and vocal range, she's made a significant impact on pop and R&B music of the 90s with her soulful performances and ability to seamlessly transition between genres.
While famous for her hits, we tend to forget how powerful and incredible her voice which more than earns her a place on this humble list.
Annie Haslam
🎵 Vocal Range:
E3 to A5 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Clear, ethereal voice and songs like "Ashes are Burning"
Annie Haslam is an English singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the progressive rock band Renaissance. She was born on June 8, 1947, in Bolton, Lancashire, England. Haslam's career in music began in the late 1960s when she joined the band "The Dowling Poole" and subsequently worked with various groups and artists, including Mike d'Abo and David Byron.
Haslam's soaring and ethereal vocals, which extend over five octaves, often accompanied by orchestral arrangements, became one of the trademarks of Renaissance music. Annie Haslam's contributions to the progressive rock genre, particularly with Renaissance, have made her a respected figure among fans of the genre. Her distinctive voice and emotional delivery have garnered praise and recognition throughout her career.
Steven Tyler
🎵 Vocal Range:
D2 to E6 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Countertenor
⭐️ Known for: Control over high notes, powerful rock voice, songs like "Dream On"
Steven Tyler, often referred to as the "Demon of Screaming," is the dynamic frontman of the legendary rock band Aerosmith.
Known for his distinctive high-pitched screams and gritty vocal delivery, Tyler's vocal range spans an impressive D2 to E6. Tyler's signature sound has been a driving force behind Aerosmith's enduring success, with timeless hits like "Dream On," "Sweet Emotion," and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."
His ability to maintain vocal control while performing energetic stage shows has cemented his status as one of rock's most iconic voices. With a career spanning over five decades, Tyler's contributions to rock music remain unparalleled, showcasing his unique blend of bluesy rock with a distinctive vocal flair
Prince
🎵 Vocal Range:
A1 to B6 (5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Eclectic style, intricate vocal embellishments, songs like "Purple Rain"
Prince is another singer whose voice spans more than four octaves. His voice and tessitura overlapped with female voices, but Prince's voice was exceptionally high and flexible simultaneously.
Of course, Prince was more than just an incredible singer who could play various musical instruments and wrote an impressive amount of excellent music.
Dimash Qudaibergen
🎵 Vocal Range: A1- D8 (6 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor/Baritone
⭐️ Known for: Incredible range and songs like "SOS d'un terrien en détresse"
This artist from Kazakhstan is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He has a university degree in both modern and classical music.
He became known through the Chinese competition programme Singer 2017, where he finished second. His popularity is partly due to his wide vocal range, which spans 6 octaves.
Despite being offered a place at the Astana Opera, he focused on modern music instead.
Check out our tips for singing high notes.
Maria Callas
🎵 Vocal Range:
F3-E6 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Legendary opera singer, dramatic interpretations in operas like "Tosca"
Maria Callas was a singer whose vocal range spanned three octaves. As a dramatic soprano, her perfect high notes served her well.
She started her career aged 17, singing in a deep, mixed, and high register, the one we're focusing on today. This allowed Maria Callas to sing almost anything, and her voice was compared to the cello, violin, and flute. Her voice was exceptional.
Axl Rose
🎵 Vocal Range:
F1- B6(5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Powerful, gritty voice, dynamic stage presence, songs like 'Sweet Child o'Mine
If one person breaks the mould, it must be Axl Rose. The lead singer of the American rock group Guns N' Roses, Axl Rose, has a vocal range of five and a half octaves. This allows him to sing as high as many female singers and as low as most male singers.
This range allowed Axl Rose to play an essential role in his music. If you're looking for singing inspiration, look no further than Axl Rose.
Rihanna
🎵 Vocal Range:
B2 to C#6 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Mezzo-Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Versatile voice, distinctive timbre, songs like "Umbrella" and "Diamonds"
Rihanna is a mezzo-soprano whose range extends from B2 to C♯6 while recording tracks for her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). Her vocal performance on Loud (2010) received positive reviews from music critics.
Growing up in Barbados, she listened mainly to reggae, hip hop and soca music. When she came to the United States, she was exposed to different types of music, including rock, and I fell in love with it.
In her early days, she recorded songs inspired by her Caribbean roots and described her early sound as a fusion of reggae, hip hop and R&B with a twist.
Mike Patton
🎵 Vocal Range:
E1-E7 (6 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Diverse musical style from rock to opera, falsetto, screaming
Mike Patton is an American musician and songwriter from the United States. He is best known as the lead singer of the band Faith No More since 1988, but he has also been the lead singer for bands such as Mr Bungle, Tomahawk and Fantômas. Patton's signature is his experimental nature and advanced vocal technique. Patton is stated to have a vocal range of six octaves.
Céline Dion
🎵 Vocal Range:
B2-C6 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Mezzo-Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Powerful voice, emotional depth, songs like "My Heart Will Go On"
With a range of four octaves, Céline Dion made herself known as one of the world's greatest singers. Sometimes nasal, sometimes stunning, this superstar singer will always hit the high notes whether she's singing in French or English!
Céline is credited for introducing French-language music to many people worldwide, and her cultural impact has earned her musical and political accolades in Canada and worldwide.
Find singing classes London here on Superprof.
Sia
🎵 Vocal Range:
D3 to E6 (3 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Contralto
⭐️ Known for: Unique voice, emotional delivery, songs like "Chandelier"
Three octaves, need we say more?
If you know Sia, you'll know her powerful voice that can reach the high notes. Sometimes, her voice is so powerful we forget just how high the notes are.
Her voice is a large part of why she's so popular, and most singers would dream of being able to sing like her.
Tina Turner
🎵 Vocal Range:
A2 - F6 (4 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Mezzo-Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Powerful, gritty voice, dynamic stage presence
Rock singer Tina Turner broke through as a solo artist in the 80s with hits like "What's Love Got to Do with It". Tina Turner is one of the biggest stars in rock history. She has been internationally loved and recognised for decades with smash hits like The Best, What's Love Got to Do with It and the Bond theme song Goldeneye.
Tina Turner's exceptional control allows her to create varying sounds and tones, giving her great versatility that will enable her to adapt to many different musical genres. Her unique technique ultimately led to her singing well into her seventies.
Tina Turner exhibits comfort with second-octave notes, which she reaches seemingly effortlessly.
Bobby Hatfield
🎵 Vocal Range:
G2-D6 (3,5 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Tenor
⭐️ Known for: Half of the Righteous Brothers, powerful voice and songs like "Unchained Melody"
Bobby Hatfield, best known as one half of The Righteous Brothers, possessed a remarkable tenor voice that was both soulful and powerful, complementing the duo's signature blend of blue-eyed soul and classic pop ballads.
The Righteous Brothers continued their rise to fame despite what appeared to be a setback in their career when they left their role as support act on the Beatles' US tour in August 1964 after finding it impossible to perform in the face of screaming Beatles fans. They immediately returned to Los Angeles to become regulars on the TV show Shindig! Where they built up a solid reputation for their frenetic rock'n'roll acts.
Georgia Brown
🎵 Vocal Range:
G2-G10 (8 octaves)
🎤 Voice Type:
Soprano
⭐️ Known for: Extreme vocal range and songs like "Love Medley"
The last artist on our short list is perhaps not as well known as some of the other singers on this list, however, she has the widest vocal range, with an astonishing 8 octaves. Georgia Brown, a Brazilian singer, is renowned for her ability to hit notes in the whistle register with ease, a rare vocal feat that adds to her unique singing capabilities.
Georgia Brown's music includes elements of pop, soul, and R&B, showcasing her ability to adapt her voice to different genres. Notable songs that highlight her vocal range and skill include "Love Medley," where she demonstrates both her lower and higher registers with remarkable control and precision.
Georgia Brown holds the Guinness World Record for hitting a G10, the highest note ever sung by a human.
Vocal Ranges for Top Singers
| Artist | Vocal Range |
|---|---|
| Mariah Carey | 5 octaves |
| Jonas Kaufmann | 3.5 octaves |
| Ariana Grande | 4 octaves |
| Luciano Pavarotti | 3.5 octaves |
| Christina Aguilera | 4 octaves |
| Prince | 4.5 octaves |
| Maria Callas | 3 octaves |
| Axl Rose | 5.5 octaves |
| Céline Dion | 4 octaves |
| Sia | 3 octaves |
As you'll have understood, the captivating world of music is filled with awe-inspiring vocalists who effortlessly showcase their highest singing voices. Their extraordinary talents have set the benchmark high for future generations, proving that the human voice knows no bounds when achieving the seemingly impossible. Celebrating these exceptional artists reminds us of the immense power and beauty of the human voice and its capacity to transcend limits and touch our souls.
👇Who are your favourite singers? Which would you have included on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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Adam Lambert – Vocal Range : D2 – B5 (3 octaves and 4 1/2 tones) – Leggero Tenor
His vocal technique is flawless. There’s no noticeable break between his registers, he has a brilliant understanding of how to manipulate his vowels to get the best sound, his runs are seamless, his very forward tongue placement when he goes high helps really open those notes up, and he makes everything seem so EFFORTLESS! All in all, I think he’s one of the best singers working today.