Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you want to know what your voice type is? Why is it important to know your voice type? When you know what notes you’re most comfortable singing, it helps you pick appropriate songs. Keep reading How to Figure Out Your Voice Type to learn what type of singer you are.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
How to Figure Out Your Voice Type: The Different Types of Singers
There are four basic voice types.
These are the basic categories you’ll find in both chorus and choir.
In addition, there are a number of other vocal sub-categories.
How to Figure Out Your Voice Type: What to Look For
How do I figure it out?
- Part of the equation is your range.
- In other words, what notes can you hit comfortably?
- However, more importantly, what part of your range sounds best and is most comfortable to sing?
This sub-range is called your tessitura
- Your tessitura is your singing sweet spot.
- Finding your tessitura will be the most reliable way to figure out your voice type.
How do I do this?
- Traditionally, your singing teacher or chorus director would play notes on the piano, which you’d sing.
- From this, your teacher would be able to place your voice type.
- Having said that, in this post there is a video that’ll help you determine your range.
In addition, you’ll need to consider your tone quality.
- Do you have a bright vs warm tone?
- Do you sound light and airy vs deep and rich?
The following posts have video examples of each vocal category, which will help you to learn the sound quality that each kind of singer has.
- I’m Confused About These Stupid Vocal Ranges
- What’s the Key Difference Between Soprano and Mezzo Soprano?
- What’re the Key Differences Between Contralto and Alto?
- What’s the Key Difference Between Countertenor, Baritone, etc?
If you can’t figure it out on your own, a good voice teacher or vocal coach can help you.
How to Figure Out Your Voice Type: It Can Be Tricky to Figure Out (Mike’s Story)
Finding your voice type can sometimes be tricky.
- For example, I have one vocal student who’d sung in a church choir when he was a teen.
- In choir, he sang tenor.
- However, in the lessons he’s had a hard time hitting high notes.
His speaking voice sounds like a baritone, but as his singing has developed in lessons, his low notes have blossomed.
- He can easily hit all the notes a bass can and is comfortable singing down low, but he can still go high for a bass.
- Does this make him a bass or a baritone?
- Because of his wide range, it’s a tricky question.
At this point, I’m leaning toward calling him a bass with a nice upper range, because his sweet spot seems to be in the low notes
Mobile users: for best results viewing the video, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
Video: Discover Your Vocal Range in 1 Minute
Here Are Resources That’ll Help You Sing Better
Singing resources
Vocal mics
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- Why does it matter? When you know what notes you’re most comfortable singing, it helps you pick appropriate songs.
- Your tone quality can give you clues to your vocal category.
- Finding your tessitura will be the most reliable way to figure out your voice type.
Have fun!
Related Posts
- How to Have Fun Singing Karaoke Songs
- 10 Elements that Impact Singing in Tune
- How to Record Vocals for a Professional Sound
© 2025 Geoffrey Keith
What’s the Key Difference Between Countertenor, Baritone, etc?
Do you want to know what voice type you are? All the voice types discussed in this post are from the pool of male singers used in chorus, opera, musical theatre, and pop music. Some of these male vocalists can sing very high, while others can sing very low. However, it’s the quality of his voice that makes a male singer one voice type versus another. Keep reading “What’s the Key Difference Between Countertenor, Baritone, etc?” to learn what makes a singer a countertenor, tenor, baritone, or bass and how to tell them apart. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
How to Play Wheels on the Bus – Easy Piano
Are you new to playing piano? Do you want (or do you want your child) to learn an easy version of the song? Written in 1939, "The Wheels on the Bus" is a beloved children’s standard that’s had popular staying power. Click to learn how to play "The Wheels on the Bus" - easy piano version. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Singing Rhythm Syllables in 12-8 Time
Does 12-8 time signature make your eyes cross? Confused about how rhythm syllables work in compound meters? The sing-along soundtrack below will help! Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 12-8 time. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?
Are you unclear about what harmony is? Do you want to know how it works? Harmony is a major subcategory of music theory that helps musicians to understand how notes should go together. This in turn impacts how they arrange their music. Keep reading “What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?” to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More