Voice type · 1 of 6
The bass voice
The bass is the lowest of the usual voices, with a usual range from E2 to E4. It sounds deep and dark, and it sings the Bass part that holds up a choir's chords.
- Usual range
- E2 to E4
- Choir part
- Bass
- Neighbours
- Baritone
Hear the range
E2 to E4The bass range
A bass's usual range runs from E2 to E4, two octaves. E2 is the E an octave and a sixth below middle C, the same note as a guitar's lowest string. E4 is the E just above middle C, the same as the guitar's highest string. Most basses are at home in the lower middle of that, from about A2 to B3.
Some trained basses go lower, to D2 or even C2, and many have a few notes above E4. The bottom notes come and go with the day: many singers find a note or two more in the morning, and fewer when they are tired or tense.
Am I a bass or a baritone?
The two ranges are only a few notes apart, so listen to the tone, not just the notes. A bass keeps a full, solid sound down to about F2 or E2. A baritone can often reach those notes, but they come out thin, breathy or very quiet.
Then listen to the top. Many basses feel the voice change gear around middle C, and the notes above it soon feel like hard work; many baritones go on comfortably to D4 or E4. Colour helps too: a bass sounds darker and heavier. If you sit between, you may be a bass-baritone, and you can sing Bass in most choirs.
Singing bass in a choir
The bass part is the bottom of the chord. It often sings the root, the note the chord is named after, so the other parts tune to it, and a steady bass line keeps the whole choir in tune and in time.
Choir bass parts mostly sit from about G2 to C4 and seldom go below F2 or E2, so a huge low range isn't needed. Most of the part is in chest voice: sing the low notes relaxed, without pressing down, because a light, clear low note tunes better than a forced one. Sing the high notes, near D4, a little lighter.
The six voice types
Where bass sits
Song parts in this range
Bass parts to start with
Each stays inside the usual bass range, so it's a good place to start. Open one to hear it and learn it.
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Questions
About basses
What is the lowest note a bass can sing?
The usual bass range bottoms out at E2, the note of a guitar's lowest string. Some trained basses reach D2, a few C2, and a rare few go lower still, but choir bass parts seldom ask for anything below E2.
How do I know if I'm a bass?
Start with your lowest notes: if F2 or E2 comes out with a full tone, and your voice changes gear around middle C, bass is a good guess. The vocal range test finds your lowest and highest notes; then try the bass part of a song and see if it feels like home.
Can I make my voice lower?
A little, and mostly by making the low notes you have clearer and steadier. Relaxed, regular practice helps, but it won't change what kind of voice you have, and pushing down hard can hurt. Sing low notes gently, and stop if it strains; a teacher can help.
Is bass the lowest voice type?
Yes, bass is the lowest of the six usual voice types. Classical singing has names for especially low basses, such as basso profondo, but in a choir the Bass part is the bottom line.
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