Bass Vocal Range
The bass is the lowest male voice and has the lowest tessitura of all voice types. The typical bass range runs from E2 to E4, two octaves. At the extremes some basses sing from C2 up to G4. Sources give slightly different limits, so treat these notes as a guide.
What notes can a bass sing?
| Note | Name | MIDI | Hz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lowest note | E2 | 40 | 82.4 |
| Typical highest note | E4 | 64 | 329.6 |
| Lowest extreme | C2 | 36 | 65.4 |
| Highest extreme | G4 | 67 | 392.0 |
Notes are approximations: voice classification systems differ, and no system is universally accepted. See the vocal range chart for other voice types.
What is the bass voice like?
The bass voice has the lowest tessitura of all voices, meaning it is most comfortable lowest in the range. The typical bass range is E2, the second E below middle C, up to E4, the E above middle C.
In choirs the bass is the lower of the two usual men’s parts. Not every man who wants a deep voice is a bass: the baritone is the more common male voice, and voice type depends on the whole voice, not on the lowest note alone.
What are the bass subtypes?
- Basso profondo
- Basso buffo
- Bel canto bass
- Basso cantante
- Dramatic bass
- Bass-baritone
Bass subtypes are divided by range, tone colour, vocal weight and agility.
How do I know if I am a bass?
Find your lowest and highest comfortable notes with the free test, then compare them with E2 to E4. Range is only one factor: where your voice is comfortable most of the time (tessitura) and the colour of your sound (timbre) matter more. If you are unsure, a voice teacher can classify your voice.
Are you a bass? Test your range
Sing your lowest and highest note and see your range, octaves and voice type. Free, and your voice never leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bass vocal range?
The typical bass range lies between E2, the second E below middle C, and E4, the E above middle C. In the extremes some basses sing from C2 to G4. Another source gives G2 to C4 as an operatic approximation, so limits vary.
How low can a bass sing?
A typical bass sings down to E2, and at the lower extreme some basses reach C2, two octaves below middle C. Notes below that are not part of a normal bass range, although world-record attempts exist, for example the Guinness record holder Tim Storms.
Is a deep speaking voice the same as a bass voice?
No. Speaking pitch and singing range are different things. A bass is classified by its singing range, tessitura and timbre. Many men with low speaking voices are baritones, because the baritone is the most common male voice.
What is the difference between a bass and a baritone?
Baritones typically sing A2 to A4, while basses typically sing E2 to E4. The ranges overlap. The bass has the lowest tessitura, so its voice feels most comfortable and strongest low down, while a baritone sits higher.
Can I become a bass by training?
Training improves control, resonance and endurance, but it does not usually move you to another voice type. Teachers advise against forcing a voice lower or higher than is natural, because singing outside your natural range strains the voice.
How do I test whether I am a bass?
Use the free test on this site to find your lowest and highest comfortable notes. If your range is centred around E2 to E4 and the low notes sound strong and easy, bass is likely. A voice teacher can confirm it.
Other voice types
Sources
- Wikipedia. Voice type. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_type
- Wikipedia. Vocal range. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_range
Sources checked on October 11, 2026. Voice-type ranges are approximations and differ between sources. If you spot a mistake, email info@vocalrange.net.
Last updated: October 11, 2026