When it comes to singing, I’m sure you’re aware that no two singers are the same – similar, yes but not the same. This boils down to their vocal range and the type of singing voice that a singer has. Let’s take a look at Mariah Carey’s vocal range to see what makes this singer so special.
Soprano singer Mariah Carey has an impressive five-octave range from E2- G#7 – that’s a massive vocal range. Carey has notoriously perfect pitch, which could well make her one of the greatest singers around.
Let’s take a look at vocal range and explore other singers who share Carey’s vocal range.
What’s The Average Vocal Range?
The average vocal range is two octaves, although with voice training you can improve your vocal range.
Voice Types Based on Vocal Ranges
Everyone’s vocal range is different depending on their voice, but there are six common categories for your voice type. These are bass, baritone, tenor, alto, mezzo-soprano, and soprano.
If you’re male, your voice type is likely to be either bass, baritone, or tenor while if you’re female, yours will likely be alto, mezzo-soprano, or soprano.
Male Voice Types: Bass, Baritone, Tenor
Bass is the lowest singing range, so your voice is likely to sound pretty deep when you’re singing. The singing range for bass typically lies between E2 and E4 on the keyboard.
Baritone is the most common singing voice for males, overlapping between bass and tenor with the singing range sitting between A2 to A4. Sometimes, the range can extend down to F2 or up to C5.
Tenor is the highest type of male singing voice, meaning you’ll be able to hit some mid-range or high notes when singing. You’ll have greater control over your voice, and this is why you’ll be able to hit notes that female singers often can.
Female Voice Types: Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano
Alto is the lowest female singing range, so your voice will sound most powerful in the lower ranges. Typically, altos can hit notes between F3 and F5.
Mezzo-Soprano is the middle voice range for female singers, centered between alto and soprano, ranging between A3 and A5.
Soprano is the highest voice range for female singers, with a singing range that usually sits between C4 and C6.
Singers With A Five-Octave Vocal Range
Possessing a five-octave vocal range pretty much makes you a superior vocalist. Let’s take a look at some of the other singers who share a five-octave vocal range.
Axl Rose, the American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and activist has sung notes that almost reach a six-octave vocal range, varying from F1 to B6. This technically means he’s got a better vocal range than Carey.
Annie Haslam, an English vocalist, songwriter, and painter who’s best known for singing in the band Renaissance shares a five-octave range like Carey.
Sherlie Matthews, best known as a vocalist for pop, R&B, and rock groups in the ‘60s has got a five-octave range too.
Jean Carn, an American jazz and pop singer popular in the ‘70s has a five-octave range and she’s credited for her unique vocal abilities.
But just who are the best singers of all time? We’ll talk about this next.
The Best Singers of All Time
Now, this one’s a little bit controversial because everyone will have different opinions about who the best singers of all time are based on your own music preferences.
LA Weekly compiled a list of who they believe are the best singers of all time. Amongst that list includes the likes of Freddy Mercury, Axl Rose, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Amy Winehouse to name just a few. I’m sure you’ll have heard of at least one or two of those singers, seeing as they are or were pretty popular at one stage.