Have you heard of the term vocal fach but have absolutely no idea what it means? It is actually a lot simpler than you think and once you get an understanding of vocal types you will be able to understand vocal fach better.
In this article we will explore what vocal fach is and what the different types of vocal fach there are.
Table of Contents
- What Is Vocal Fach?
- What Are The Different Types Of Vocal Fach?
- What Register Am I?
- Who Is A Soprano?
- Who Is A Tenor?
- Vocal Weight
- Vocal Timbre
- Vocal Fach Categories What Kind Of Voice You Are
- FAQ’s
What Is Vocal Fach?
Vocal fach is a system that was first developed in Germany at the end of the 19th Century. The vocal fach system was designed for opera houses to create distinct categories for all the singers. This included the different roles in an opera in order to help when separating auditions and casting. Fach is another musical word for category. Vocalists used to be placed in a Fach according to their voice type. This voice type would determine what part they would sing.
When choosing where to place a vocalist when looking at vocal fach there are several characteristics of the voice that would need to be looked at. For example firstly the vocalists range would be judged, this described the notes your vocals can produce. Vocal weight is also important as it affects your tone, vocal weight describes if your voice is either light, bright, agile, heavy, powerful, rich, or dark.
When looking at vocal fach the size of your voice would be considered. The size of your voice relates to how dynamic your voice can be.
Here are some other small factors that contribute into which vocal fach you are:
- Your vocal registers: Your vocal register would be to see how confident you are in your head voice and chest voice. If your registers are wide in pitch, this may make you suitable for a certain type of vocal fach.
- Tessitura: This is the part of your vocal range which is the most comfortable for you to sing
- Timbre: This describes the quality and texture of your voice.
- Transition points: How your voice moves from your chest voice to your middle voice and then to your head register.
- Age and experience: This will affect how your voice sounds and what your vocal range is.
It is hard to understand vocal fach without understandable voice types.
What Are Voice Types?
A voice type is a voice that is linked to a partialcul vocal range. There are six main range types that are included in vocal fach. Three of these voice types are typically suited to female voices and the other three of these voice types are typically suited to male voice types. Listing these voice types from high to low, the six main voice types include soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, and bass.
Here are the different types of ranges for six main types of voice types:
- Bass voice type: You will be a bass voice type if your lowest note sit between E2 to E4 and your highest note sits between C2 to G4.
- Baritone voice type: You will be a baritone voice type if your lowest note sit between A2 to A4 and your highest note sits between F2 to C5.
- Tenor voice type: You will be a tenor voice type if your lowest note sit between C3 to E3 and your highest note sits between C5 to E5.
- Alto voice type: You will be an alto voice type if your lowest note sit between F3 to A3 and your highest note sits between F5 to A5. (Here is our list of Best Alto Songs for Male & Female Singers.)
- Mezzo-soprano voice type: You will be a mezzo-soprano voice type if your lowest note sit between A3 to D3 and your highest note sits between A5 to C5.
- Soprano voice type: You will be a soprano voice type if your lowest note sit between C4 to F4 and your highest note sits between C6 to F6.
What Are The Different Types Of Vocal Fach?
As well as the main six types of vocal types, there are other vocal types that are more detailed. In total there are 25 different types of vocal fach. Here is a full list of the different types of vocal fach:
- Soubrette
- Lyric Coloratura Soprano
- Dramatic Coloratura Soprano
- Lyric Soprano
- Character Soprano
- Spinto /Young Dramatic Soprano
- Dramatic Soprano
- Coloratura Mezzo-Soprano
- Lyric Mezzo-Soprano
- Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano
- Dramatic Alto
- Low Contralto
- Countertenor
- Lyric Tenor
- Acting Tenor
- Dramatic Tenor
- Character Tenor
- Lyric Baritone
- Cavalier Baritone
- Character Baritone
- Dramatic Baritone
- Character Bass
- Acting Bass
- Heavy Acting Bass
Soubrette
The soubrette voice type is described as sounding young, light and having a bright tone. The soubrette voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A soubrette voice has a sweet timbre with a tessitura in the mid-range. The vocal range of a soubrette voice type typically extends from middle C which is C4 to a high D.
Lyric Coloratura Soprano
A lyric coloratura soprano voice type is described as sounding high in pitch, bright and very flexible in skill. A lyric coloratura soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A coloratura soprano is a type of operatic soprano voice that specializes in music that is distinguished by agile runs, leaps and trills.
Dramatic Coloratura Soprano
A dramatic coloratura soprano voice type is described as sounding high in pitch with dark tones and very flexible in skill. A dramatic coloratura soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. The coloratura dramatic soprano is a very rare voice type. This particular voice type has power and richness and is able to sing confidently in their higher range. A dramatic soprano’s emotive qualities also allow this voice type to be suited to other genres other than opera.
Lyric Soprano
The lyric soprano voice type is described as sounding warm, full and having a legatto delivery. The lyric soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A lyric soprano voice type has a full timbre that can be heard over an orchestra and is very confident in their upper range.
Character Soprano
The character soprano voice type is described as sounding bright in tone, metallic sounding and having a theatrical delivery. The character soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A character soprano voice type has rare to find and very confident in their middle to upper range.
Spinto / Young Dramatic Soprano
The spinto / young dramatic soprano voice type is described as sounding full in tone, powerful and often is more common for younger singers. The spinto / young dramatic soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A spinto / young dramatic soprano voice type is ideal for theater and opera as the voice is powerful in tone.
Dramatic Soprano
The dramatic soprano voice type is described as sounding rich in tone, powerful and often sounds dark and slightly warm. The dramatic soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A dramatic soprano voice type has an emotive sounding voice that can sing over and or cut through a full orchestra. This is because the vocal folds are thicker which means that the dramatic soprano voice type has less agility than lighter voices but still has a sustained, full sound.
Coloratura Mezzo-Soprano
The coloratura mezzo-soprano voice type is described as sounding agile, rich in tone and has rich sounding qualities. The coloratura mezzo-soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A coloratura mezzo-soprano voice type has a warm lower register and an agile high register. The roles this voice type sings is often in demand as they not only use the lower register but they are also able to leap into the upper tessitura with highly ornamented, rapid passages.
Lyric Mezzo-Soprano
The lyric mezzo-soprano voice type is described as sounding strong, lachrymose and flexible in skill and tone. The lyric mezzo-soprano voice type is classed as being under the soprano voice type and therefore more suited to female vocals. A lyric mezzo-soprano voice type has a vocal range starting from approximately the G below middle C which is G3 to the A which is two octaves above middle C which is A5. The lyric mezzo-soprano voice type has a very smooth, sensitive and at times lachrymose quality.
Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano
The dramatic mezzo-soprano voice type is described as sounding rich, powerful and metallic in tone. The lyric mezzo-soprano voice type is classed as being under the mezzo-soprano voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a middle range for a female and therefore more suited to female vocals. A dramatic mezzo-soprano voice type has a strong medium register, a warm high register and a voice that is broader and more powerful than the lyric and coloratura mezzo-sopranos. This voice has less vocal facility than the coloratura mezzo-soprano.
Dramatic Alto
The dramatic alto voice type is described as sounding powerful, metallic and full in tone. The dramatic alto voice type is classed as being under the alto voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a lowest range for a female and therefore more suited to female vocals. A dramatic alto is best suited to voices with a strong middle and lower register.
Low Contralto
The low contralto voice type is described as sounding warm, low and full in tone. The low contralto voice type is classed as being under the alto voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a lowest range for a female and therefore more suited to female vocals. The contralto is the lowest of the female voice types and like the basses and countertenors, they are quite a rare voice type. The Contralto has a vocal range of around an E3 to E5 with a good amount of vocal weight. The contralto tone of voice types almost sound like men when they speak or sing lower notes.
Countertenor
The countertenor voice type is described as sounding high in pitch, agile and powerful. The countertenor voice type is classed as being under the tenor voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a highest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. A countertenor is a male singer who can sing as high as a soprano or mezzo-soprano. The countertenor is the rarest of all voice types.
Lyric Tenor
The lyric tenor voice type is described as sounding warm, flexible in skill and soft in tone. The lyric tenor voice type is classed as being under the tenor voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a highest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. The lyric tenor is a warm graceful voice with a bright, full timbre that is strong but not heavy and can be heard over an orchestra. Lyric tenors have a range from approximately the C which is one octave below middle C which is C3 to the D one octave above middle C which is D5.
Acting Tenor
The acting tenor voice type is described as sounding theatrical, flexible in skill and light in tone. The lyric tenor voice type is classed as being under the tenor voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a highest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. An acting tenor buffo is a tenor with good acting ability, and the ability to create distinct voices for his characters. This voice specializes in smaller comic roles. The range of the tenor buffo is from the C one octave below middle C which is C3 to the C one octave above middle C which is C5.
Dramatic Tenor
The dramatic tenor voice type is described as sounding low in pitch and full in tone. The dramatic tenor voice type is classed as being under the tenor voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a highest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. A dramatic tenor has a larger, more powerful, and darker voice than lyric and spinto tenors. Some have a quality similar to a baritone, but with the ability to sing higher pitches.
Character Tenor
The character tenor voice type is described as sounding theatrical, powerful and bright in tone. The character tenor voice type is classed as being under the tenor voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a highest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. A dramatic tenor has a larger, more powerful, and darker voice than lyric and spinto tenors. Some have a quality similar to a baritone, but with the ability to sing higher pitches.
Lyric Baritone
The lyric baritone voice type is described as sounding smooth, flexible in skill and sweet in tone. The lyric baritone voice type is classed as being under the baritone voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a middle range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. The lyric baritone is a sweeter, milder sounding baritone voice, lacking in harshness; lighter and perhaps mellower than the dramatic baritone with a higher tessitura. Its common range is from the A below C3 to the G above middle C.
Cavalier Baritone
The cavalier baritone voice type is described as sounding agile and warm in tone. The cavalier baritone voice type is classed as being under the baritone voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a middle range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. The cavalier baritone is a metallic voice that can sing both lyric and dramatic phrases, a manly, noble baritonal color. Its common range is from the A below low C to the G above middle C.
Character Baritone
The character baritone voice type is described as sounding theatrical and powerful and flexible in tone. The character baritone voice type is classed as being under the baritone voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a middle range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. A character baritone is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range lies between the bass and the tenor voice types.
Dramatic Baritone
The dramatic baritone voice type is described as sounding imposing and powerful and full in tone. The dramatic baritone voice type is classed as being under the baritone voice type which is the voice type that is classed as a middle range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. The dramatic baritone is a voice that is richer, fuller, and sometimes harsher than a lyric baritone and with a darker quality. Its common range is from the G half an octave below low C to the G above middle C.
Character Bass
The character bass voice type is described as sounding rich and full in tone. The character bass voice type is classed as being under the bass voice type which is the voice type that is classed as the lowest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. A character bass typically classified as having a vocal range extending from around the second E below middle C to the E above middle C.
Acting Bass
The acting bass voice type is described as sounding agile, flexible in skill and full in tone. The acting bass voice type is classed as being under the bass voice type which is the voice type that is classed as the lowest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. The low extreme for an acting bass is generally C2 which is two Cs below middle C. However, some extreme bass singers, referred to as basso profondos and oktavists, are able to reach much lower than this.
Heavy Acting Bass
The heavy acting bass voice type is described as sounding rich, imposing and full in tone. The heavy acting bass voice type is classed as being under the bass voice type which is the voice type that is classed as the lowest range for a male and therefore more suited to male vocals. A true heaving acting bass voice is very, very rare, which explains the rather small repertoire written for it. It is suspected that only five percent of all men who sing bass actually have a true bass voice.
What Register Am I?
Knowing what vocal range your voice fits can be very helpful when learning how you can use your voice and fit into choirs. Knowing your voice type and your vocal range can also help you care for your voice and make sure that you do not strain the voice. The more knowledgeable you are in your own voice, the easier you will find it to sing with other people. To quickly match what your voice type is, start by matching the lowest note you can sing to a specific note on the piano. Try to make sure that you accurately match the lowest note you sing to the right note on the piano as this will give you a clearer guide of your overall vocal range.
Once you have matched your lowest note, match the highest note you can sing to a specific note on the piano. You should always match your highest note to the note you feel is the most comfortable to sing. Once you have completed that, match your lowest and highest notes to the vice type references to see which voice type you are.
Here is a detailed video by Aussie Vocal Coach explaining how you can match your voice type:
Who Is A Soprano?
Soprano is a very popular voice type, especially for female pop singers. If you are wanting to hear an example of a soprano singer, you will not have to look far.
Here is a list of some of the most famous soprano singers in the popular music industry:
- Celine Dion
- Mariah Carey
- Alison Krauss
- Demi Lovato
- Ingrid Michaelson
- Ariana Grande
- Christina Aguilera
- Julie Andrews
- Kelly Clarkson
- Diana Ross
- Dolly Parton
Who Is A Tenor?
Tenor is one of the most desired and popular voice types that male pop stars have in the pop music industry. Most of the male singers that are in the top charts have a tenor voice. But Tenor is not for men only. Both male and female singers have very popular tenor songs in almost any genre.
Here is a list of some of the most famous tenor singers in the popular music industry:
- Luciano Pavarotti
- Steve Perry
- James Blunt
- Michael Bolton
- Jon Bon Jovi
- Joe Bonamassa
- Ed Sheeran
- Eminem
- Justin Bieber
- Shawn Mendes
- Bruno Mars
- Justin Timberlake
Vocal Weight
Vocal weight plays a part in what kind of voice types you are. Vocal weight simply refers to if your voice is considered to be light or heavy. A lighter voice, in the opera world is described as ‘lyric’ as it has a more youthful quality to it. A heavier voice in the opera world is described as ‘dramatic’ as it usually has a fuller and more mature quality. Lighter voices find it easier to sing at higher pitches and have more vocal agility. Lighter voices can also change registers at slightly higher pitches than heavier voices. A tenor and soprano voice types that are typically high in pitch are not necessarily light instruments and they can have more character and timbre from that of the baritone and alto.
Vocal Timbre
When timbre is considered when pairing a voice to a vocal fach, the quality or the color of the voice is being assessed. There are countless timbres amongst singers and many singers can change their tone. These timbres are defined by vocal range, tessitura and weight. The way vocal timbre is described can be words like bright, dark, brassy, reedy, harsh, noisy, thin, buzzy, pure, raspy, shrill, mellow, strained. It is preferred to avoid describing timbre in emotional terms such as excited, angry, happy, sad as that is not the sound quality, it is more a put on effect or interpretation. The vocal timbre is the tone color or texture of a sound. It’s the quality of sound that lets you tell the difference between two instruments or singers who are playing the same note. Timbre is influenced by many different mechanisms in music perception and cognition.
Vocal timbre can also be described as vocal tone. Vocal tone is the sound of your voice when you sing. The vocal tone describes if your voice sounds airy, strong and generally summarizes the characteristics of your voice, must like timbre. The different types of vocal tones are based on how the vocal sounds. This could be to do with tone color or expression or how much air the vocal has. This is slightly more complex than vocal timbre.
When a vocalist is trying to express emotions this can also change the tone of voice. This is to do with resonance as resonance plays a big part in how your voice sounds when you are performing. This act now involves vocal timbre. The main types of vocal tones are the onset or attack tone, the nasal tone or sing through the nose, the throat tone, the forced tone and the breathy tone. If you want to change your vocal timbre or your general vocal tone, it is possible. For example, you can sweeten your vocal tone or make it sound or throaty.
Vocal Fach Categories What Kind Of Voice You Are
To keep it simple, Vocal Fach is used as a method to categorize what kind of voice you are. This tool can be helpful especially when singing with other voices as part of a group or a choir. It is also crucial to know what kind of vocal type you are so that you can better understand your voice. Typically, vocal fach has a history of being used in opera music and still is a big part of classical music. It is less common to see certain vocal fach terms used in popular music, but all of the favorite singers that you listen to and admire will all know what type of voice they have. If you are wanting to better understand your voice, then we would recommend that you test your voice and try and match it to one of the 25 different vocal fach. If you are still unsure, you can reach out to a vocal coach who will be able to identity your voice and show you why you are the voice type you are.
Also, you can check out our guide How to Sing – Tips on How to Be a Better Singer.
FAQ’s
Finding which vocal fach you are can be quite easy if you have access to a piano. Before you try to find your voice type, make sure that you warm up your voice. This is important before doing any type of singing, especially when you are singing near the edges of our vocal range. First you will need to find your lowest note in your vocal range. Next you will need to find your highest note in your range. Then you should compare your lowest and highest note to the different vocal voice types to see which you are best suited to.
There are six main range types that are included in vocal fach. Three of these voice types are typically suited to female voices and the other three of these voice types are typically suited to male voice types. Listing these voice types from high to low, the six main voice types include soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, and bass.
It is not possible to completely change your voice or which vocal registers you sing best in. You can definitely alter your voice and which vocal registers you sing best in with daily vocal practice . There are two main registers that are most commonly used called the chest and the head registers. If your voice is deeper than you would like, then you can use your upper chest voice or your head voice to sound lighter or higher in pitch. If you voice is higher than you would like, then you can use your lower chest voice or your chest voice to sound deeper or lower in pitch.
The Fach system is a way of separating different vocal registers for singers. Knowing what vocal register you are best suited to helps you pick which singing roles you are best suited to and which you are incapable of performing. In a four-part mixed chorus, the alto vocal range is the second highest vocal range. The alto vocal range sits above the tenor and bass and below the soprano. In choral music, the alto range is approximately from F3 which is below middle C to F5 which is the second F above middle C.
