Male Voice Types

There are four typical male voice types, and you will generally learn what yours is during your first couple of vocal lessons. Several factors provide the basis for your voice type, including your range, timbre, and tone. The male voice types include countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass.
When taking vocal lessons, you may discover that you actually have a rather high vocal range. If this is the case, you may be a countertenor. Those who fall into this category will usually have a range from a G below middle C to a high F that is one octave above middle C. While we often think of tenor, baritone, and bass for male voice types, the countertenor is sometimes overlooked. This bright head voice can add lightness to music.
nA tenor is a man who sings a range from approximately the C note one octave below middle C to the C note one octave above middle C. As with the countertenor, these singers can add brightness to the song. Many people are familiar with the singing trio known as the Three Tenors, including Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti. Again, you can learn more about your range and the other factors contributing to your voice type by working with an instructor or taking vocal lessons online.
nThe most common male voice type is the baritone. These men have a vocal range that extends from about A flat one octave below middle C to A flat above middle C. The baritone may be broken down into several subcategories such as the Bel Canto baritone, the lyric baritone, the dramatic baritone, and more. Some of the more famous baritone singers in popular American culture have included Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, Eddie Vedder, and Tom Jones.
nThe lowest of the voice types is the bass. These voices are distinguishable not just because of the low notes, but also because of the booming quality of the sound. The range for a bass voice is typically from the F two octaves below middle C to the E just above middle C. Some of the most famous bass roles in opera include that of Figaro in The Marriage of Figaor and Mephistopheles in Faust.