Top 10 Singers with a Vocal Range Between 4 and 5 Octaves
This includes vocal ranges within the interval from 4 octaves, 1/2 note to 4 octaves, 7-1/2 notes.This list was inspired by the TopTens user zxm and his lists "Best Singers with a 4 Octave Vocal Range" and "Best Singers with a Five Octave Vocal Range".
This list covers singers with vocal ranges that are between 4 and 5 octaves - more than 4 octaves but less than 5. I needed to make this list because many great singers fall into this category.
Even though range isn't everything, a wide range is always welcome, especially when the singer also has some great vocal skills.
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer and songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest and famed for his powerful wide ranging operatic voice. @zxm - the only singer with proven and recorded 6 octave range is Mike Patton (he actually has 6+). The guys with 5 and 5+ octaves I am sure about are: Axl Rose, Corey Taylor, David Lee Roth and Ville Valo. Maybe there are more but I haven't heard of them.
And yes, I understand you - high pitched singers and tenors usually make an impression of a bigger range because they hit higher notes. If you ask people who has a wider range, Rob Halford or Axl Rose, most of the people would answer Rob Halford. But the range of Axl Rose is wider. People just don't pay attention to the lowest notes a singer can hit. Range is something you can measure and is objective.
My favorite since I was 16. I'm 56 now and I always have Halford at the ready. Priest's evolution and the way they changed their sound throughout their career always had me wondering what the next album would be like, but it's Halford's voice that really hooked me, like a talon from a metal eagle that...nevermind
It's close between Rob Halford at his peak and Geoff Tate of Queensryche at his, who's not even been shortlisted here. For sheer POWER I'd go with Geoff Tate, his control is phenomenal. Rob Halford is awesome too and possibly more consistent live.
Have seen and heard Rob Halford and Judas Priest in three different decades, 1980's, 2000's, and 2010's. Greatest long term range of all time. First time 1983. Last time 2019. Sounds just as good now, range wise, as he did then. #1 ranking is justified.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, led him to both great success and initial controversy. ...read more. He has LEAST a 5 range...just go and listen to very early SUN records days, then the lows on many 70's recordings like, "For The Heart" and many, many others...ELVIS is just incredible!
His voice had meaning. He didn't just sing, he told a story.
He is the only singer who could sing other peoples songs better than the originals
There is no other artist more versatile across the music spectrum than Elvis Presley.
In terms of range elvis may not take it (even then his range was almost 4 and a half octaves, from E1-G5) but in terms of technique and style elvis clearly was is and probably forever will be the king
Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is one of the biggest best-selling women in the music industry, with 18 number 1 records to her name. She is regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and music videos, and she is "well known" for her over-the-top sexy poses and for having breast implants. She is also known to be a diva, and she is well known for her high-demands. She won 5 Grammys and starred in her documentary movie "Glitter." Mariah Carey started her fame by releasing her song, Vision of Love and also released her first album "Mariah Carey" but before that, in 1988, she accompanied Brenda K Starr, a rising pop singer in the 80s to Columbia ...read more. No female in recording has a greater octave range and more vocal muscle than Mariah Carey. There have been lots of great female voices over the decades, but nobody can match Mariah. It's just the way it is.
I'll give you Mariah because she has earned her place, just not this high on the list. There's so many crap singers ie: Miley Cyrus, Demi Lavoto, and frankly some men that don't belong, and some that don't belong as low on the list. No mention of Ann Heart, Cher just to name a few. in my humble opinion, this list is jacked up and missing some excellent and talented singers. Disappointed 😔
Didn't see Mark Slaughter either. Big mistake.
Can sing but beautiful
Kim Bendix Petersen, better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Danish heavy metal musician. He is known for his extensive vocal range, usually sung in falsetto. King Diamond was originally known as the vocalist for Mercyful Fate, but has become notorious for his horror themed Concept albums that he has released as a solo artist.
He is also known for his Satanism which he does not see as a religion, but a philosophy by which he lived even before reading Anton LaVey's The Satanic Bible. Best voice. Highest range
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 5th September 1946 - 24th November 1991) was a Zanzibari-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the British rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Before he became a singer he has been in 3 other bands (Ibex, Sour Milk Sea, and The Hectics). He died on November 24, 1991 from bronchopneumonia as a result from HIV/AIDS I didn't know vocal range mattered in rock music. However I vote for the one and only Freddie Mercury. The most creative song writer and absolutely unparrelled showman to ever exist.
Better than any other singer. Absolutely the most talented! His almost 5 octave voice sounds like an angel and he's hot as hell!
Freddie has a beautiful singing voice, very lush, very powerful and with wondeful tones. His voice is four solid octaves F2 to F6 plus 8 semi tones. I'm surprised he isn't in the top ten
The Best for ever, unique voice, amazing talant - unforgetable singer, composer and artist. Freddie is original! Freddie is genius! Freddie is the God of Rock! Freddie is love!
Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for songs such as "Beautiful", "Genie In A Bottle", "Fighter", "Hurt", "Dirrty", "Your Body", "Lady Marmalade", "Reflection", "I Turn To You", "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" "What A Girl Wants", and "Candyman". She's got 4 octaves, 1/2 note.
Brendon Boyd Urie, more commonly known as Brendon Urie, was born April 12, 1987, in St. George, Utah. He is an American singer, songwriter, musician and multi-instrumentalist. He is best own as the lead singer of the American pop-rock band Panic! At The Disco. He is the only original remaining member. Urie is currently playing Charlie Price in Kinky Boots on Broadway. Brendon is also known for singing "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," the band's first hit song, in 2005. He also sings "Victorius," "Death of a Batchelor," and "This is Gospel." Brendon also has a very unique voice. He has a D2-C7, 4-octive range. He shows this in "Death of a Batcheor" and "The End of All Things." Brendon Urie has a vocal range of 4 octaves and 7 notes as of 2016. He's obviously grown since then. He has a higher vocal range than both Cristina Aguilera and Elvis Presley. He is one of most underrated singers of all time. Not only does he have an amazing voice but he also is self-taught and knows how to control his voice. He has been in a band since 2005, straight out of high school, originally as the guitarist. Brendon has natural talent and doesn't need some mouth deformation to have a wider range.
He is such a magnetic personality and his voice is so good. Live he is just as dynamic as he is on his albums, and he flexes those high notes so well.
Three octaves in This Is Gospel alone...and it expands from there. His range is incredible (sometimes I'll think that his voice is actually a guitar because of how high the note is), and he manages to make his high notes sound really good. He deserves so much more credit than he receives.
Brendon Urie is probably the best vocalist of our time. I've seen him live in concert many times and have kept up with the band for years. He is in my opinion also one of the most underrated artist in the United States. I hope people will soon see the true talent he is.
Philip Hansen "Phil" Anselmo is an American musician who is best known as the former lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Pantera. He currently is the vocalist of heavy metal bands Down and Superjoint Ritual. In his own he created a style of vocals that opened up a generation of metal singers that have taken his style for their own Phil Anselmo should go down as one of the best.
Kick mariah carey ofc this list she is an embarrassment. She can't even sing her own song on new years eve. Lip snycin phony.
Phil Anselmo
Chris cornell
Paul rogers
Phil is the man but Mike Patton had the best range of all time.
He hits an A5 (! ) In the high screaming part @ the end of Cemetery Gates and also an F#1 a few times on Floods. That makes him a baritone with 4 octave range and a few notes
Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame with the rock band the Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop and rock music.One of the most successful composers and performers of all time, he is known for his melodic approach to bass-playing, his versatile and wide tenor vocal range and his musical eclecticism, exploring styles ranging from pre-rock 'n' roll pop to classical and electronica. His songwriting partnership with John Lennon remains the most successful in history Best singer in the Beatles and one of the best singers in rock period. Despite him being a tenor he had a usable 5 octaves (from A1 to A6). Also probably the only person on this list (besides elvis and some others) who can truest use his full range in a musical setting.
The absolute best!
He is the best amazing range and he could sing anything at his prime
One of the best
John Francis Bongiovi, Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Bon Jovi, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, and actor, best known as the founder and frontman of the hair band Bon Jovi from, which was founded by Jon and his pianist, David Bryan, in 1983. He is famous for his band's hit songs “Livin’ on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive" which were all released in 1986, on the album Slippery When Wet. Jon was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on March 2, 1962. That vocal range and so well managed...
A singer with 4 octaves, 2-1/2 notes (E2 to G#6).
Simply the best
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21st, 2016) was an American musician, best known for being one of the most popular and influential artists from the 80s, with songs such as "Purple Rain", "Little Red Corvette", "1999", and "When Doves Cry" . Prince is the most talented and most complete musician and performing artist the world has ever seen! His voice was yet another one of his instruments he used to great effect!
Great voice, could do many different styles. One of the most eccentric and unique on any list.
Best technique and innovation. A Uber talented genius.
Nothing compares to him. Low range magnificant. High notes are ridiculous.
David Michael Draiman is an American songwriter and the vocalist for the band Disturbed as well as for the band Device. David has incredibly powerful vocals and is, in my opinion, one of the best metal singers of all time. His voice grants anyone who is listening a feeling of being indestructible. Additionally, his vocal cover of The Sound of Silence is undeniably one of his most moving performances.
I could listen to this man sing and talk for hours. His voice has such a range from evil to angelic. Extreamly talented man, as are the other members of the band. Love Disturbed.
His singing in Songs if Silence was the most beautiful and moving performance sine Geoff Tate's in Silent Lucidity.
His voice is easy to listen to. His range was a very pleasant surprise and he has great control.
Steven Tyler is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and former television music competition judge, best known as the lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, in which he also plays the harmonica, and occasional piano and percussion. His vocal delivery, bluesy voice and stage presence are one of a kind...one of the few singers of classic rock whose vocal cords have held up through the years...pulling off otherwordly falsettos and hitting both high and low notes that most singers could only dream of...he's definitely in the top 5 of the greatest voices in Rock Music...Right there with plant, mercury, dickinson and haltford
His vocal delivery and stage presence are one of a kind one of the few hard rock singers whose vocal cords have held up through the years...pulling off incredible falsettos that most singers could only dream of..he's definitely in the top 5 of the greatest voices in Rock Right there with plant, mercury, dickinson and haltford
This guy can sing higher and more versatile than either freddie or brendon in his real voice, without falsetto
Out of all octaves...
George Roger Waters is an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He is mostly known for being the secondary lead vocalist and bassist of Pink Floyd. Roger Waters: Remarkable 4 octaves, 6-1/2 notes (almost 5 octaves, from B1 to Bb6).
Does inhale-pterodactyl-screaming count as vocal range?
One of the most distinctive voices in rock.
Great voice, love him!
Myles Richard Kennedy is an American musician, singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Alter Bridge, and as the lead vocalist in Slash's current band: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. In the last year, Myles has become my favorite vocalist. And he's also a great guitarist too. I love his recently released solo album, "The Ides of March". He takes good care of his voice. We'll be hearing about him for many many years.
Definitely the the man with the golden voice. For my money at this point in time, I believe he is currently the best male vocalist in Rock.
I saw G'n'R last year and SMKC this year and Myles is at the top of his game.
I love Axl's voice, however it hasn't been well looked after.
Myles nails any G'n'R song he performs.
#RnFnRFan
Any list about "greatest vocalists", "best vocal ranges" etc should include him and recognize his amazing range. I am sure he beats many of others known as some of the best. Such a shame!
Go listen to summer girl, words darker than their wings and watch mudbone live for the high notes (and 20+ seconds of holding a note in summer girl) and show me a sign for the low note, great vocalist, and if slash has had him sing as front man for two albums, sing on another album and is in production of another album with him...says slot.
William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as 'Axl Rose', is an American singer born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. He Is the founder and lead singer of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is a celebrated but controversial figure in the world of rock. Honestly, hands down one of if not the greatest singer/song writers to ever live. He can be an ass I know and I think that obviously hurts him in the realm of public opinion, but.. The dude can flat out flippin sing... Top 5 easily, vastly underrated in this public opinion poll...
A musical genius, Bill Bailey was/is one of the all-time greats. So much passion and intensity. A perfectionist with one of the greatest voices in rock history. A true lead man.
@visitor RE "He has the largest measured vocal range among any human".
The largest measured vocal range belongs to Mike Patton (6+ octaves) but Axl range is incredibly wide, too (5+ octaves).
5+ octaves is really rare and impressive but Axl doesn't belong in this list which is about singers with 4 to 5 octaves.
He's got an impressive vocal range, but his vocals aren't that good to be honest.
Christopher John "Chris" Cornell was an American rock musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter and rhythm guitarist for Seattle rock band Soundgarden and as former lead vocalist and songwriter for the supergroup Audioslave. His vocal range was C2 to A5, while his highest notes went up to G6. He died on May 17, 2017. Melodic or Aggressive. Simply beautiful and passionate. Unique style. My favorite male rock singer of all time, hands down. "Slaves and Bulldozers" or "Say Hello to Heaven" really show off his skills. This throat thing he did at the end of "Show Me How to Live" by Audioslave is is an almost impossible feat.
Great vocalist, loved him in Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog. Didn't listen to much of his work after that, but, man, I've seen some video's lately that make me want to go back in time.
Just listen to his voice. It speaks for itself as the best male vocalist of all time.
The greatest Vocalist and songwriter of his generation and the grunge era, period.
Michael Jackson (Michael Joseph Jackson; August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under the initials MJ. Dubbed the King of Pop, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. ...read more. 4 1/2 octave-range according to vocal coach Seth Riggs - from Basso Low C (comfortable from Eb) up to G above High C. Riggs worked with Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Madonna, and Barbra Streisand: he knows his stuff. Says elsewhere (Bad25) that MJ could have sung bass, baritone and tenor, but preferred to stay up in a high tenor range because he liked how it made him sound ageless.
Actually, Michael was more than 4 octave, which is very impressive and RARE for a male singer.
Should be at number 1
Should be number 1
Petrus Thomas Ratajczyk, better known by his stage name Peter Steele, was the lead singer, bassist and composer for the gothic metal band Type O Negative. If you're one of those who only know Plant, Tyler, Bon Jovi, Waters, and the other popular singers on this list, you owe it to yourself to not miss out in Peter Steele's amazing vocal range. I'd suggest taking in Type O Negative albums in this order: October Rust, World Coming Down, Bloody Kisses. If you only have time for one song, check out either the cover of the song "Cinnamon Girl".
He was the primary songwriter in the group, and it's obvious from the sound and structure that he was highly influenced by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. My assumption is that he has the deepest voice on this list.
Peter Steele possessed an absolutely incredible vocal range. Peter infused very real and genuine passion into his lyrics, and into every note he played on his bass guitar that reflected his personal experiences with loss and heartbreak. It breaks my heart that Peter is no longer with us. A voice as powerful as Peter's will never be forgotten and will always inspire.
Resonant and powerful low notes, his whole vocal range has big projection.
Serj Tankian is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist. He's best known for being the lead singer of the Armenian/American rock band System of a Down. After System of a Down's hiatus in 2006 he began to release solo material. Some of his solo songs include: The Sky is Over, Lie Lie Lie, Harakiri, Baby, Empty Walls, and more. His solo albums and EPS include: Elect The Dead (2007), Imperfect Harmonise (2010), Harakiri (2012), Jazz-iz Christ (2013), Fuktronic (2020), and Elasticity (2021) on top of that he has gone on to perform soundtracks for films in recent years. Very pleasant voice
His voice is amazing
He has a5 voice
Ivan L. Moody, known by the pseudonym Ghost during his time with Motograter, is the lead vocalist for American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch from Las Vegas, Nevada. His range is smooth and melodic all the way into terrifying screams and a deep roar. Honestly one of the best if our time!
He has amazing range. Beautifully smooth melodic to perfectly in range controlled death scream. Amazing!
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie (January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016) was an English singer born in London, the son of a fundraiser and a waitress. He is credited for his experimental and creative musical discography which has won praise and accolades for many critics and fans.
The man who the world knew as David Bowie was an actor, a painter, a philosopher, and many other things. But first and foremost, and what he was known for most, he was a rock star, covering every genre from psychedelic folk to industrial. His influence on fashion, music, and pop culture in general remains as his legacy--along, of course, with his unforgettable music.
Michael Allan "Mike" Patton is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, film composer, producer, and actor, best known as the lead singer of the alternative metal band Faith No More. Versatile voice that has barely changed despite being in his 50s. Not to mention his looks! Should be higher, very impressive person
Mike Patton should be higher on the list, along with Chris Cornell.
A true master of versatility. Completely Underappreciated. A true musical genius
Should be #1. His range is incredible, with lyrics.
Miljenko Matijevic is a Croatian-American singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of rock band Steelheart. He has a big following in South Korea and has worked on several South Korean TV series. His range is 3 octaves, 4-1/2 notes but this list starts from 4 octaves, 1/2 note. He is very good but doesn't belong in this list.
His range is higher than 3 octaves and he should be number 1 on the list his voice is clean and beautiful!
3 Octaves my ass! He should be number 1! Most definitely should be ahead of Axl!
Why he's here? He should be number one. He's best in the world. Miljenko Steelheart
Can sing softly and melodically or scream his lungs out like a beast. Here is one who can do both. Chester Bennington had that quality too. As did Chris Cornell. Come to think of it, any I consider my favorite are those who can hit either extreme.
His vocal range is over 5 octaves and he doesn't belong in this list.
Damn this list should be 4 or more, because over 5 is impressive!