Top 10 Surprising Answers to the Question "Who Has a Bigger Vocal Range?"

Vocal range is something objective, and you can measure it. You simply need the lowest and highest notes a singer has ever hit, taken from the songs where they performed them. Then, you count the octaves and notes.

However, the perception of vocal range can be subjective and often terribly wrong. Many comments on music lists are based on subjective impressions, misconceptions, or urban myths and legends.

Misconceptions:

1. Many people think that a singer's range is defined by the highest note they can hit. This is incorrect. Vocal range refers to the distance between the highest and the lowest notes a singer can produce.

2. Others believe that having a wide range means having a high voice. This is also incorrect. A wide vocal range includes both the lowest and highest notes.

It's also important to note that range is just one of many aspects used to evaluate singers. Singers with larger ranges aren't necessarily better. Other factors such as vocal power, control, transitions, and techniques like runs also play significant roles.

The Top Ten

  1. Dimash Kudaibergen or Mariah Carey? - Dimash Kudaibergen

    Dimash: 6 octaves and 3 notes, up to D8 (as heard so far).

  2. Luciano Pavarotti or James Hetfield? - James Hetfield

    Luciano Pavarotti: 2 octaves, 2-1/2 notes (from C#3 to F5).

    James Hetfield: 3 octaves, 3 notes (from C2 to F5).

    You see that the highest note both hit is the same - F5. But this note sounds much better when Pavarotti sings it. On the other hand, James Hetfield can sing a whole octave lower than Pavarotti.

    This one demonstrates that vocal range is just one small part of singing ability.

    I like James Hetfield's singing, but Pavarotti is the consensus greatest male singer of all time.

    Luciano Pavarotti is the best and greatest male singer of all time, bar none.

  3. Mariah Carey or Axl Rose? - Axl Rose

    Mariah Carey and Axl Rose both have high vocal ranges.

    Cool! I learned another new thing today! Great list!

  4. Whitney Houston or Dave Mustaine? - Dave Mustaine

    Now this is a truly shocking one. One of the best singers ever compared to a singer who admitted himself that he was not particularly good.

  5. Jon Bon Jovi or Freddie Mercury? - Jon Bon Jovi

    Jon Bon Jovi sings well, but Freddie Mercury has a more powerful voice.

  6. Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley? - Elvis Presley

    This one shocked me the most. I didn't realize how limited MJ's voice is beyond the high register.

  7. Billy Joe Armstrong or Chad Kroeger? - Chad Kroeger

    Billie Joe Armstrong has an amazing voice and a distinctive roar that is perfect for what he plays. He might not have the best vocal range, but his distinctive voice sets him apart as an amazing vocalist.

  8. Luciano Pavarotti or Freddie Mercury? - Freddie Mercury

    Pavarotti is great, but Mercury is my favorite.

  9. Tom Araya or Chester Bennington? - Tom Araya

  10. Robert Plant or Ian Gillan? - Ian Gillan

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Geoff Tate or Dio? - Dio

  12. ?

    James Hetfield or Tom Araya? - Tom Araya

    13. The Contenders

  13. Michael Kiske or Kai Hansen? - Kai Hansen

  14. Matt Bellamy or Phil Anselmo? - Phil Anselmo

  15. Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift? - Justin Bieber

  16. Axl Rose or Corey Taylor? - Corey Taylor

  17. David Gilmour or Roger Waters? - Roger Waters

  18. Justin Bieber or Johnny Cash? - Justin Bieber

    Justin Bieber has a 3-octave vocal range?

  19. Mariah Carey or Corey Taylor? - Corey Taylor

  20. Rob Halford or David Lee Roth? - David Lee Roth

  21. King Diamond or Paul McCartney? - Paul McCartney

  22. Chester Bennington or Chad Kroeger? - Chad Kroeger

  23. Corey Taylor or Meghan Trainor? - Corey Taylor

  24. Jack Black or Frank Sinatra? - Jack Black

    Jack Black: a very funny comedian with some singing ability.

    Frank Sinatra: possibly the greatest ever non-operatic singer.

  25. James Hetfield or Dave Mustaine? - James Hetfield

  26. Bruce Dickinson or Hansi Kürsch? - Hansi Kürsch

  27. Hansi Kürsch or Michael Kiske? - Hansi Kürsch

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