Top 10 Singers with a Vocal Range Between 4 and 5 Octaves

This list includes vocal ranges from 4 octaves and a half note to 4 octaves and 7 and a half notes.

It 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 between 4 and 5 octaves, meaning more than 4 octaves but less than 5. I felt the need to create this list because many great singers fall into this category.

Even though range isn't everything, a wide range is always impressive, especially when the singer also has excellent vocal skills.

The Top Ten

Rob Halford

Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford (born August 25, 1951) is an English singer and songwriter. He co-founded the heavy metal band Judas Priest in 1969 and has served as its lead vocalist throughout most of its history. Halford is often called the "Metal God" and is celebrated for his powerful, wide-ranging... read more

Not even a contest!
He is the master. His voice is heavy metal! His screams are otherworldly, and his voice grabs me and takes me there.
Victim of Changes is a masterpiece! This is why so many were influenced by him, including Phil Anselmo.

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. However, it's Halford's voice that really hooked me, like a talon from a metal eagle that... never mind.
Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She's one of the best-selling female artists in music history, with 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
She's often regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos, and has been noted in the press... 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.

So, hands down, I am a fan. She's simply gifted.

4 octaves, 6-1/2 notes (almost 5 octaves, from G#2 to G7).
Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury was a Zanzibari‑born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen. He achieved fame for his flamboyant stage persona and remarkable four-octave vocal range.... read more

I didn't know vocal range mattered in rock music. However, I vote for the one and only Freddie Mercury, the most creative songwriter and absolutely unparalleled showman to ever exist.

Better than any other singer. Absolutely the most talented! His almost five-octave voice sounds like an angel and he's very attractive.

Freddie has a beautiful singing voice: very lush, very powerful, and with wonderful tones. His voice spans four solid octaves, F2 to F6, plus eight semitones. I'm surprised he isn't in the top ten.
King Diamond

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 renowned for his horror-themed concept albums released... read more

4 octaves, 2 notes (A1 to C6).
Christina Aguilera

Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants," and she later showcased her vocal power in songs like "Beautiful" and "Hurt." Throughout her career, she's explored a range of... read more

Such a tiny person with a huge voice. Where does she pull her voice from? How can I not love her work?

She has 4 octaves, 1/2 note.
Phil Anselmo

Philip Hansen "Phil" Anselmo is an American musician who is best known as the former lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Pantera. He is currently the vocalist for the heavy metal bands Down and Superjoint Ritual. Anselmo has also been involved in various side projects and collaborations within the... read more

Spine-tingling high notes, bone-crushing lows. Phil Anselmo's voice is raw and powerful.
When he belts out lyrics in that low, deep scream, it's like he's injecting you with all his rage! The first word in Mouth for War... REVENGE!
Plus, the end of Cemetery Gates echoes the end of Victim of Changes, which says it all!

In his own way, he created a style of vocals that opened up a generation of metal singers who have taken his style for their own. Phil Anselmo should go down as one of the best.

Phil is the man, but Mike Patton had the best range of all time.
Brendon Urie

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 became best known as the lead singer of the pop-rock band Panic! at the Disco and was its only constant member until the... read more

Brendon Urie has a vocal range of four octaves and seven notes as of 2016. He's obviously grown since then. He has a higher vocal range than both Christina Aguilera and Elvis Presley. He is one of the 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.

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.
Paul McCartney

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 as a member of the rock band The Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop... read more

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 truly use his full range in a musical setting.

He is the best. Amazing range and he could sing anything at his prime.

4 octaves, 5 notes (A1 to F6).
Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more

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. An uber talented genius.
David Draiman

David Michael Draiman is an American heavy metal singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the band Disturbed, a role he has held since 1996. Draiman also fronted the industrial metal project Device from 2012 to 2014.... read more

His voice is so powerful and moving!! When hearing him sing Sound of Silence, that is something special.
It gives me goosebumps every time I hear him sing that song. What a voice!!

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. Extremely talented man, as are the other members of the band. I love Disturbed.

The Newcomers

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Wendy (Red Velvet)

Wendy is the best 4th gen vocalist, period.
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Al Bano Carrisi

The Contenders

Peter Steele

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. Known for his deep voice and dark sense of humor, Steele was previously a member of the thrash band Carnivore. He passed away in 2010.

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 on 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. He infused very real and genuine passion into his lyrics and into every note he played on his bass guitar, reflecting his personal experiences with loss and heartbreak.
It breaks my heart that Peter is no longer with us. A voice as powerful as his will never be forgotten and will always inspire.
Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler is an American singer-songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist, best known as the lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith. He also plays harmonica and occasionally keyboard and percussion. Tyler served as a judge on American Idol during its 10th season (2011), among other television... read more

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 otherworldly falsettos and hitting both high and low notes that most singers could only dream of. He's definitely in the top five of the greatest voices in rock music. Right there with Plant, Mercury, Dickinson, and Halford.

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 five of the greatest voices in rock, right there with Plant, Mercury, Dickinson, and Halford.
Chino Moreno

Camillo "Chino" Wong Moreno (born June 20, 1973) is an American musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and contributing guitarist of the metal band Deftones. He is also a member of the side-project groups Team Sleep, Crosses, and Palms.... read more

Underrated singer. Very amazing style, breathy vocals, and all. Very talented.

Top 3 greatest! Nobody has gone beyond "classical style" singing like Moreno.

Those shrill, high-pitched screams and wails that shatter rooftops.
Peter Gabriel

Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and humanitarian activist who rose to fame as the original lead singer and flautist of the progressive rock band Genesis. After leaving Genesis in 1975, he launched a successful solo career with hits like Solsbury Hill and In Your Eyes. Gabriel... read more

4 octaves and 1/2 note. One of the prog rock pioneers with Genesis.
Kyo

Kyo is a Japanese musician, singer, lyricist, and poet. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the metal band Dir En Grey, which he has been with since its formation in 1997. Before joining Dir En Grey, he was a member of the visual kei band La:Sadie's.

Actual range aside, the fact that he's doing them as screams, etc., sets this dude apart in my humble opinion. As well, his standard voice is my favourite, but then he does stuff like Tibetan throat singing and the like. There's really nothing he can't do.

He's got a really impressive range of 4 octaves and 5 1/2 notes (F#1 to E6).
James Brown

James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century popular music and dance, he's often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul." His energetic performances and innovative rhythms influenced... read more

4 octaves, 1/2 note
Myles Kennedy

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. He is also the lead vocalist in Slash's current band, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Kennedy has received critical acclaim for... read more

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 years.

Definitely 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 Guns N' Roses last year and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators 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 Guns N' Roses song he performs.
RnFnRFan
Axl Rose

William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as Axl Rose, is an American singer born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. He is the founding member and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, which rose to international fame with their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987). Known for... read more

Honestly, hands down one of, if not the greatest singer/songwriters 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 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.

He's a musical genius, much like Prince was.
Chris Cornell

Christopher John "Chris" Cornell (July 20, 1964 to May 18, 2017) was an American rock musician and singer-songwriter. He was best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for Soundgarden and as the frontman of Audioslave. Renowned for his powerful voice, he possessed a wide... read more

Chris is hands down the best male vocalist to come out of rock. His soaring falsettos, mixed highs, and deep baritones, combined with switching between smooth melodies and mind-bending screams, set him apart from the rest. Only a few can come close to his talent.

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. The throat thing he did at the end of "Show Me How to Live" by Audioslave is an almost impossible feat.
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 acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

A four and a half 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 had more than four octaves, which is very impressive and rare for a male singer.

Michael, every time you sing the earth and heavens rejoice.
David Bowie

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 sales promotion officer and a housewife.
He earned praise for his experimental and creative music, winning numerous awards and gaining admiration from... read more

4 octaves, 1/2 note.
Serj Tankian

Serj Tankian (Armenian: Սերժ Թանգյան. Born August 21, 1967) is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist.
He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Armenian-American rock band System of a Down. After the... read more
Ivan Moody

Ivan L. Moody, known by the pseudonym Ghost during his time with Motograter, is the lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch from Las Vegas, Nevada. He joined the band in 2006 and has contributed to multiple platinum-certified albums. Moody is also known for his acting... read more

His range is smooth and melodic all the way into terrifying screams and a deep roar. Honestly one of the best of our time!

He has an amazing range. From beautifully smooth melodic to perfectly in-range controlled death scream. Amazing!
Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

Corey Todd Taylor was born on December 8, 1973. He is an American musician, author, and actor best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the nu-metal band Slipknot and the hard rock/alternative metal band Stone Sour. Taylor has also published books and appeared in films and on television.... read more

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, anyone I consider my favorite are those who can hit either extreme.
Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona. July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) was an American heavy metal singer, songwriter, and musician. He led and performed with several bands including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell.... read more

The most famously underrated rock and metal singer. Absolutely legendary in the industry, but he always came after bigger names like Ozzy in Sabbath and Gillan and Coverdale in Deep Purple.

Dio's voice is iconic, magical, and menacing.
Poor guy had to wait a decade before music caught up with his voice. I wonder what he might have created had he been born 10 or 15 years later.