Question from a teen: I’m trying to find my range, but I don’t know what D3 or G6 mean. What do those numbers mean and how do you use them?
I can sing a high G and a low G, 2 octaves lower. How do I write that in musical form, as in D4 or C2. I don’t understand what those numbers mean. I want to know how to write all the notes I can sing in that form so I can find out what roles I can play/sing. For example, in order to play a certain character, you need to be able to sing g4-F3. How do I know what notes they mean?
Answer: I’m afraid that a quick reference to (dare I say it, Wikipedia and) the Harvard Dictionary of Music will show that middle C is either named C4 in the American system or, as Harvard puts it, “there is no uniform practice.”
Therefore, I’d discourage you from using the letter/number system to find your range. Sorry, I don’t mean to burst your bubble on this. It would be best for you to become familiar with the western musical notation using the “treble and bass clef,” then also find where middle C is on a piano and orient yourself around that.
In general terms, Middle C (usually very close to the middle of a full piano 88-note keyboard) is usually close to the highest notes for a bass singer and close to the lowest notes of a soprano singer.
If you’re a guy with a changed voice, G to G would presumably place you in the baritone voice classification. If you’re a lady, G to G would place you in the alto to mezzo-soprano range at the moment.
Not knowing your age and therefore not knowing the stage of your approximate vocal development, what I’ve identified as your voice classification is a guess based on normal range-classifications of changed voices. If you are in your teens or around 20, your vocal development is still very much “in progress” and your range may continue to grow in either direction.
Anyway, if you’re looking at musical theater for example, look for “baritone” or “mezzo-soprano” roles (depending on whether you’re a guy or gal).
Best wishes to you.
Tags: alto, baritone, bass, mezzo-soprano, vocal range, Voice Classification