The lowest standard classical higher-voice category; “alto” more precisely names a choral part. The F3–F5 span is a reference convention, not a pass/fail boundary: trained singers, repertoire, registration, and individual anatomy create substantial overlap.
Contralto reference notes
- Typical span
- F3–F5
- Use it as
- A comparison, not a boundary
Tessitura: A contralto generally carries weight and comfort lower than a mezzo-soprano, but the boundary is not a single note.
Nearest category: Choral alto assignments and individual contralto classification are related, not interchangeable.
Reported examples
- Adele — C3–B5, modal. Rich contralto, ~3 octaves.
- Amy Winehouse — F3–F5, modal. Warm contralto.
- Lana Del Rey — B2–E5, modal disputed. Low, breathy contralto; edges disputed.
Singer ranges are reported and approximate, often include falsetto/whistle register, and are widely disputed online. Shown for fun, not as fact.
References
- Interlochen Center for the Arts: Determining Your Voice Type
- Voice type overview and typical ranges
- Scientific Reports: objective timbre parameters for voice classification
- CALYP Voice Clinic: operatic range and tessitura reference
Ranges are approximate conventions, not biological boundaries.
Questions and limitations
Does reaching F5 make me a contralto?
Not by itself. A single top note says little about where your voice is comfortable over a phrase. Use the sustained range as one clue, then consider tessitura, tone, register transitions, and guidance from a qualified teacher.
Can vocal range alone determine my voice type?
No. Range is useful evidence, but classical classification also considers tessitura, timbre, passaggio, vocal weight, training, and repertoire. This tool therefore gives an estimate and shows borderline matches instead of presenting a range-only result as a professional diagnosis.
Why does the test ignore very brief notes?
A microphone can mistake breath, room noise, or a harmonic for an extreme pitch. A note must remain clear and stable for at least 300 milliseconds before it changes your result, which favors notes you can actually sustain.