Types of Vocal Timbre: How to Improve Your Vocal Tone

Vocal timbre is the tonal quality and so-called tone color that define a given singing voice. Just as different musical instruments sound distinct from each other even when playing the same note, the human voice also stands out from other voices depending on various factors. (Learn more about the tone color of different instruments.)

Due to vocal technique and the particularities of a singer’s build and vocal tract, different performers produce a different collection of sound waves as they belt out a given song. Each singer will create a different number and intensity of overtones and evoke a quality of enunciation that can range from clear to breathy. These kinds of factors combine to form an overall impression or timbre.

Vocalists fall roughly into one of several categories based on voice type and range. Here are the typical voice types, from highest to lowest:

1. 1. Soprano: A soprano voice is almost invariably a female voice or the voice of a child since it’s marked predominantly by clear, bright high notes.
2. 2. Mezzo-soprano: Mezzo-sopranos can occupy a similar range to sopranos but achieve a sound quality that comes across as warmer and lusher.
3. 3. Contralto: Women with lower voices often fall into the contralto category, as their vocal range often skews deeper and weightier.
4. 4. Tenor: Tenors evoke a brassy brightness in their performance at the higher end of the traditionally male voice.
5. 5. Baritone: Typically in the male middle register, baritones are warm and smooth in their delivery.
6. 6. Bass: Basses can reach lower octaves than other voice types, and as a result, they’re able to capture a magisterial and imposing grandeur in their vocalizations.

While your innate characteristics determine much of your vocal tone quality, there are steps you can take to identify and fine-tune the sound of your voice, including:

1. 1. Always warm up. Performing regular vocal warm-ups can strengthen your voice and prevent you from straining your vocal cords. Learn how to warm up your voice with country music singer Reba McEntire’s favorite vocal exercises.
2. 2. Experiment with your range. Try out different songs and singing styles by practicing various types of popular music, including classical music and jazz. Experimentation will help you find out what you like and discover the range of techniques professional singers employ. Learn how to find your singing voice, including the difference between your chest voice (your speaking voice or natural voice) and head voice (falsetto), and how to use both to produce a good vocal tone.
3. 3. Enlist a vocal coach. An outside expert can guide you and give you the exercises you need to make your high notes higher or low notes lower. A voice teacher can also help improve your breath control and endurance.

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