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Instruments & Voices

Bass (Voice)

Pronounced BASE

Definition

Bass is the lowest standard singing voice, with a typical classical range of about E2 to E4. In a choir the basses sing the lowest part, the foundation of the harmony, written in bass clef.

The bass is the lowest of the standard voice types, below the baritone and tenor. In a choir the basses sing the lowest line, which supports every chord, so a strong bass section makes the whole choir sound fuller and more in tune. (The word is pronounced like "base," as in the double bass.)

Range

A typical classical bass range is about E2 to E4. Some basses sing much lower: deep "basso profondo" voices reach C2 or below, and some Russian choral music calls for oktavists, singers who double the bass line an octave lower. Choral bass parts usually stay between about F2 and C4.

A bass staff with two whole notes: E2 on a ledger line below the staff and E4 on the second ledger line above it, each named underneath.
A typical classical bass range, from E2 (on a ledger line below the bass staff) to E4 (on the second ledger line above it). Press play to hear both notes on piano.

Kinds of bass

  • Basso cantante ("singing bass"): a smooth, lyrical voice.
  • Basso profondo ("deep bass"): the lowest and darkest voice.
  • Basso buffo ("comic bass"): a nimble voice for comic roles, often with fast patter.
  • Bass-baritone: between baritone and bass, with a strong upper range.

In opera, bass roles are often kings, priests, fathers and villains. Sarastro in Mozart's The Magic Flute is a famous example, with low notes reaching F2.

How bass parts are written

Bass parts are written in bass clef at the pitch they sound, on the lower staff of a closed choral score with stems down.

The bass line

Whatever the style, the bass voice usually sings the bass line: the roots of the chords and the motion that drives cadences. In A cappella pop and doo-wop groups, the bass singer may imitate a bass guitar with syllables like "dm" and "doo." Learning to hear chord roots, through ear training and harmony study, makes you a much stronger bass singer.

Tips for basses

  • Keep low notes relaxed and resonant; pushing the larynx down for a darker sound strains the voice.
  • Don't neglect the top of the range; a light, easy top makes the whole voice healthier.
  • Tune carefully: the choir tunes to the bass, so a flat bass section drags everyone down.

Common questions

What is the lowest note a bass can sing?

Most classical basses sing down to about E2, and deep basses to C2 or lower. Some specialists, such as the oktavists of Russian choral music, sing an octave below the normal bass line.

Is a bass voice the same as a baritone?

No. The bass is lower and darker, with a typical range of about E2 to E4; the baritone lies a few notes higher, about A2 to A4. The two overlap, and bass-baritones sit in between.

Practice it: free worksheets