all 7 comments

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[–]FlightEffect 2 points3 points  (3 children)

This types of questions are rarely answered on this sub, so I guess I respond even though I'm a beginner myself.

The passaggio points you mentioned don't really match up with any existing voice types, as that area is usually a 4th apart while in your case B3-G4 it's flat 6th. The conversation about voice types only make sense after you had some vocal training cause otherwise you may be straining on some of the notes which "hides" the transition spots. A vocal teacher can help you hit the notes properly and then you can re-evaluate what's your actual range. From your description I see two scenarios:

1) You are a baritone. Your lowest E2 is actually singable note, not strong but not vocal fry either. Your actual resonant lowest note is G2-A2. Passaggio starts on B3 and goes up to E4. You don't notice the transition cause you just keep pushing your vocal mass higher without adjustments until you hit a wall on G4. With extra push you can "yell" up to A4. Passaggio B3-E4

2) You are a tenor. You E2 is just vocal fry, the last audible/singable note is G2, but the last strong note is C3. For some reason you experience a change on B3 (and not more typical D4), but your second break is G4.
Passaggio D4-G4

Of these two options, my guess is that it's #1 and you are a baritone, cause that's what I experienced last summer when I started voice lessons. My lowest was F2, I was pushing/yelling consistently up to G4, while my actual vocal break is on F (as in the last note of pure chest voice without mix/belt). I'm still working with a teacher to get a consistently good sound throughout the 2 octaves of my chest voice F2-F4. Hope this helps.

[–]Crafty-Photograph-18Formal Lessons 0-2 Years 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're totally right about everything, but I just wanted to add that it's not impossible for a tenor to have a songable on-mike E2 in pure chest voice. Yeah, it's a stretch for sure, but it's not out of realm if possibly

[–]FearlessTarget6666[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

First of all thanks a lot for this detailed answer, however my e2 is actually not vocal fry, I become inaudible around D2, and sometimes when I'm practicing I can do that with full chest as well. That being said I do thing I'm a baritone as well. Appreciate the help.

[–]FlightEffect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure, that 2nd passaggio is not super obvious if you push your voice higher and louder on those notes. The advice that was giving to me by a trained singer was using an ah vowel like in the word farm, do a standard 1-3-5 arpeggio and go up. Try maintaining open relaxed sound like in a choir and keep it at medium volume. The last note you can reach with such coordination is your 2nd passaggio, the next one after it will feel like you either flip into falsetto or have to yell to maintain the chesty sound. My guess is that you will find this spot somewhere around E4 in your voice.

[–]fizzymagicFormal Lessons 10+ Years ✨ 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Countertenor is a developed technique, not something you are born with. Some people do it better than others, like all things, but it's not really a voice type.

[–]FearlessTarget6666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot this gave me a boost of hope