A countertenor is an adult male alto voice, produced either naturally or in falsetto. No reference we use gives the countertenor a separate range, so the range to aim for is the alto range: F3 to D5 (174.6 to 587.3 Hz) in the New Harvard Dictionary of Music, or G3 to E5 in Grove Music Online.
Yellow keys: the alto range in the New Harvard Dictionary. Bars compare it with Grove's alto range and the tenor range. The black dot marks middle C (C4).
Pure tones at the alto reference notes (F3 to D5). Start with your volume low.
Countertenor range in the references
| Range | Notes | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Alto, New Harvard Dictionary of Music | F3 to D5 | 174.6 – 587.3 Hz |
| Alto, Grove Music Online | G3 to E5 | 196.0 – 659.3 Hz |
| Tenor, New Harvard Dictionary (for comparison) | B2 to G4 | 123.5 – 392.0 Hz |
There is no official standard for voice ranges, and neither reference lists a separate countertenor range. Ranges as listed by Yale University Library (music cataloging). Definition: Encyclopaedia Britannica, "countertenor". Frequencies assume A4 = 440 Hz.
What is a countertenor?
The countertenor is the male alto: a man singing the notes usually sung by women altos. Encyclopaedia Britannica describes it as an adult male alto voice, either natural or falsetto. In England the word usually means a falsetto alto rather than a high tenor, and some writers keep "countertenor" for a naturally produced voice and call the falsetto voice a male alto.
The name comes from the Renaissance contratenor altus, shortened to contratenor (countertenor) or altus (alto). It first named an alto part in the music, as well as the voice or instrument that sang or played it.
Countertenor and tenor
A tenor's reference range is B2 to G4. The alto range starts a little higher and goes about a fifth further up, to D5. The two share F3 to G4 (15 notes); the countertenor's notes above G4 are what set the voice apart. Many countertenors also have a speaking and lower singing voice in the tenor or baritone range, and the test above counts whatever notes you can hold, so try it once in your normal voice and once in your head voice or falsetto.
If you are a man and the test says alto, mezzo-soprano or soprano, you are singing in the countertenor's territory. A man who sings in the soprano range is sometimes called a sopranist or male soprano; our references do not define that type, so compare your notes with the soprano range (C4 to A5).
History and music
Falsetto singing went out of favour in most of Europe in the 18th century, but English cathedral choirs kept the tradition alive. The solo countertenor voice was revived successfully in the 20th century. It is still linked mainly with Renaissance and Baroque music, although modern composers, notably Benjamin Britten, have written for it.
In a choir
A countertenor sings the alto (A) part, the second line from the top in SATB music, alongside women altos. Choral music is usually written for four parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
See the female alto voice on the alto range page, every voice type on the vocal ranges chart, or take the full vocal range test.
Common questions
What is a countertenor?
An adult male alto voice, produced either naturally or in falsetto (Encyclopaedia Britannica). A countertenor sings the notes usually sung by women altos.
What is the countertenor vocal range?
No reference we use gives a separate countertenor range. Because the voice is a male alto, it covers the alto range: F3 to D5 (New Harvard Dictionary of Music) or G3 to E5 (Grove Music Online).
Is a countertenor the same as a male alto?
Often, yes. Britannica notes that in England 'countertenor' usually means a falsetto alto, while some writers keep 'countertenor' for a natural voice and call the falsetto voice a male alto.
Is a countertenor higher than a tenor?
Yes. The tenor's reference range tops out at G4; the alto range a countertenor sings reaches D5.
Can any man learn to sing countertenor?
Most men can produce some falsetto, but singing countertenor well is a trained skill. The test above shows which notes you can hold today; a voice teacher can tell you more.
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.