<P> No system is universally applied or accepted . Most of the voice types identified by such systems, however, are sub-types that fall under seven different major voice categories that are for the most part acknowledged across all of the major voice classification systems . Women are typically divided into three main groups: soprano, mezzo - soprano, and contralto . Men are usually divided into four main groups: countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass . When considering the pre-pubescent voices of children an eighth term, treble, can be applied . Within each of these major categories there are several sub-categories that identify specific vocal qualities like coloratura facility and vocal weight to differentiate between voices . </P> <P> Vocal range itself does not determine a singer's voice type . While each voice type does have a general vocal range associated with it, human singing voices may possess vocal ranges that encompass more than one voice type or are in between the typical ranges of two voice types . Therefore, voice teachers use vocal range as only one factor among many in classifying a singer's voice . More important than range in voice classification is tessitura, or where the voice is most comfortable singing, and vocal timbre, or the characteristic sound of the singing voice . For example, a female singer may have a vocal range that encompasses the high notes of a mezzo - soprano and the low notes of a soprano . A voice teacher would therefore look to see whether the singer were more comfortable singing higher, or lower . If the singer were more comfortable singing higher, then the teacher would probably classify her as a soprano . The teacher would also consider the sound of the voice; sopranos tend to have a lighter and less rich vocal sound than a mezzo - soprano . A voice teacher, however, would never classify a singer in more than one voice type, regardless of the size of the vocal range of the singer . </P> <P> Within the operatic systems of classification, there are six basic voice types . The ranges given below are approximations and are not meant to be too rigidly applied . </P> <Ul> <Li> Soprano: the highest female voice, being able to sing C (middle C) to C (high C), and possibly higher . </Li> <Li> Mezzo - soprano: a female voice between A (A below middle C) and A (2nd A above middle C). </Li> <Li> Contralto: the lowest female voice, F (F below middle C) to E. Rare contraltos possess a range similar to the tenor . </Li> <Li> Tenor: the highest male voice, B (2nd B below middle C) to A (A above Middle C), and possibly higher . </Li> <Li> Baritone: a male voice, G (two Gs below middle C) to F (F above middle C). </Li> <Li> Bass: the lowest male voice, E (two Es below middle C) to E (the E above middle C). </Li> </Ul>

Who has the highest vocal range in history