Adele’s voice is instantly recognizable. It’s rich, emotional, and powerful — but also surprisingly flexible. Over the years, fans and vocal coaches have asked: what is Adele’s vocal range, and how wide is it really?
This article breaks down the facts, the claims, and the reality of Adele’s voice, using song examples, comparisons, and vocal analysis.
What Do We Mean by Vocal Range?
Your vocal range is the span between the lowest and highest notes you can sing.
- Untrained singers usually cover around 1.5 to 2 octaves.
- Professional singers often manage 3 to 4 octaves.
- Exceptional vocalists may reach beyond 4 octaves.
For Adele, different sources list different numbers. Some claim nearly four octaves, while others suggest a smaller but still impressive span. Let’s break it down.
Common Range Claims About Adele
Different analyses and sources give different results:
- SingingCarrots Database: C♯3 – C7 (around 3.9 octaves).
- Fan forums (Range Planet): B2 – B♭5.
- Wikipedia (songs “Rumour Has It” and “Turning Tables”): D3 to E6 and G3 to C5 respectively.
- General consensus among vocal coaches: B2 to C6 (~3 octaves).
The inconsistency comes from how range is measured — isolated studio notes, rare live moments, or consistent usable notes.
If you’d like to see where your own voice stands, try the Vocal Range Calculator to measure your lowest and highest notes.
Why Different Sources Disagree
Several reasons explain why Adele’s vocal range claims vary:
- Studio vs. Live
- Studio recordings sometimes capture extreme takes that aren’t repeated live.
- Pitch correction or layering can distort reality.
- Rare Notes vs. Comfortable Range
- Adele may have touched C7 in a recording, but her comfortable tessitura is much lower.
- Falsetto & Belt Distinction
- Some analyses include falsetto or vocal fry notes, while others don’t.
- Software Limitations
- Automatic pitch detection can misread harmonics or backing vocals.
That’s why it’s important to look at her consistent, usable range rather than just extremes.
Adele’s Lowest Notes
Adele’s lower register is warm and resonant, often sitting in the mezzo-soprano/baritone crossover zone:
- B2 – “Hello” (live intro)
- C3 – “Someone Like You” verses
- D3 – “Rumour Has It” lowest lines
These lows are not unusual for a mezzo-soprano but stand out for their fullness and control.
Adele’s Highest Notes
Her higher register showcases both chest power and lighter head voice:
- C6 – “Rolling in the Deep” live versions
- E6 – “Rumour Has It” isolated lines
- Falsetto highs in “All I Ask” and “Skyfall”
Some fans claim she reached C7, but these cases are disputed and may be overtones rather than sung pitches.
Adele’s Vocal Range in Numbers
Here’s a simplified look at Adele’s documented range:
| Note | Frequency (Hz) | Example Song |
|---|---|---|
| B2 | ~123 Hz | Hello (live intro) |
| C3 | 130 Hz | Someone Like You |
| D3 | 147 Hz | Rumour Has It |
| C6 | 1046 Hz | Rolling in the Deep (live) |
| E6 | 1319 Hz | Rumour Has It high phrases |
That’s roughly B2 to C6/E6 = ~3 to 3.5 octaves, depending on what you count.
Adele’s Voice Type: Mezzo-Soprano
Most experts classify Adele as a mezzo-soprano:
- She thrives in the midrange (C4–E5), where her voice is warm and powerful.
- She has the ability to belt high notes in chest voice, giving songs like “Set Fire to the Rain” their explosive climaxes.
- She doesn’t live in whistle tones or extreme falsetto like Mariah Carey, but that’s part of her artistry.
If you want to explore how her tessitura compares to classical singers, check the soprano vocal range breakdown.
Adele vs. Other Famous Singers
Here’s how Adele’s range stacks up:
| Singer | Range (approx.) | Voice Type |
|---|---|---|
| Adele | B2 – C6/E6 (~3 octaves) | Mezzo-soprano |
| Whitney Houston | C3 – C6 (~3 octaves) | Soprano |
| Mariah Carey | B2 – G7 (~5 octaves) | Soprano |
| Freddie Mercury | F2 – E6 (~3.5 octaves) | Baritone-tenor crossover |
| Beyoncé | A2 – E6 (~3.5 octaves) | Mezzo-soprano |
This shows Adele fits comfortably among the greats, even if her range isn’t the widest on record.
Myths About Adele’s Vocal Range
- “She has four octaves.”
➝ Not consistently. While some claim C7, most reliable evidence suggests ~3 octaves. - “She’s a soprano.”
➝ She’s a mezzo-soprano with a strong belt, not a soprano. - “Her range is shrinking.”
➝ Adele’s voice has matured, but her power and flexibility remain intact.
Why Adele’s Voice Stands Out Beyond Range
Numbers alone don’t explain why Adele’s voice connects so deeply. Her magic lies in:
- Tone – husky lows, bright yet controlled highs.
- Emotion – every phrase sounds lived-in and sincere.
- Breath Control – sustaining long notes with clarity.
- Consistency – reliable live performances, even under pressure.
That’s why Adele captivates listeners without needing five octaves.
FAQs About Adele’s Vocal Range
What is Adele’s vocal range?
Most credible estimates place it between B2 and C6, with occasional notes up to E6.
What voice type is Adele?
She’s a mezzo-soprano, with strength in the middle and upper middle register.
What’s Adele’s lowest note?
Around B2, heard in live performances of Hello.
What’s Adele’s highest note?
Up to E6, with disputed claims of C7.
Does Adele have four octaves?
Not reliably; most sources confirm around three octaves.
Which songs show her range best?
Rolling in the Deep, Rumour Has It, All I Ask, Hello, and Someone Like You highlight different parts of her range.