Ranges of the Standard Orchestral Instruments and Voices

Here are the normal ranges for the standard instruments used in the modern symphony orchestra. Please note:

• The symbol “8va” means the note sounds an octave higher than written, and “15ma” means two octaves higher.
• “8vb” is found below the stave and means the note sounds an octave lower than written.
• The ranges are for notes as written for each instrument, so the actual concert pitch notes for transposing instruments will be different.
• For string instruments, the four notes show the lowest note playable on each open string (i.e. untouched string).
• The highest playable note for all of these instruments depends on the player’s skill. Much higher notes can be obtained by virtuoso players. The given ranges are the “normal” playable ranges for an advanced level musician.

String Instrument Ranges

Woodwind Instrument Ranges

Brass Instrument Ranges

Vocal Ranges