Vocal Type: Mezzo-Soprano
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Range: 2.7 octaves (C3-B5 approx)
Vocal Pluses: Powerful, passionate, multifaceted voice. Not only is it an expressive and well controlled instrument, but it's one that doesn't weigh on melisma to impress (though she is capable of using this vocal technique if required [Do What U Want] ). With her excellent breath control and knowledge, the Diva can hold notes [Fashion], jump octaves [Venus], and play with vocal dynamics at will [Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered].
Lady Gaga's low notes are well supported, and have a dark, solid and medium weight to them [Scheiße]. The mid-range is as chameleonesque as Gaga herself. It can be controlled, measured and mature [Fashion]; theatrical, poised and smooth [Lady Is A Tramp]; guttural, raw and raspy [ Dope]; or made perfect for pop music with the character stripped back, and a light, bright quality used [Poker Face]. All this vocal variety stems from Gaga's excellent understanding of placement and technique.
The lower part of the belting range has a weight and thick timbre to it, as well as a strong resonance- thanks in large part to the superb support she provides it [Hair (Live)]. This resonance can be carried into the higher parts of the chest register- past a C5- but it creates a sound that is raspier and raw, as the placement is pulled into the throat [Edge of Glory (live)]. It's a technique she understands and uses with musical astuteness, adding texture and artistic colouring to a song or performance [Manicure]. This "edge" can be eliminated, at the expense of the resonance of the voice, by shifting the mix of the chest and head voice. The resulting sound produced is clearer and brighter with a healthier sound and an elastic quality[ background vocals: Sexxx Dreams].
The head voice alone can be light and airy [ Paparazzi] or thicker and with an operatic like tone [ Government Hooker]. Despite not utilising this part of the range often in her pop output, Gaga has shown extreme comfort and skill, being able to sing within it without issue and in a connected fashion with the rest of her range [Sound Of Music medley].
Lady Gaga is in possession of an impressive vibrato which she uses to polish and adorn, mostly, her held notes. It is malleable and varied in nature, but can be used throughout the range [Chest] [Head ]. She is also capable of singing a note without it if need be [Bang Bang].
Vocal Negatives: Lady Gaga's high belting can sound like shouting at times if the notes are pulled up into the throat. This occurs more so in live settings than on recordings.
There are some higher notes in the video below but I'm not including them, since I consider exclamations and singing to be two totally different things. One requires a degree of skill- singing- and one doesn't- screaming and exclamations.
