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Vocal range of Careless Whisper by George Michael

Original key
Dm
Range
D3 – A4

Careless Whisper spans 1 octave and 7 semitones. In the original key it fits a baritone or tenor voice without changes.

The best key for each voice type

Computed from the song's range and typical comfortable ranges. Capo positions use open chord shapes.

VoiceSing it inChangeGuitarNotes you'll sing
BassEm10 semitones downEm shapes, no capoE2 – B3
BaritoneDmoriginal keyDm shapes, no capoD3 – A4
TenorDmoriginal keyDm shapes, no capoD3 – A4
AltoFm3 semitones upCapo 1, Em shapesF3 – C5
Mezzo-sopranoDman octave upDm shapes, no capoD4 – A5
SopranoDman octave upDm shapes, no capoD4 – A5

Voice types are a rough guide: your own range can sit higher or lower than your type.

Find the right key for your voice

Voice types are a rough guide. Take the two-minute range test and this page will show the key for your exact range…

Questions about Careless Whisper

What is the vocal range of Careless Whisper?

Careless Whisper by George Michael goes from D3 to A4, a span of 1 octave and 7 semitones.

What key is Careless Whisper in?

The original recording is in Dm.

What key should a man sing Careless Whisper in?

Bass: Em; Baritone: Dm; Tenor: Dm.

What key should a woman sing Careless Whisper in?

Alto: Fm; Mezzo-soprano: Dm; Soprano: Dm.

Songs with a similar range

Sources: Musicnotes · Hooktheory · checked 2026-10-31 · how we measure

Musicnotes shows the notated range D4–A5; male vocal in treble clef sounds an octave lower