Vocal range of Hurt by Johnny Cash
- Original key
- Am
- Range
- F2 – G3
Hurt spans 1 octave and 2 semitones. In the original key it fits a bass 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.
| Voice | Sing it in | Change | Guitar | Notes you'll sing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | Am | original key | Am shapes, no capo | F2 – G3 |
| Baritone | Am | an octave up | Am shapes, no capo | F3 – G4 |
| Tenor | Am | an octave up | Am shapes, no capo | F3 – G4 |
| Alto | Am | an octave up | Am shapes, no capo | F3 – G4 |
| Mezzo-soprano | Dbm | an octave and 4 semitones up | Capo 4, Am shapes | A3 – B4 |
| Soprano | Ebm | an octave and 6 semitones up | Capo 1, Dm shapes | B3 – C#5 · 1 semitone out of range: drop those notes an octave |
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 Hurt
What is the vocal range of Hurt?
Hurt by Johnny Cash goes from F2 to G3, a span of 1 octave and 2 semitones.
What key is Hurt in?
The original recording is in Am.
What key should a man sing Hurt in?
Bass: Am; Baritone: Am; Tenor: Am.
What key should a woman sing Hurt in?
Alto: Am; Mezzo-soprano: Dbm; Soprano: Ebm.
Songs with a similar range
- Ring of Fire Johnny Cash · F#2–A3
- Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm Crash Test Dummies · G2–C4
- Forever and Ever, Amen Randy Travis · A2–B3
- Always on My Mind Willie Nelson · G#2–D4
- What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong · A2–D4
- Your Man Josh Turner · G2–E4
Sources: Musicnotes · Hooktheory · checked 2026-10-31 · how we measure
Musicnotes shows the notated range F3–G4; male vocal in treble clef sounds an octave lower