There are four parts or sections in any barbershop group - male or female - and they have the same names in both: tenor, lead, baritone and bass.

One of the principle characteristics of barbershop is that the melody is not the highest part. The tenor almost always sings a note higher than the lead, who sings the melody. The bass sings strong notes at the bottom of the chords and the baritones get whatever is leftover, both above and below the lead.

The following table shows the approximate ranges expected for each voice part:

(A4=440Hz, middle C is C4)

More than just the ability to sing the notes, the right choice of section depends on the quality of voice and the musical ear of the singer. The lead singer should have a melodic, resonant quality in the voice, able to dictate the character of the overall sound. Basses need to be able to provide the foundation to the sound,with richness and ease. The tenor needs the clearest sense of tuning and baritones need to give a lyrical quality to sometimes gymnastic note sequences.

All singers endeavour to give their part a melodic feeling, enhancing the musicality of the whole group.