Ballad of a Bad Boy by Patti Smith
Can you sing this at karaoke? HumMatch checks vocal range, style, difficulty, and safer alternatives before you step up.
Practice before you pick it.
We do not publish lyrics directly. Find a karaoke version on YouTube, then come back to compare the song against your Vocal ID.
Can I sing Ballad of a Bad Boy at karaoke?
Few entries in rock songs HumMatch tracks stretch as wide as Ballad of a Bad Boy: its 17-semitone span lands in the top 93%.
Highest and lowest notes
The available song-fit estimate places the low note around A2 and the high note around D4. If either edge feels tense, try a different key.
Vocal style
Ballad of a Bad Boy's peak note (D4) sits above a typical bass's comfort zone but inside a baritone's.
Karaoke difficulty
Compared with the typical rock song HumMatch tracks, Ballad of a Bad Boy scores more familiar for karaoke: 0/100 against a median of 0.
Who it likely fits
Much of Ballad of a Bad Boy's 50/100 karaoke-difficulty rating traces back to a range in the top 93% widest for rock.
Who may struggle
Shift Ballad of a Bad Boy's peak down 2 semitones and it lands inside a typical bass's comfortable range.
Did this song fit your voice?
Did this song fit your voice?
Is this song data wrong? Suggest a fix.
Range Guide
Ballad of a Bad Boy is estimated around A2 to D4. Compare that with your Vocal ID before choosing the original key. If your comfortable high note is below the song’s hardest section, try a lower key or one of the safer alternatives below.
Perfect For These Voice Types
Comfort Range
Best when your Vocal ID overlaps the main melody without strain.
Best For
Road Trip
Shared playlist pick
Practice
Build confidence
Karaoke Night
Room-friendly planning
Try Transposing Lower
If the chorus or highest phrase feels tight, shift the song down a few semitones before performing. Most karaoke apps let you adjust pitch.
Easier alternatives
If it feels high, try a lower key or start with an easier song from the same artist or genre.
Song fit FAQ
HumMatch estimates Ballad of a Bad Boy at A2 to D4 (about 17 semitones), based on Patti Smith's typical performed range; song-level verification is pending. Compare it against your own Vocal ID and test the chorus first.
Ballad of a Bad Boy scores 50/100 for karaoke difficulty on HumMatch, which rates as easier. Compared with the typical rock song HumMatch tracks, Ballad of a Bad Boy scores more familiar for karaoke: 0/100 against a median of 0.
Much of Ballad of a Bad Boy's 50/100 karaoke-difficulty rating traces back to a range in the top 93% widest for rock.
Ballad of a Bad Boy may work at karaoke if the original key sits comfortably for you and you know where the risky chorus or low phrases happen.
Hum 3 notes in HumMatch and compare your Vocal ID against Ballad of a Bad Boy, safer alternatives, and higher-risk picks.
Find Every Song That Fits YOUR Voice
HumMatch analyzes your vocal range from a short hum, then shows songs that actually fit.
Search another song
Find more vocal range guides beyond Ballad of a Bad Boy.