The clarinet is a wind instrument made of wood with a beautiful and round sound. It has one of the widest musical ranges of all instruments, which also makes it one of the most interesting to learn to play. It is important to know how to assemble it, hold it in your hand, how to produce a uniform sound and start playing it right now, whether you want to join the school band or just want to play for your own pleasure.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting to know the Tool
Step 1. Purchase the right clarinet for your purposes
If you want to join the school band, the institute often hires one, or alternatively, go to a music store in your city. It is much easier to learn to play a well-maintained, new instrument than one that has lain in the attic for years to mold. Furthermore, renting is a cheaper solution than buying a new clarinet.
- If you are a beginner, a Selmer brand model or an E11 wooden buffet is just fine. Usually a soft reed measuring between 1 and 2, 5 is used.
- If you have an old clarinet that you would like to use, take it to an instrument shop to have it repaired. The keys probably need to be changed to make sure you get a clear sound from the bell.
Step 2. Check the clarinet and learn the names of the various elements that make it up
Most models come with a case with pre-formed housings for each component of the instrument. When it comes time to take out the clarinet and assemble it, check that all the pieces are there and that they are in good condition. Here are the elements that make up a clarinet, in order from bottom to top:
- The bell is the lower component of the instrument and acts as a megaphone.
- The lower section of the clarinet body is also the main one and features a cork joint on one end only.
- The upper section of the instrument body is made up of other main elements and has cork joints at both ends. Align the metal hinge on both middle sections to fit them together and to insert the barrel.
- The barrel should be a short piece (about 7.5-10 cm) with one end flatter than the other.
- The mouthpiece is the upper element of the instrument and should have a metal or leather ligature (or strap) that fixes the reed. Align the mouthpiece with the long octave key of the instrument.
Step 3. Assemble the mouthpiece and reed correctly
Insert the latter between the ligature and the mouthpiece with the flat part towards the inside of the instrument. Tighten the keys of the strap until the reed remains firmly fixed. Do not overdo it, however, so as not to subject the mouthpiece to excessive pressure, be gentle.
Do not put the reed so that it is longer than the mouthpiece, otherwise you will not be able to emit a note. The tip of the reed must be flush with that of the mouthpiece
Step 4. Grasp the tool correctly
The clarinet should face away from the body at a 45 ° angle and the bell should be above the line of the knees. Keep your head up and back straight when you play. It is the instrument that must enter the mouth, not the mouth that must move towards the clarinet.
- The right hand must rest on the lower section of the body of the instrument, the thumb rests on the finger rest on the back. The three fingers are each positioned on the relevant keys.
- The left hand grasps the upper section of the instrument body. The thumb rests on the octave key on the back. The index, middle and ring fingers remain on the three main keys in the lower part of the upper section.
- When a finger is not involved to make a sound, hold it close to the holes so that it can easily move towards the key when needed. If you keep your fingers too far away from the clarinet, you will have a hard time playing fast passages.
Step 5. Moisten the reed before playing
If you try to use a dry reed, the sound will be unpleasant and you will have more chances to "stick". Before a performance, you need to put the reed in a small bottle or jar of water. If you wet the reed with saliva, know that you will not get the tone you want and you could ruin it. Soak it in water when you're not playing to kill bacteria.
- Start with a soft reed, measuring between 1 and 2, 5. As your mouth muscles get stronger, you can move on to harder reeds.
- You will understand that you have to switch to a harder reed when the clarinet starts to emit a sound similar to the speech of a person with a stuffy nose. Your teacher will be able to advise you on the hardness of the reed that is most suitable for you.
Step 6. Disassemble and clean the clarinet after each use
Every time you play it, you have to take it apart and clean it to protect it from the moisture that accumulates inside. Cleaning is a quick and easy process.
- Most models are sold with a cleaning cloth that must be inserted inside the instrument after each session. The cloth should have a string connected to one end that you can use to pull the cloth through the various elements. It only takes a minute, but it is an important step in keeping the clarinet in perfect condition.
- From time to time it is worth using a cotton swab to clean the areas around the joints where the small particles of saliva accumulate.
- Grease the cork elements regularly. You may have difficulty assembling and disassembling the clarinet if the cork joints are dry. When you play the clarinet often, you can grease these joints once a week. Don't overdo it, though, or the pieces could come off.
Part 2 of 3: Play a Note
Step 1. Feed the clarinet correctly
The part with the reed must face down and rest on the lower lip. Pucker the lip over the lower teeth and then place the reed on it.
- Keep your jaw flat. The teeth of the upper arch should be firmly fixed on the upper part of the mouthpiece, on the opposite side from the reed.
- If you just put the instrument in your mouth and blow, it will be difficult to get a note. It takes some time to learn how to shape the mouth in the right position, which is called the "embouchure".
Step 2. Close the corners of the mouth around the mouthpiece
If the lips are not well sealed, the air will come out of the cracks and you will not be able to produce any sound. Try to lift the corners of your mouth to close it even more around the instrument. The tongue should point towards the reed without touching it.
It is not easy to get used to this position at the beginning, and you may find that it is easier to learn it by following private lessons
Step 3. Try to produce a consistent tone
Once your mouth is in the right position, try to blow and make a sound. Experiment with puffs of varying intensity to figure out which is best for getting a good sound from the instrument. It will take some effort; if you don't press any key, the clarinet plays an open G.
If you make squeaky sounds, don't be discouraged. It is not easy to get used to the mouth of the clarinet. You have to keep practicing and trying different airflows until you find the right combination
Step 4. Keep your cheeks contracted
It may be tempting to blow them up as you play, but if you avoid doing this, you'll get a more consistent and even sound. Look in the mirror as you practice not to swell your cheeks.
At first you might think that this position makes you "stick" even more. If this happens, check the position of the mouth on the mouthpiece. Make sure it's not too high or too low - your teacher will help you correct this mistake. Make sure the reed is perfectly aligned
Step 5. Try playing a few notes
Press the keys to test a few different notes, and evaluate how the force you have to apply to the airflow to emit the sound changes. Try to understand what makes the note higher or lower. Try playing randomly for a while.
When you play, cover the holes completely. If you don't, you won't be able to make any notes. When you mostly use registry keys, you need to make sure that the holes are tightly closed
Part 3 of 3: Next Step
Step 1. Get a fingering chart
Ask for it at a music store and see which beginner books they have available. There are many different methods: know carefully. Each of these books will teach you to play and position your fingers correctly for each note.
It is very difficult to become a good clarinet player without knowing how to read a sheet music. The clarinet is a treble clef instrument in the B flat key, so you must learn the basics of the treble clef to be able to play it well. The best way to achieve this is to take private lessons or attend a music school
Step 2. Practice scales and arpeggios
If you play scales and practice arpeggios, your solo and other repertoire technique will improve. Finger position patterns are key to playing the clarinet well, and you can quickly learn them just by practicing a lot.
If you rely on a teacher, he will probably be the one to teach you the exercises for scales and arpeggios
Step 3. Learn some songs
Just like any other instrument, if you want to play for fun, then start with songs you know. There are many famous (not too difficult) clarinet pieces, especially if you love swing and jazz, both of which are quite intuitive styles. The classical repertoire is more challenging but, if you search well, you will find some fairly simple music.
Step 4. Consider taking private lessons
It is very difficult to learn to play the clarinet just by reading a book. It is better to start with a teacher rather than self-taught, so you don't risk learning the wrong way and you are sure not to leave out any aspect. Often, music teachers offer private lessons at affordable prices.
Bad habits can develop without even realizing it, but over time they prevent players from improving the level. If you want to play the clarinet well, take lessons
Step 5. Join a marching band or orchestra
If you are really interested in playing the clarinet, find a teacher and join a group.
Get ready for a long job! You will not become a clarinetist overnight. Start with the fundamentals and then move on to more complex exercises and songs. Playing an instrument is a lifelong learning process
Advice
- Always do some warm-up before playing a song. This way you prepare your mouth and fingers, as well as making sure that the reed works at its best.
- If you're not sure how to play a note, refer to the fingering chart.
- If you are still not sure if you want to buy a clarinet right away, you can rent one in good condition, especially if the musical instrument shop offers this service.
- You have to clean the reed very often, otherwise it breaks.
- Like any other musical instrument, you should have your clarinet checked regularly at a musical instrument store to make sure nothing is broken or malfunctioning.
- Make sure that the mouthpiece is firm; the flat part of the instrument must be close to the jaw and the rounded one towards the top.
- Listen to professional clarinetists and try to play and "blow" just like them. Start by imitating them and then slowly try to develop your own unique style and sound.
- If you are a capable player, you may want to consider buying a better instrument. Those of the Buffet and Selmer brands are very popular and of excellent quality.
- Keep the clarinet at room temperature. If it gets too cold, the sound becomes flat.
- Do not blow too hard and do not take too much into the instrument; you may have difficulties and the sound would not be pleasant, not to mention the screeching that the clarinet would emit.
- If you play in a sitting position, do not lean back, even if it is quite straight. Stay on the edge of the chair and stay straight. If you assume a hunched posture the sound will be bad.
Warnings
- Don't bite the mouthpiece too hard, you could damage it and hurt your teeth.
- It is difficult to learn to play the clarinet well without the help of a teacher. At first it might seem simple but, if you don't want to be a beginner musician forever, it's better to rely on a teacher.
- Don't chew gum, don't drink or eat sugary foods before playing or even during! Food could enter the instrument or saliva could dry inside and make it sticky.
