Even if making scales, whether major, minor or chromatic, is not that fun, they are a fundamental part of one's musical education. The chromatic scale of the clarinet is unique because the clarinet, unlike other reed instruments with more limited extensions, reaches three octaves of extension. To do this, however, the musician must acquire absolute mastery of the high notes. This scale is often requested in exams and is also a great way to learn the fingering of notes and to acquire sound clarity and speed.
Steps
Step 1. First of all
What is the chromatic scale?
Unlike major scales, which follow a precise pattern, the chromatic scale is played by playing every note, including the accidentals, starting from the root and then back down. If you still haven't understood, take a look at this image (chromatic scale of C):
Step 2. And what are enharmonics instead?
Enharmonics are notes that have the same frequency, but are spelled differently. If you are familiar with the piano keyboard, you should have an idea. A "sharp" raises the note by half a step, while a "flat" lowers it by a half step. The white keys on the piano are natural notes, while the black keys are sharps and flats. The black key between D and E is the Eb / D # key, because it is half a tone below E and half a tone above D. These are “enharmonic”. Most of the notes have two names, and when reading a chromatic scale, it is very easy to see this.
Step 3. Become familiar with the clarinet register
On most instruments, a low D and a high D have the same fingering, you just have to act on the octave key on the back of the instrument. In any case, on the clarinet, due to its particular design, the octave clef is called the "register", and closing it the notes will sound higher than a twelfth, and not an octave. Due to this fact, most clarinet fingerings have two names. For example, the thumbhole and the first three covered holes make a C, and closing the register key makes the note a high G. It is important to become familiar with this concept, especially if you intend to transmigrate from other instruments with an octave key (or speaker) such as the saxophone.
Step 4. Warm up
To play a clean chromatic scale, you need to warm up the reed and fingers.
Step 5. Choose a starting note
From any note you start, you will have to play for at least one octave in length. A good note to start with is the "G" (the one below the staff). Generally, when a chromatic scale is requested in exams, a low G or E scale is requested. These notes are also called E and D in concert
Step 6. Play an entire octave with the help of the notes scheme (play each "box" until you reach the highest note) or with a staff
If you start from the low G (Concert F), the scale will be G Basso, G # low, A, Bb, B, and so on, until it reaches G an octave higher (in this case, the G on the second line on the space from the bottom), then back down: Sol, F #, Fa, Mi, Eb, and so on. Play the scale with the minims, quarter notes, eighth notes, etc. and try to see how fast you can play well. Each note must be played in a clean and precise way, even the biscromes.
Step 7. Play two and even three octaves
If you've been playing for a year or two already, the second octave shouldn't be a problem anymore. If you start from the low G, it goes up to the G two octaves above (i.e. the G above the staff) and then returns to the starting note. The third octave is more difficult, but by studying steadily you will be able to perform that too well.
Advice
- If you have problems with high notes, try a harder reed.
- Study the scale starting from all the notes, not just the G. You never know when you might be asked to play a chromatic scale starting from a “strange” note like the Lab. Be prepared.
- Many methods for clarinet (and more) include chromatic scales starting from certain notes and / or exercises with chromatic scales. These exercises are not only fun but also very useful.
- Memorize the chromatic scale, it will certainly be useful and you will not have to carry the staff with you to warm up before playing, and, above all, you will not make a fool of the exams.
- Keep in mind that in exams, more octaves = more points. Most exams consist of pieces to be performed, along with major scales and chromatic scales. The third octave that the clarinet has more than other instruments could be the difference between playing in an important orchestra and the local band.
- Practice with the various fingerings. They are very important, especially in the treble register.
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Image Reed. If you try to play fast but find that the reed doesn't respond well enough, try the French reeds, which are slightly longer and respond better.
Warnings
- If you are trying to memorize the chromatic scale (as required in exams), be sure to memorize the notes and not the fingerings. Otherwise, if you get distracted in the middle of a staircase, you won't know where to start again. Things like that make you lose a lot of points on exams.
- Don't get frustrated. Especially when you practice high octaves it is easy to get angry with yourself. If you get frustrated, let the clarinet rest for a moment and come back when you are less nervous. With a little practice you will learn.
