Clarinet Lesson: How to play high notes on clarinet part 1

[@TarrinLupo]

Thanks for making these, I am trying to learn via the internet and this is really helpful :)

[@TheManyNations]

This helped immensely! I'm a junior in my school's marching band program, and I've just gotten a very nice Bb clarinet to use for this year. I was completely unable to hit the high C B or A. The tip about biting down on the reed got my scale sounding so much better, thank you!

[@acponyluv]

You Are The BEST!!!!!!! No one ever told me how to tell if you need a stronger reed, I have been playing clarinet for Five years on a 2 reed... I always struggled with high notes above G and now I finally know why!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@paulmiller7241]

Thanks for the clearly presented tips Michelle. Getting back to the clarinet after a 50 year hiatus. The old is forever new!

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm so glad this video helped. It's amazing the difference that the correct reed strength can make. I bet your overall tone will be much stronger now as well. Enjoy those newfound high notes! - Michelle

[@Siralantoon]

Hi Dylan I'm delighted to find another long time guitarist who is as crazy as me! I picked up a clarinet for the first time on my 60th birthday about three weeks ago (july 3rd) I really hope it goes well for you. Alan.

[@doubleghod]

Michelle, thank you so much for your time and effort. God Bless You. I drive a truck cross-country and find myself idle for days at a time in far flung states. I took up the Clarinet so I could find harmony in my own company. When I'd go to a music store to buy reeds, I would ask about the rigidity of the reed and what determines an individual's choice. I'd usually get the generic, "Uh, ya know, dude, whatever you're comfortable with." Anyway, Michelle, after viewing your tubes, I now know.

[@SarahSkilton]

I am a returning learner and was playing a #2.5 Rico reed. I watched your video on choosing reeds and decided to try a #3 V12. Wow, an immediate improvement in warm tones and stronger low and high notes. Thank you as I would never have switched without your advice.

[@Pamgilboa]

Thank you very much, Michelle. You're a wonderful teacher. I managed to get these high notes after listening to your lesson - even with my soft reeds. Much appreciated :)

[@lisawright8097]

Hi Michelle-I know I am one of many who thank you for your help with the clarinet. The flute is my first instrument, but there was a need for clarinet players and I must have had a secret love for the clarinet because I kept dreaming about playing it and I was really good in my dreams, but I believe you are going to be one of the biggest reasons my dreams will come true. Thank you so much for all of your video helps and have a wonderful day!

[@ClarinetMentors]

+Lisa Wright Thanks Lisa. Your comment made my day! It is a good dream you have, and I predict good clarinet futures for you...

[@carloszarinana914]

+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) I cant tell if your clarinet is a b flat or a a clarinet

[@ClarinetMentors]

Carlos Zarinana Most of my videos feature the Bb clarinet, since that is what most people have.

[@kyleb430]

+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Oh I was using a size 2 reed. That's why it wouldn't make the right sound. Thanks for the help!

[@brainsareus]

I don't play clarinet,but I find this fascinating. you are so patient and charming a person,it seems.

[@mikemolaro4198]

as a beginner...these videos are huge time savers! Great tips! thanks!

[@daveward9854]

I find your videos very instructive. I would like to say, however, that I was always told that the best way to get a good sound and also to play well in the higher register, is to practice playing in the low register and by getting a good focused sound in the low register the high register will take care of itself. Then there is the exercise where you play a focused low Bb, and while concentrating on it touch the register key to play a clarion F, then slur down to D, to Bb to F to D to low Bb.

[@tomstancampiano6481]

As a band director this really helped me get my clarinets to play out of the staff. Very clear instructions, thank you Michelle!

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad this helped your section. I find this helps to build confidence, which makes the high register much more accessible.

[@minabard1575]

Just bought a clarinet after not playing for 30 years. This video was really helpful!

[@ClarinetMentors]

+Kerstin Dahl I hope you really have fun with it. You will be amazed at how much your body still remembers. If you want some really basic help to get you going, I have some videos for total beginners (but could be a good review) at: www.clarinetmentors.com/resources/HowToPlayClarinetForBeginners.pdf

[@vincentb9159]

Hi Michelle! Great video on common mistakes people make when learning to play clarinet. I am playing with a 2.5 strength reed on a Mendini clarinet. You pointed on a lot of common mistakes I make. Thanks for posting.

[@Xyl7]

I can't wait until part 2 is released! I'm a sophomore in high school and I need some tips on getting a high G out clearly for regionals. BTW I love this channel so far, keep it up!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Dave - The exercise that you mention is a great one. It is true that if you have a great, focused sound in the low register (which means you are using the best habits/practises) the high register will work well. I find that the high register is more reactive, so it is easier to diagnose what isn't working up there. Correcting the bad habits will improve everything, but will be more noticeable up high. - Michelle

[@mcgator123]

I have been playing bass clarinet for 4 years and I can play in the third octave if I wanted to, but I have only been playing clarinet for a year and I could never hit high notes until I switched to 2 1/2 reeds which helped a little but this tutorial has helped even more

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi - I'm glad this was helpful to you. I think that adults can learn very quickly if they have a good system for learning. I hope all goes well. You can sound quite good on clarinet really quickly! - Michelle

[@messypink1]

thank you soooooo much! i have auditions thursday and i have to play 5 scales and i finally reached my high C thanks to you! :)

[@MattAllenTeller]

Thanks! you nailed it right away as your description fits exactly the problem I have been having. Being a brass player, I have strong chops and a good air flow but started with a #2 reed. On to a #3 forthwith!

[@darvishdivona777]

Thank You so much! You are so generous in your explanations and wise! Thank You again!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi George - I'm glad that helps. The right reed strength for your level of playing makes a big difference. - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Chris - You certainly can play higher notes on a size 2 reed, it is just usually more work than it needs to be. If you don't have enough support from the reed, you need to make up for it by increasing support from your air and embouchure. Most people can play high notes on a soft reed, with lots of air, but it is trickier to achieve a warm mellow sound. If you are using a 2, it would be worth trying a 2/1/2, just once, to see if there is a difference. - Michelle

[@Modestoney]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what i needed. you are a great, great teacher and such a lovely person. Greetings from Vienna. rock on!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Good luck with the audition! It is always comforting when those high notes feel easier! - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Nathalie, Squeaks are usually caused either by our fingers not quite covering the holes, or by accidentally "biting" on the reed. Try the embouchure testing video on the Clarinet Mentors channel, and see if you might be biting. (We tend to do this when we are trying hard.) You might also look in a mirror as you finger between those notes, and see if you notice any fingers coming off of their holes (or hitting a key that they shouldn't). It can also indicate a soft reed.

[@lynnahayden6474]

Thank you soo much !! I Listened to your tips and the next day at band I could perfectly play a high c . So if your struggling too, try these tips and I'm sure you'll be able to play a high not or better than you did before .

[@marcgriffin78]

Absolutely brilliant that, thankyou Michelle. It seems I'm suffering from leakage and chomping! Some REALLY good advice here which I'll incorporate into my practice this afternoon.

[@Snowdancer100000]

Thank you so much! I'm competing tomorrow for first chair in symphonic band and this REALLY helped! :D Thank you so much!

[@CheyenneLovesyuh]

I used to be in band. but i decided I would get back in my senior year (which is next year for me.) Your videos are really helping me!!! Thanks!!

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad they help. It usually only takes a month or so to get your muscles back in shape. Good luck!

[@bgrrrlie]

Thanks! I'll check those! I've just started playing so I'm browsing through all the videos for beginners.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi - If your high C is not even getting air through the instrument, it may be that you are tensing up as you try hard to make it work. This means that sometimes you end up "biting" the reed completely shut. No air can get in. Try dropping your jaw a bit, and blowing faster. If you are talking about the high C with all of your fingers down, that note can blank out if you have a finger leaking air. Look in a mirror, and ensure all holes are covered, especially your fingers right above your pinky.

[@Tams107]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!!! The frustration is REAL!!

[@shinyhuntergabby3244]

thank you so much for these tips. Your clear explanations made me realize that i've had a lot of tension in my mouth as well as a leak with the last hole.

[@williamhuang8538]

Thanks for this video! This helped me play high notes much easier! Thanks so much!!

[@ClarinetMentors]

+William Huang I'm glad this helped! Good luck with your clarinet.

[@bjwminer]

You are awesome. My son could not figure out what he was doing wrong! Thank you!!!

[@ClarinetMentors]

+Brian Wright I'm glad this helped. Usually students will blame themselves if it is not working, and sometimes just having a few pointers can make a big difference.

[@ItsSoooooFluffy]

I have a test tomorrow, and nothing worked until I noticed that the problem was the leaky fingers. This really helped. Thanks

[@dyldvine]

Thanks for the response. So it sounds like there is a trade-off that one accepts in choosing a softer reed. In that it may be well-suited to certain styles, but you must make up for it by being diligent in those other three areas of good embouchure, breath control, and fingering? I'm a beginning clarinetist but a long-time jazz and blues guitarist. I think it's time to try a stronger reed. Thanks for these videos. They are very informative and helpful.

[@Jessyca2832]

Thank you so much this helped me a lot your videos have helped me learn a lot. I am learning how to play bass clarinet for my high school concert band and I'm having trouble with reading music on the staff any tips you could give me that would help me with reading music on a staff easily?

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Natalia - Usually that means that either your thumb is sitting too high on the instrument (you want just the top edge of your thumb to hit the register key), or, you are rolling it too far. You may be rolling it until it hits the register key, and then going a bit extra so that it rolls off the bottom of the thumb hole. Try holding your clarinet in front of you and just look at your thumb as you move between fingering a low note and a high one. When it looks good, play it. - Michelle

[@EstudioLatinoMX]

Thanks Michelle, you are a great teacher!

[@jukenuke509]

These tips are really great!!! I hope to become a great clarinet player.

[@salvaamez11]

this was helpful because i always get the high versions of a song,i am 1st clarinet in my band class

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Hayley, and undertone indicates that you need more support. You need to figure out if that means faster air (usually this is true), a stronger reed (at least a 2-1/2 helps the high register), or perhaps a more developed embouchure (mouth shape). There are lots of online tuners, and tuner apps to help you see if you are in tune. If you are flat, try and improve your embouchure (see video on how to make a first sound for beginners), use speedier air, and imagine that you are saying "Hee".

[@GioAquino94]

I'm not so good at vibrato and I like how you explain things so a video on vibrato would be great.

[@eriklienjohnsen4848]

Great tips and good examples, this really helped me. Thank you!

[@decembertrott8566]

Thank you so much for this video, the reed mistake was the one that got me. Now I'm playing the higher notes with a 2 1/2 after playing a 1 1/2-2. I'm in high school and I'm a brass player so wood winds are not my strength. But because of this video I can play trombone and clarinet in jazz band very well, I forgot to comment on this earlier. I can play all the notes with ease. Thank you! :)

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad the stiffer reed helped. You probably have good air support from trombone, and a stiffer reed would make sense for you.

[@audrey5539]

I had the same exact problem and luckily I'm now able to play high notes a lot easier!

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm so glad this helped. Many people just aren't aware of this, but it can make life easier!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hurray!!!!! It feels good to have things work easily!

[@_kiupo]

Thank you so much! I have a playing test in two weeks (part of exams D:) and I've been having issues with the high register, this really helped! Subscribing :)

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm so glad this helped! Good luck with the exam.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi - Playing flat in the upper register can indicate a soft reed, but it also can be a sign that your tongue position is too low. Try holding your tongue as if you were hissing "HHEEEEE". If your tongue is low (like "AWWW" or OOOOH") you will likely play flat. It is worth experimenting with.

[@budgielife2273]

Wow! Thank you so much! This video helped me a lot!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Austin - The Eb clarinet is mostly challenging because they often don't play in tune easily. All of the pointers in this video definitely apply to high notes on the Eb clarinet. You'll want to ensure that you also have a strong "round" embouchure. Lots of corner support helps with tone on the Eb. You will probably want to sit down with a tuner and play note by note to get a sense of how your instrument works. Have fun with it! - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad it helped. I hope your auditions went well. - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

Many of the tips here are good ones. An undertone means not enough support. You either need a stiffer reed, a more-developed embouchure, or a much faster airstream. Likely your airstream is a bit slower than is ideal for clarinet if you are used to saxophone. Check out my embouchure tester video, which might help to figure that out. Imagine that you are focusing your air stream like the power wash setting on a hose valve. I hope that helps. - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi - Sorry I didn't see this two days ago! Try the pointers in the video. From what you describe, it sounds like you could use faster air, but that the squeaking might indicate you are "biting" a bit. It also sounds like your reed may be too soft. A 2-1/2 makes high notes much easier. Have you tried that?

[@mbrezzybaby]

Wow ! Thank you for this video. My read is soft and my sound comes out just like that.

[@juliewhall162]

Thank you for the video, I can't wait to get a better reed and try out those high notes!

[@richardlopez9837]

Hello Michelle, are there any tips you can give for beginner clarinet players regarding left hand position and playing A above middle G?

[@godhackergaming1]

This really helped me.Thank you

[@ClarinetMentors]

Good idea - it is my list for sure, since many people have trouble with that one. If you watch my video called Faster Fingers Part 1, it will show you how to hold your left hand properly. (Sorry KZbin won't let me link it in a comment.) This can make moving from A to B much easier, since the challenge is usually that our fingers do not get onto the holes easily and quickly. Try it out. - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Nora, Have you tried the suggestions in this video? - Stiffer reed, much faster air, more mouthpiece in your mouth..... Usually the added support of faster air and a stronger reed make a huge difference. Let me know how that goes. - Michelle

[@albreannajenkins7300]

Thank You So Much . This Helps Me For My Marching Band Techniques :)

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad this helps! I hope you are enjoying your marching band.

[@mariajoserios8711]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm using a size 3 Vandoren reed and I'm recieving that affect where it sounds terribly, everytime I try playing a D & E. like you did in the begining of this video. Is size 3 not the correct size of reed? should I upgrade? i've been on 3 of about 2 years know... Thanks, hope to hear from you soon!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hello - I did publish one (partly at your request). I can't add a link into a comments box, but to the the ClarinetMentors video page and look for: Clarinet Lesson - Crossing the Break More Easily - Moving from low notes to high notes. I hope it helps! - Michelle

[@tedtedsen269]

thanks for Your replye i hope you will make an short lesson on how to tune the clarinet With the electronic tuner som says the open g is the best note to tune i tryed that i onley pulled other notes out of tune, som says the clarion c it is so confusing ,thanks anyway for spending time on people

[@tinbaleda9079]

Hi. I just wanted to know if what's the best reed to use for performances? I'm using a 2 1/2 bamboo reed and it's kind of difficult to produce sound.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am just putting together the next list of topics. I'll try and include vibrato. Stay tuned...

[@ClarinetMentors]

If you get a lower sound, you likely need to train yourself to blow much faster. Try blowing with the loudest, "hissiest" airstream possible. Also - for high register notes, you should be on at least a 2-1/2 strength reed. You may already be ready for that. - Michelle

[@spagheddi9694]

Yay finally it worked thank you sooooo much

[@melanier.2483]

The highest i can go is a Bb I try the B but it just sqeaks or no sound comes out.

[@yallgoingtojailperiodt32]

I luv Cake 11 Same, I've been struggling and nothing is working for me.

[@melanier.2483]

Puppy123 AJ i actually sort of figured out how to fix the problem :D I dunno if this will work for you, but try playing the high F first instead of trying to play the high B right away.

[@romron10]

try a lower strength

[@romron10]

try a lower strength

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hello - the audio on my older videos is a problem on some computer systems. I hear that Google Chrome as a browser helps. If you check out the ClarinetMentors KZbin channel, you will find the audio much improved on newer videos. At some point, I will redo these older ones too! - Michelle

[@ClarinetMentors]

Starting on a 3-1/2 reed is unusual, but not bad - just more work than most beginners. Getting the undertone means not enough support for the note - it comes from embouchure, air and the reed. Since you have a fairly strong reed, you should focus on improving your air support. Blow much faster air, and think of the "hee" tongue position described here. Clarinet Lesson: Improve your tone, and play more easily by activating your blowing muscles is another video to check out that may help. Michelle

[@sonyagrigorian8096]

Would you go down an octive Is it by choosing the lower note of it like high C to Bb

[@jazminserrano658]

Hi Im Jazmin and I was wondering what I can do to get the really high notes I am currently using a 3 size reed I dont know if thats a good thing but when I try to hit a note like the high a (2 fingers down register key and thumb) it wont work I would really apreciate your help thanks!

[@afClarinet1]

Your clarinet sounds nice. What kind is it? And do you think you can go over altissimo notes (If you take requests, and if you haven't done it yet)? I always seem to have issues in Symphonic Band at school when hitting those notes, they're always out of tune.

[@CheatsGameAndCodes]

Thank you so much, wow I changed my reed type after this video and it sounded so much better. Thank You! again for the tip. >.

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad this helped!

[@princessalexanderlove]

i have a hard time going from a natural to HIGH e flat. Any specific tips for how to do this?

[@gwendolyn2315]

Hi I was just looking at your ligature and I was wondering about the placement. I've never seen anyone have their ligature screws on the side of the mouthpiece away from them! Where you taught to put it this way and do you think my band teacher would mind if I started to place my ligature in this position? I tried it out for myself and I think I prefer how it sounds! Thanks a ton :)

[@nathaliecharron5400]

Dear Michelle, I am an adult and started learning to play the clarinet 15 months ago and love it. I am playing the upper register but I have a recurring problem: when I go from high B to high A I mostly get a loud squeak, or I can be playing and all of a sudden all the notes come out as a squeak. Do you have a suggestion? Also when playing the higher register ( Csharp, D, etc.) do I need to put more pressure on the reed than for lower notes? Thanks for any suggestion

[@ClarinetMentors]

If the audio is low on this video, you can check out my High Notes 101 video, which has similar content, but uses better technology. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2rGdJKtiJmSbKc

[@scienceisknolwedge]

Would you marry me? Even if I'm 20 years old? I'm in love with you, your videos, the clarinet...

[@austinlea3720]

Im getting an Eb clarinet and im scared I wont be able to play it. is it hard to play in the 2nd octaves?

[@jamesopilas9664]

My school band is going to play three songs from movies and all have some section with high notes so our teacher made the clarinets practice. I'll follow these tips. However, I had a 2 1/2 reed but it chipped... I hope I can buy a new one!

[@MonsterHunter108]

I followed every single one of these tips, have been practicing for months, asked my band instructor for help[, and I STILL can't get these notes. I have a playing test that includes these notes due in two days, and I'm honestly just considering quitting band. So is there anything that I could POSSIBLY be doing wrong or is my instrument broken or SOMETHING

[@pauloteixeira9427]

Thanks so much for the lesson...bless you

[@schadeichsage]

Help!!! I have to be musical-ready in one week and I can't stop getting undertones from everything above high E. I have tried everything you have said in this video, but I can't get rid of it. I have played saxophone for many years, but clarinet only for a very short time and it is proving to be really hard. Do you have any other tips?

[@sillylittlefroggy]

I was wondering i have a vandoran 3 reed and ive been doing my best to get all the way up to high B it just squeeks like crazy and wont come out. any tips?

[@ClarinetMentors]

Lulu Hearts Usually squeaking means that you are "biting" on the reed. The more we squeak, the more we tense up (and bit more, and then squeak more) in a frustrating cycle. Try this video for an exercise that helps you to correct the biting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2O3hnqvidifi68

[@dyldvine]

I read somewhere that Benny Goodman always used a very soft reed, and there seems to be internet rumors circulating that many of the old jazz players did too. Is that true? And if so can you comment on that in how it relates to this discussion of playing high notes?

[@tammypolzer1693]

What is the highest note on the clarinet and what's the fingering ?

[@-memesatboi6650]

Love your music .

[@ClarinetMentors]

+ssundee Stalcup Thanks! I hope these videos are helpful to you.

[@sleepyenby8036]

I can't play any notes where I have to use the register key and other keys and cover up more than six or seven holes.. I have found some alternate fingerings but my band director won't let me use them. I am using size 2 1/2 reeds and I have a fairly cheap clarinet so I don't know if it is me or the clarinet that is at fault. My mom also has an older clarinet that is being refurbished at a shop so I could also use that one if my clarinet is the problem. Any tips???

[@ClarinetMentors]

+Death By Pheels Official Phangirl #20092022 If the holes are not being covered completely, the notes won't play well. This can be fingers not covering the holes, or it can be keys on the clarinet that are out of adjustment. If it is mechanical issues, you should notice a difference when you get the refurbished one back. You can also look in a mirror and see if your fingers are covering the holes all of the way.

[@SilentStarzz]

I recently got a new reed and I keep squeaking. Is this normal?

[@cedarspeice3252]

Hi, I'm playing bass clarinet for marching band (bassoon is my primary) and whenever I go over the break (b, c, d flat, d, e flat especially) I have about a 75% chance of squeaking. Top space E to B flat above the staff speaks pretty well, but I can't get up to C consistently. Do you have any tips to not squeak on those break notes?

[@andrewle2475]

May you please help me? I have lots of trouble switch A to a high note C

[@iDecodeMCPlays]

Andrew Le boiiiiii

[@dancemomsfan3189]

Thank you so much it helped me lot

[@ClarinetMentors]

+7cheernastics I'm glad you enjoyed this!

[@Funnyskilletgirl777]

What brand(s) of reeds would you recommend for a beginner on a budget?

[@ClarinetMentors]

In the medium price range, I like the Mitchell Lurie reeds. They do run a bit on the soft size, so for beginners a 2-1/2 is usually good.

[@Funnyskilletgirl777]

Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks for answering my question!

[@paulinewalker3478]

Hi my name is Natasha and I really need help on how to do the notes C and B I use to know how to last year but I took a 9 months break and now I can't play them anymore can you help me?

[@TheTurtleTube]

Hi! Can you create a video on how to put a proper apostrophe in subtitles? I\'92d love to learn how to to insert that "\'92" everywhere normal people would put a simple single-quote. You know, that thing just to the left of the ENTER key on every keyboard built since 1981? Thanks.

[@eduardofernandez9845]

Very helpful thanks