How to play high notes on Bass Clarinet

Yes, I did this once, but I decided to redo it for you guys. :)

[@BP-dx4ip]

Sometimes I play bass clarinet really loud in band to the point it kinda sounds like a bari sax.

[@Tei_022]

Golden M0nkey Lmfao

[@Yasherdooble]

Thats bad you shouldnt fry a note to play loud it should be loud and controled

[@lucasxue2031]

Same here

[@bradleyphillips3698]

Sameeeee

[@turbulent_chicken]

@@Yasherdooble usually band directors would tell you to be as loud as possible.

[@braydonpetty4362]

I’ve been playing bass clarinet for like 3 years and normal clarinet for 2 years because I switched from clarinet to bass clarinet

[@ariannawelch2115]

I play the flute and trombone so idk why I’m here

[@stevenshockley4237]

gand beek Thanks for coming anyway :)

[@ethancampbell9096]

Flute and trombone are 2 entirely different instruments in just about every way except that they take air and make music...

[@AOSMAKAKMS]

@@ethancampbell9096 in the typical American concert band for school they’re are together cause trombone is the lowest and flute is the highest as they don’t have any other low voice At the beginning but Trombone and bassoon Will anchor them

[@AOSMAKAKMS]

@@ethancampbell9096 Forget I wrote that comment.

[@AOSMAKAKMS]

@@ethancampbell9096 You hold them.

[@makennalogsdon9712]

I played Bb clarinet last year as a sixth grader and now as a 7th grader I play bass clarinet and I tried to play the higher notes but I don't think it sounded right,help

[@juliedoebereiner510]

Me to

[@yoosun1028]

oup same

[@weirdkidonyoutube5218]

Same

[@melireee3632]

I’ve been playing Bb Clarinet for about a year,then my band director threw me on Bass Clarinet. Im pretty excited!

[@dinahbailey5329]

This video helped so much! I am in seventh grade and started playing b flat clarinet in fourth grade. I recently started bass clarinet and this video helped so much! Thank you!

[@stevenshockley4237]

No problem at all! I'm so glad I could help. I switched to Bass from Bb around 7th grade too, and when I first tried high notes I was like Wait...why won't they come out? haha

[@dinahgalitza9799]

lucky! I couldn't even switch to clarinet until high school. The band director told me is a maybe for bass next semester. And I like your name cx

[@stevenshockley4237]

Haha :) guess I was just lucky. Thanks xD I never really liked my name..

[@rlsavage2]

Old school trick I was taught, get some balloons, medium sized ones, blow them up as fast as you can, you will notice your throat will open up, apply the same action to the bass or contrabass clarinet, start on the low register, it will give you the basis to learn air control and not to sound airy, if you are just starting i say use a #2 reed and work up to a 3 or 4.

[@reelee9746]

The back of your bass clarinet looks way different from mine

[@lexi2819]

Ree Lee Mine too!!!!!!

[@irispark3081]

Hi I legit started bass clarinet today, and I come from Bb clarinet for 3 years. However, I can't play over the break on bass clarinet without squeaking! Any tips?

[@stevenshockley4237]

Iris Park Fun :) yeah that's very common. Basically comes down to support. Try tightening your embechure and see if it helps.

[@stephanle7381]

I played bass clarinet for a year and I can barely get a high d off the staff

[@stevenshockley4237]

Yeah, that's where it starts to get tricky :) do you still play?

[@stephanle7381]

Yeah I still do and it's getting easier, but I can't go higher than the altissimo high d

[@stevenshockley4237]

Altissimo is hard for me too, I can get to a G then things just start sounding awful...lol

[@TheEeveeTrianer]

Stephan Le You need fast air and a tight embouchure. How I learned is my music teacher poked my mouth piece with a pencil and the mouth piece would move out of my mouth. So he kept doing it until my embouchure was tight enough to hold it in place and play and after that I had no problem. a good reeds Is also something needed to play above the staff. you're going to need at least a 3. 2 1/2 can work but it can also cause some funky sounds to occur. long tones also help a lot.

[@rg823v]

thanks this really helped now i can play high notes on my bass clarinet

[@stevenshockley4237]

I'm glad it helped :)

[@mariocaire8290]

I went from upright bass to this, but I still play upright bass but *hint* put more air threw that bass clarinet, dont be scared put a big blow and it gives a deeper sound, but over all wonderful job you really helped.

[@stevenshockley4237]

Mario Caire Glad I could help. You're not wrong, I haven't played bass regularly in almost 4 years, so I'm rusty haha, just wanted to do something helpful for people that might need it.

[@brevinnicole9301]

I played Bb clarinet for 3 and a half years then almost 4 months ago, my band directors threw me on bass. 😐

[@stevenshockley4237]

Bass is my favorite woodwind :)

[@climate_insight]

That sad feeling comes in......

[@angelenabartolotta3768]

I'm a freshman at high school and i seriously just stared playing bass yesterday, (ive played b flat clarinet for 4 years now)and this will definitely come in handy while i practice so thank you very much!

[@stevenshockley4237]

Angelena Bartolotta Aw I'm so glad you found it useful! No problem at all :)

[@jackieramirez1014]

Angelena Bartolotta omg same but I've played the clarinet for 6 years

[@angelenabartolotta3768]

Jackie Ramirez oh wow cool!

[@darrellhowell6219]

Angelena Bartolotta u 2?!!! I played it for 4 years and still doing it to this day

[@meagynfranklin7304]

Also same. I just got mine today!

[@liberty_or_death]

Just came across this video. 40 and looking to get back into it. Are you still playing?

[@macsingsstuff]

This video was so helpful. I’m going into my last year of high school and decided to try out bass clarinet for the summer (I’m a flute). Thank you!

[@stevenshockley4237]

I'm so happy to hear that! I'm really glad this video still helps people. If you like country, I got some originals as well as covers on this channel. I'm gonna get back to uploading soon

[@nitv8196]

also play bass clarinet myself love your tone quality

[@stevenshockley4237]

Niana Lewis Thanks :) it's not perfect by any means, I haven't played Bass Clarinet seriously in a year now lol.

[@nitv8196]

Oh well still sounds good I've only player for two years

[@nitv8196]

What major scale are you

[@tonylamaestra8402]

After 5 years high notes get really easy

[@austinjohnson2977]

I am still confused as to why I am failing to play above high F. Right when I do F# or G, I tend to just squeak it. High B to high F sounds clean, but at that breaking point it squeaks really bad. Does anyone know why this happens?

[@stevenshockley4237]

Could be an air leak, bass clarinets are SO prone to going out of adjustment. One slight malfunction had me being the loudest squeaker during a concert back in middle school when dinosaurs roamed in 2008, absolutely embarrassing lmao

[@Ikury_X]

so i just got a bass clarinet for band today. (came from playing the clarinet for 2 years because the school band only has like 3 lower instruments. like litterally only 1 trombone one tuba and 1 euphonium and no other low instruments) when i try to do the high notes it just kinda doesn't high note? like if i try to do like a high D it just comes out as a G. like no airy sound or like muted sound, it just is a G. So im wondering if this is me not knowing how to do this properly of if the bass clarinet is just really old and like on its last legs? oh by the way i was wondering if the pad that covers the octave key thing is supposed to go down when i press it with the key under it?

[@stevenshockley4237]

I wish I had a better answer for the register key, but a lot of bass clarinets are made different so I couldn't say for sure. If the instrument is old, any air leaks or bad pads will definitely hinder high notes from coming out. If the instrument is all good, at that point it is still worth saying that high notes on bass are generally harder to work with than Bb, especially in the beginning. Mine currently has some stuff I gotta fix, I haven't touched it since shortly after filming this several years ago.

[@Ikury_X]

@@stevenshockley4237 thanks! will def check in with the teacher next class 👍

[@Midnights-Labyrinth]

please help me i dont know whether to do bass clarinet next year or stay Bb clarinet. could you explain the differences? Sorry i am kind of stressing out lol

[@stevenshockley4237]

Aw no need to stress :) you'll enjoy either. Bass is my favorite. It's just, powerful and big. Not toooo much harder to play either.

[@meralynbrimer1515]

I can get a high E in the Bass clarinet. I have played mine for 2yrs and I played the Bb clarinet for 1 year and i got really good at that and moved up. And i am doing it all wrong i have a really airy sound. I still take mine home every day to practice for a solid 4 hrs. I'm getting better. But I got have those buttons on the back by the thumb holder. That is different.

[@stevenshockley4237]

I haven't played clarinet since that video, so right now I would sound like absolute crap haha

[@meralynbrimer1515]

@@stevenshockley4237 I still sound like absolute crap. Ha

[@nicolerogers7544]

I started playing bass clarinet today, I have a little struggle with the low A. (Thumb 1, 2, 3, Then 1 And 2 from the other hand.) embouchure I have no worries about, the teacher said I just need to put in more air. I can play the low B and the low G but I have struggles with the low A. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong but maybe I will find it out. I can get the high B, C, D, and almost have the E. That’s high enough for me but I need to work on the low A.

[@stevenshockley4237]

It's Nicole & Friends If you can get the G but not the A, maybe there's an air leak, or a key needs to be adjusted. If you can, get someone that's experienced to try your instrument and see if it's okay :)

[@ericvang8640]

I think it is hard for me to play high notes on bass clarinet for me because the reed is too big. It is easier for me to play high notes with a reed size 1 1/2. I think maybe a bit more practice with the smallest size reed will help me with a larger size reed. Is it natural for the reed to dry out quickly? 5 seconds later, what??? already dry???

[@ericvang8640]

I just don't have time to buy my reeds, so I get them free from my teacher, but only a size 2.

[@ericvang8640]

However, it can be hard for me to play low notes with the smallest size reed.

[@TheEeveeTrianer]

Eric Vang I recommend a size 2 1/2 -3 Vandoren reed. if your teacher is giving you a Rico reed that may be your problem. fast air is also a must.

[@nicolerogers7544]

Eric Vang those are reed strengths not reed sizes. My reed strength is 2 1/2 on bass clarinet. On Bb clarinet, it’s a 3 or a 3 1/2 because I can play more notes on it.

[@brookecain6029]

Soak your reeds in a glass of water for 5 minutes before you play

[@grahampaisley6995]

which read size should i use?

[@mackley4689]

Graham Paisley if the bass is the first reed instrument you've played, then a 2 or 2.5. If you've played another reed instrument, then you should probably use a 2.5 or 3

[@nicolerogers7544]

Graham Paisley it’s reed strength not reed size. The box should say bass clarinet and I recommend going down half a size if you have played clarinet before.

[@stevenshockley4237]

Graham Paisley The ones that beat me to the reply gave good advice :) I would say the same thing.

[@rainw2482]

If you’re beginning use a Rico 2 1/2 because it’s thinner and it’s recommended for beginners. Then switch over to vandoren or Mitchell lurie or another good brand.

[@Makanalanimakamae]

This entire time I’ve been playing my alto clarinet wrong I saw your mouth was further up than mine so I thought oh I’ll try that then I did and I sound so much better

[@GameroftheWinds]

Hi, I also started renting a accent bass clarinet and my high notes(clarion) feel like they require a lot of air plus everything above the E over the break is extremely flat to the point where it sometimes goes down a half step. The tuning joint is completely in and not pulled out at all and I tried stronger reeds. Please help!!

[@stevenshockley4237]

Yikes. Naturally high notes do require more air, but it shouldn't be like you have to make a tornado to make them come out haha. Try having a tighter embecure (probably butchered that word) You may see some people use mouthpiece pads, reason being you have to bite a bit on the top part of the mouthpiece. Once you have that, mess around with tightening the bottom, until it's enough where the notes are in tune and the reed can still move. you'll know it's too much when the reed won't sound. I hope this helps a bit..

[@GameroftheWinds]

+Steven Shockley I tried everything with my embouchure to no avail. Doesnt the bass clarinet tend to go sharp in the upper register?

[@stevenshockley4237]

It tends to, yes, especially when the neck is all the way in lol. Maybe something is just not adjusted properly. I know when I got mine, it needed a bit right out of the box.

[@GameroftheWinds]

+Steven Shockley Yeah the neck was all the way in and was flat lol. Ughhhh Im going to have the music store give me another make so that I can see if its me which I really dont think it is since the upper register speaks easily its just extremely flat. Thanks for the advice!

[@TheEeveeTrianer]

look up the brand. Some basses are just not made well

[@Zitialien]

I tried biting the reed a bit harder and took the deepest breath I can and blew. I tried a lot of times and to go from low to high but ended up squeaking. How should I prevent that?

[@edibletwix]

Tuck bottom lip, bite on the top mouthpiece while closing ur mouth around the mouthpiece

[@TheEeveeTrianer]

Zit Hat Fast air is key. Also make sure you have good reeds.

[@savionbarnett6977]

Bruh this was so helpful im in 7th grade and came from tuba to bass clarinet thanks so much

[@stevenshockley4237]

No problem at all :) I'm really glad this helped!

[@khall6644]

I'm b flat clarinet I was curious on what a bass clarinet was

[@stevenshockley4237]

keilidh H Ah :) it's basically just a big clarinet that sounds an octave lower than a Bb, and has a sax-ish neck and bell.

[@khall6644]

Steven Shockley ok

[@piggyninjas2648]

And it has the same fingerings

[@FilmsterStudios]

I’m a Bari sax player and I have to learn bass clarinet for a song in jazz band, and I’m struggling lol

[@stevenshockley4237]

I struggled when I first learned bari sax because I played bass clarinet haha it's tricky. I respect those that can go back and forth like nothing :D

[@pats.8511]

Bass clarinet in jazz what?

[@FilmsterStudios]

We three kings by Ted Nash@@pats.8511

[@ozzieburt2350]

Awesome!

[@stevenshockley4237]

Thanks :)

[@gabriellacomes7993]

can you use this method for notes above the staff as well?

[@stevenshockley4237]

You should be able to :) I assume you mean the 3rd register. I'll probably do a video on that at some point.

[@war.helmets9636]

Whats the brand of your bass clarinet

[@stevenshockley4237]

Hiya :) I use an Accent BC742C, probably the cheapest low C Bass without getting to a crap instrument. Had to adjust it out of the box, but it plays great now.

[@Brainsneeze2002]

Thank you this actually helped me

[@stevenshockley4237]

Awesome! :) no problem at all :)

[@tobyluk408]

Great!although i play the Bb clarinet.Its still seems useful for me

[@stevenshockley4237]

Glad you still got use out of it :) yeah, most if not all of it applies to Bb as well.

[@vincentaramburu1996]

duuuuuuuude you helped me so much and you so good thank you soooooooooo much

[@stevenshockley4237]

I'm so glad :) no problem at all :)

[@MARKLINMAN1]

What model bass Clarinet is that?

[@josephisaguy]

looks like a school model...school band season eh?

[@Harginger__]

Rip I can only play up to high D, and that’s it 😂

[@Naomilichis]

Same but what I did was play like a low a or a low g then quickly switch to a high note it might help

[@paradoxx0468]

This was was super good!! Cant get mine to play past high D tho :((

[@doughnutcraver7128]

I see you have a professional bass clarinet. Those are easier to get the high notes on

[@stevenshockley4237]

It's an Accent, it's a cheap version of a professional Clarinet haha. I do remember my student Bass in middle school squeaking a lot in the middle of the 2nd register.

[@josephrivera8507]

I can play an altissimo g and that’s on the 5th octave of a bass clarinet

[@joeysalinas74]

Ive been a bass clarinet for about 6 months now i been a Bb clarinet for 4 years ive been taking private lesson for about 5 months now and to tell you the truth your sound sounds a little off idk if its the recording or your tune? I made area with my bass clarinet and ive only been playing it for 2 months at the time lol im a sophomore and on the high notes think of a doo sound so you can get your highnotes out and coming from a clarinet i had to do alot of adjustment but i got it like nothing

[@stevenshockley4237]

My sound wasn't perfect by any means haha. At the time of the video I hadn't been playing regularly for 2 years, and my good mouthpiece got destroyed by a dog so I was stuck with a Yamaha 4C, which didn't help. I wanna play more and get back to where I was a couple years ago,bi just have so many other projects that take priority right now...lol.

[@catbread6944]

I know more fingerings to go to a SUPER high C

[@hoodwink00]

Great vid it helped a lot but for future vids put the camera level to you face and quit staring off into space while talking and also keep on keeping on.

[@stevenshockley4237]

Haha :) thanks! I had just woke up when I did this one lol, that didn't help.

[@mr.deathly2105]

Me who subbed because of the cat. Lol

[@Jaujau933]

😱 hmmmmmmm ? ☹️

[@kooshikoo6442]

?? This video is telling me that there is a register key?? That's just condescending.

[@samj749]

Impossible

[@Lokis_Tea]

My register key is broken r.i.p. each like is one prayer 😭

[@stevenshockley4237]

That makes me sad :(