Identify and Solve your Squeaking!

[@RobertWilson-ix7wt]

I can relate totally to what this tutor is saying!

[@QuickStartClarinet]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@kharmaviv]

Don't be afraid of the squeak. Learn from it. That's what I have to remember. Thank you! This was extremely helpful. 😃

[@QuickStartClarinet]

I'm glad it helped! And I don't remember if I mentioned it in this video, but everybody squeaks so it certainly isn't the end of the world!

[@gerbennoortman8165]

Thanks your for these great tips. I just started playing the clarinet aigain last week, after a 19 year break. Your tips realy help a lot.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

You’re welcome! I actually have a video about returning after a break that might be helpful if you haven’t seen it yet. Also my how to play for beginners video might be helpful to fill in anything you my have forgotten. The Next Generation Clarinet Method would also be super helpful to give you a clear path of what to work on. Let me know if you need links to any of those and best of luck on your return to the clarinet!

[@victorpashkevich8801]

My main Baine haha that rhymes ... yep to much mouth peice and also noticed changing my mouth position when taking a breathe causing squeak

[@QuickStartClarinet]

Yes! It definitely takes some practice to make sure you are setting your embouchure properly after each breath.

[@grandmasteryoda2402]

Got a performance in a few days, this will help alot!

[@QuickStartClarinet]

I’m glad it was helpful, have a great performance!

[@bibi53962]

Thanks for this one!! I did a competition this year and started squicking due to my fingers (some not completely closed I think), but I kept squicking for like 3 measures. (a little panic I think)It felt really terrible. But I didn't quit, I just kept playing and the rest was even better. It was Cantilene of Cahuzac, so some fast notes. Afterwards I noticed that one screw was loose. I guess this had something to do with it too.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

Congrats on putting yourself out there and doing a competition! Big performances like that are always a great opportunity to grow. Some squeaking isn’t the end of the world, and now you know what to work on for next time!

[@maiiaskrypnyk5234]

Hi! I don't really understand, how many lower lip needs to cover theeth, can you please explain this?

[@QuickStartClarinet]

I like to think about the lower lip just going straight back to cover the teeth. You don’t want a bunch of your bottom lip in your mouth, but you definitely don’t want your teeth touching the reed. If you put your finger right where the red of your bottom lip meets your skin and then push that against your bottom teeth that should give you a close approximation of how much lip should be over your teeth. Of course experiment with a little more or less to see what gives you the best sound.

[@maiiaskrypnyk5234]

@@QuickStartClarinet thanks :)

[@brendareed8412]

My clarinet squeaks when I am playing with my left hand only. G above middle C on up. I am left handed and I wonder what the heck! These notes sound dull to my ear, too. Thank you for your videos.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

The second line of the staff G to third line Bb are the throat tones which are notorious for sounding dull and airy. There are a couple of thoughts I have about squeaking on those. 1. When you go to them make sure you are coordinating really well. For example, if you press the A key before your other fingers are all the way off that will cause a squeak. 2. Hold the clarinet as steady as you can. The less fingers you have on the instrument the less stable it is and if it is moving around in your embouchure that can cause issues. I hope that helps!