Learn To Play Extreme Clarinet High Notes - Klezmer Lesson #8

[@ellenko4063]

I'm a 16yr old trying to major in Clarinet. Im currently playing the Concerto no2 by Spohr and i was having trouble reaching the C but this helped so much. Thank you!!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

So glad this has been helpful! Good luck with your clarinet studies.

[@الكوافيرهشام-ع6ظ]

Hello

[@svennygmusic3043]

Wow! I played this too in my youth! Challenging😂and beautiful music👍🏼😻I think he was a violinist, so he didn't really care how difficult it would be for us😂good luck and succes👍🏼👍🏼💃🏼💃🏼

[@quentinm.williams9]

gosh your tone is amazing !

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Thanks!

[@madadadaddie]

yo this is the equivalent to high flute notes

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Yes, but because the clarinet is pitched in Bb when I play a High C a flutist would have to play a Bb to match the pitch. All flute note names and fingerings are one whole step down from the clarinet for the same sound

[@mannymoney6982]

I tuned the highest note on piccolo and used the fingers and they match

[@olivertheolive1208]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet but can we play higher than altisimo C?,I mean it still won't work because the flute has a cousin called a PICOLO AND WO8LD EASILY PLAY HIGH C AND LAUGH AT US BECOUSE WE ARE TOO LOW.

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@olivertheolive1208 Yes, you can play higher. Here is my video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHdZoqJaMmJbKc

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@Ben Lopez So sorry, just saw your message --only a year late :) Voicing these notes for me feels like my tongue is positioned as if I were saying "yell". But it's more about just having a huge amount of diaphragm support. A harder reed and a lot of mouthpiece can help in the beginning too.

[@mannymoney6982]

I can ditch my Eb clarinet now

[@Deathcap24]

What kind of clarinet do you play? It sounds amazing

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Thanks. I play a standard Buffet

[@pigfairies4752]

i couldnt find a video that shows how to play notes higher than high high G

[@hellosara00]

Mooood high high g

[@deara3424]

I started the b flat clarinet last year in September, and I've significantly impressed them, now what t'ill they hear this.

[@sarastonebell9053]

Oh my god my parents and neighbors are going to hate me. But I can't wait to try this lol.

[@misty2951]

I can only occasionally hit that high ass G lmao, I need to figure out how to hit the high E for the national anthem every time instead of just sometimes 😅

[@reedsuperiority3102]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This helped me so much to get to the super high notes and your playing is amazing the control you have is phenomenal

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

thanks. I'm so glad you find it helpful!

[@Tei_022]

That’s actually like.. amazing. Like her tone is good too.

[@evancameron2204]

Your tone is amazing. I'm quite sad, I have a lead part for a jazz number that ends on Quadruple C, and I wanted to go (triple) G, A, Bb, B, C-(hold 1 measure) QUADRUPLE E, but I just can't find a good altissimo fingering for quad E (my max range seems to be quad D right now). Your fingering for Quad C is much more in tune than what I used to use though, so thank you so much!

[@raywang212]

0:30 uhh u mean the high high g? G3=low g G4=nomral g G5=high g G6=high high g

[@alyssathefool3051]

Ray Wang I thought she was talking about normal high G as well

[@eduardosarmiento8985]

Thanks for the great content

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

My pleasure. So glad you find it helpful, Eduardo

[@roridori3401]

I play clarinet and recently started playing bass clarinet. On the clarinet I can go up to a high g, but on the bass clarinet I can only go to a high c (except on bass clarinet, c, b, and d sound really squeaky) but I am working on getting better.

[@buggyhuman]

as a fellow bass clarinetist it helps for me to keep my jaw tight but mouth pretty open in an O shape (kinda flat tho heh)

[@zovekai433]

This video really helped me! I managed to reach the D above the Highest C by experimenting with fingerings and I’m really proud of myself! Thank you so much for the video!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

You're so welcome!

[@becktheguy9107]

I know I am insanely late but I thought I could get some of these then I tried to play the high g you mentioned at the beginning at just couldn’t lol. You have very good at clarinet

[@meiwooo]

Omg thank you! I was actually struggling on high G, the one that is 4 above the staff, and I couldn’t play it. I’m gonna keep practicing it today so I can get used to it. I just wanna say keep up the good work! And I love your tone omgg it’s so good 💞😌

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Hey thanks so much. Yes, try a slightly harder reed, take in a little more mouthpiece, blow very fast and consistent air and you'll start getting the High G no problem. Tongue position is very important but hard to explain in words. Just try the first few suggestions and where that takes you. Good luck.

[@aby3548]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet thankkk you!!!! I was struggling on it and all I did was take in more mouth piece and it worked first try

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@aby3548 Great! Glad to hear it!

[@danielsu3443]

Yooo that’s insane, I am just about learn it, u are gonna help me so much!!!! Btw, great tone, how long have you been playing clarinet!!??

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Been playing a LONG time. I'm glad you find this helpful.

[@vivianliu4331]

hello! thanks for your teaching, very useful!! However, everytime I play high A, it is flatten.....do you have any idea about it? thanks!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Hi Vivian, you could try putting down the right pinky F/C key instead of the Ab/Eb key. Also, try a harder reed, take more mouthpiece, hold the clarinet up from your body like you're pointing the bell at someone. Hopefully these suggestions will help!

[@aridcynic7605]

Thank you so much! 😁😍

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Glad to help

[@Lcxruns]

i use high a fingering as only register key, thumb, fingers 2 and 3 on left hand, and press c# / f# key on pinky. bb: high a but release thumb from f hole b and c: same as in vid but u can try more and prob play more in tune than me c# is lh 2, 3 and rh 2, 3, right pinky, thumb and rk (registerkey) d: thumb, rk, lh 3, rh 3, right pinky d# and above: reed squeaking, d# thumb, rk, lh 2,3, rh 1, 3, right pinky e: thumb + rk, lh 1, 2 and rh 1,2,3 pinky f: thumb + rk, lh press A key with index finger and the 1st key (normally u press it with finger u use for a key but that is taken so u use middle finger, then rh only 3 and pinky, then with finger 1 side u press 3rd and 4th key (the side keys on clarinet that are only used for the bb to c trill) f#: thumb + rk, lh press a key and finger 3 key, then press bb/eb banana key with middle finger, also press 3rd and 4th side keys, and rh 2, 3, pinky g: thumb + rk, lh 2, rh 2 + pinky, press low e pinky key on lh g#: same as g but u press ab key with palm too a: same as high f but beyond idk, ive tried using thumb (ONLY REGISTER KEY PRESSED) and pressing 3rd trill key (a to bb trill) and similar bye

[@uchekennedyYT]

Thank you very much for this series I definitely got a lot. thanks again Robin Seletsky

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

You're very welcome. Glad you find them helpful

[@megan_solleder]

I thought the clarinet could only play up to a G

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

It's true that most clarinet music doesn't go higher than a G or A but the clarinet can definitely go higher

[@h4ppy3307]

Megan well ur in for a surprise

[@howdareyee2718]

Oml same

[@klue3721]

Megan Nope

[@joshhayward9376]

No its possible

[@abedinsubashi]

I can only go up to the highest F#. What are the fingerings for high G

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Try putting left middle finger down and right index and middle finger down. And have right Ab/Eb pinky key down as well. There are lots of fingerings for high G but that is a good basic one.

[@abedinsubashi]

Robin Seletsky I doesn’t work, I’m just getting an F# instead

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@abedinsubashi Try putting on a really hard reed and taking a lot of mouthpiece. If you're fingering it correctly but still getting an F# it just means that you're not quite blowing it up to pitch. Make sure that your tongue is "high" inside your mouth - like your saying "Yeh"

[@ls3r919]

So i gotta blow more air, more mouth piece...got it! And also what do you mean by a hard reed? The only obstacle im in is playing high high high F#...

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

I'm referring to the strength of the reed. So you might try a reed with a higher number and see if that helps to get the extreme notes out. In other words if you usually play on a 2.5 reed, try a 3 or 3.5.

[@ls3r919]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet i use a number 3 reed is that good?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@ls3r919 if you can get to the highest notes with a #3 reed then that's great. If you still have trouble though try a 3.5 just to see if they'll come out more easily. Once you get the hang of it you should be able to get those notes out with your usual strength reed.

[@ls3r919]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet thank you for the advice!!!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@ls3r919 Sure thing. Good luck!

[@rudeway]

I love this video Robin Thanks :)))

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Thanks! More tutorials coming in a month or two.

[@rudeway]

Robin Seletsky I look forward to it thanks and have a great week :)))

[@ventura0420]

What mouth piece are you using?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

A Backun mouthpiece with a pretty close facing. I use Vandoren Blue Box reeds, 3.5. It's roughly the same setup I use for classical playing.

[@kookietae3151]

Why am I here when im in my 6th month of band playing the clarinet..

[@MusicWithMrMinecraftProNoobCla]

I learned these in when I was 10

[@simonejay8475]

@Brooklyn Mccarley Brooo, when did you start plating the clarinet?? I didn't even know it existed in 6th grade.

[@lennytapez]

I learned his when I was 10

[@awesomethegreatamazing2651]

I’ve seen notes on clarinet higher than this. Can you please do a video on them, and how to play them. Thanks!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Hi, I did a video on how to play some of the even higher notes. Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHdZoqJaMmJbKc. Thanks for watching.

[@yourparents]

Thank you! This so helpful! Question: my bridge key is slightly "off" making forked Bb one octave below the highest Bb sound fuzzy and very difficult to get to the next high B natural. Will repairing the bridge key make it easier?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

It might make it easier. But you might want to first check the tone hole - it could be a little bit plugged up which would make make the note stuffy. Also, if the pad is thick there may not be enough clearance which would also make it stuffy. Regarding the regulation of the bridge key - do you use the 1+1 fingering for Bb? If not, it can be easier to put the whole mechanism into alignment. If you do use 1+1 it can be a little trickier. Hope this helps.

[@michaelpfahler1022]

I looove the Backun mouthpieces, currently on the ART. Have you gotten a chance to try their new manufacturers? I forgot their name, (possibly Richard Hawkins but don’t quote me) but they did change their mouthpiece manufacturing so they should be a bit different now. Would love to hear someone as you giving opinions!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Yes, I play a Backun and have for years. You're right, the new rollout is by Richard Hawkins but I haven't tried them. He is very good though and I used to have all my students play his mouthpieces. So, it might be a great match. I should try them...

[@pigfairies4752]

this is awesome

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Thanks! Glad you find it helpful

[@addyourname5570]

Back in the day I could hit double octave C without a run-up. My tone was nowhere as nice as yours though. I would have killed for that gentle vibrato.

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Thanks so much!

[@stevemarx415]

Thank you for the high Bb I been using the other Bb fingering . I found 2 notes higher then C But I use a 5 reed Which I think couldn't be used in music anyway . i like 4 and 4.5 the most . thanks again for the fingering

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Great - glad to know this was of some help. Here is another video that teach the two notes higher than the double C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHdZoqJaMmJbKc. And here is an article I wrote on playing those notes. robinseletsky.com/index.php/blog/23-learn-extreme-clarinet-high-notes Good luck!!

[@sophiaa3284]

hi Robin, Is there another fingering for high altissimo C? Thank you, Sophie

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Hi Sophie, Not really. You could add the sliver keys on the upper and lower joint perhaps to make it a bit sharper. But if the note is coming out, or you can't sustain it, then it probably has to do with air and tongue placement.

[@giseleevans7266]

I found this very helpful, however I can't seem to hit anything above the Bb, is it just something I need to continue working on?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Try putting on a REALLY hard read and taking in a huge amount of mouthpiece. Once you get the B natural and C out you won’t need to take such extreme measures. It’s just to get those notes out the first time. Let me know if this works.

[@Biggumus883]

Thank you! I didn’t know that you didn’t need the thumb for some of those notes

[@mattgnan5309]

Huh. I always overblow f when going to high a, I’ll have to try it with e, might help with tuning and visualisation!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Yes, the high A is part of the same overtone series as the E.

[@goldenoodles6281]

Oh God I'm struggling for E the double above staff. I might need a harder reed but I don't want to waste my currently 2s. I can do high D.

[@gallafia3771]

Does anyone know how to properly overblow E? I can play G easily, but am stuck on A.

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Try taking in a little more mouthpiece and put on a slightly harder reed.

[@gallafia3771]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet thank you so much the note is starting to come out. Any tips on making the note not forte? With the amount of air I'm using the note is very loud.

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@gallafia3771 Yes, it'll be loud in the beginning. But that's okay. Just keep playing it even it's loud until you develop a feel for being able to sustain the note comfortably. Then switch to a less heavy reed and take a normal amount of mouthpiece and eventually you'll be able to control the dynamics more easily in that range. (You also need really consistent airstream)

[@franciscogalarza5777]

I play this on a trumpet I literally died

[@franciscocano4761]

is it any major difference if im trying to reach these notes on a 2.5 reed?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

You might have better luck with a 3.0. Try that and if you still need to go harder try a 3.5

[@georgia.newman]

I love my high high high high high notes

[@pitchpedalplodpaddlepaint8158]

I'm back playing after a 20 year absence (called making a living) and I've joined a newly formed swing band. My question is, are you able to play these high notes on student/entry level clarinets or are there specific models that are best suited? Long or short mouthpieces too? I really need to purchase something that will be capable of these high notes. i'm currently struggling getting a smooth top E at the moment. Any model suggestions/prices?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Hi David, equipment can make a big difference but it also depends on how you voice that register with your embouchure and tongue. This particular video deals with the extreme notes which you wouldn't need right away. Aim for just getting up to the high G. Send me an e-mail [e-mail] and let me know what equipment you're using now. It'll be easier through e-mail to have a longer discussion about getting your high register back in shape

[@pitchpedalplodpaddlepaint8158]

Many thanks for your reply. I only have access to a student entry level Elkhart with a B45 mouthpiece. I have also noticed that there a variants in fingering for high notes. Think i'll stick with what i have for a few months to build up my embouchure, then visit a specialist and try a few different mouthpieces and secondhand serviced clarinets. I'll check out more of your lessons. They're great!!! Thank you! Dave

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@pitchpedalplodpaddlepaint8158 Yeah, the B45's are pretty open. You might try a slightly closer mouthpiece if you can. When you're ready to upgrade, student model Yamaha clarinets are pretty good. And I like the mouthpieces made by Richard Hawkins. I have all my students playing on them. But my feeling is that it's much less the equipment than it is the player. Keep consistent air, point the chin, try to keep your tongue "high". If you're still having trouble getting a high E out you can take in a little more mouthpiece in your mouth. Play long tones on the high notes ( if you can stand it). Then when you upgrade your equipment you'll be that much more ahead of the game. If you ever want to take a lesson I could show you some high register exercises too. Good luck!

[@AliasgarVirdiwala]

Madam what is clarinet company & model no?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

It's a Buffet R13 but I had a platform key and extensions put on the lower joint many years ago because of a hand injury. That's why it looks a bit different

[@AliasgarVirdiwala]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet Madam specifically which model do you use in R13?

[@r2s156]

@@AliasgarVirdiwala Just a regular R13. It's not a Tosca or Prestige or Greenline. It's not even silverplated :)

[@weewoo719]

as of now, i am in the marching band and we require playing a high d to a high high d, and my high high d tends to be flat. how should i fix it?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Use a harder reed, take more mouthpiece and be sure to have your pinky down on the Ab/Eb key

[@mannymoney6982]

What happens if I use these fingers on Eb clarinet?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

They can work. However, my experience with the Eb is that in that extreme high range you often have to finger the note 1/2 step above the note you want to play because they can be so flat. So, if you want a double Bb to sound you should finger a double B natural. Make sense? Also, use a super hard reed and take a LOT of mouthpiece

[@mannymoney6982]

Yeah I noticed this on Bb clarinet that the notes are flat and have to play a step up

[@isaiahmorris6566]

Me: "oh this could be a good video to help me play high c." Video: "plays one octave higher than what I was expecting."

[@fionafatjona4541]

Wow I love your playing goood work! I swear I can’t play it because I have 2.0 reeds lol

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Try a 2.5. And if that doesn't work try a 3. And take in a lot of mouthpiece

[@TRUMPETSIZZLE]

high G is the G on top of the staff. are you talking about the DOUBLE HIGH G? there aren't two high G's....

[@meltaku355]

Kurt Thompson open G right?

[@Jaxonrwc]

Double high G

[@raywang212]

the g she is playing is the highest g possible on the clarinet (G6) the ABSOLUTE HIGHEST note on the clarinet is C7, resting 5 lines higher than the top of the staff

[@parkerarnett1052]

I can play a high g but i cant play a E or F ????

[@poetrysd2574]

I can’t even play a high g and i’m first chair in my high school band ... help Edit: I’m talking abt the g on the 4th ledger line

[@poetrysd2574]

Plus my tone is terrible once I hit a high d

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@poetrysd2574 Try a slightly harder reed just to see if you can get the high notes out. And take in a little more mouthpiece. Blow really hard and if you can get the High G, practice holding it and then eventually tonguing it. You also need to make sure the oral cavity inside your mouth is not dropped -but this is hard to explain. Just try the first few suggestions and see if it helps. It takes time to get those notes sounding good. Good luck.

[@rainbowrainbow6218]

I can reach all notes to A but I can't do B,C or higher

[@KeaTreat1751]

Im 12 and i already know these 😂

[@mannymoney6982]

Where is the G#?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

You can overblow a high C while adding the bottom side key (Eb/Bb sk), the right hand pinky and sliver key. If that doesn't work for you let me know. There are other fingerings for high G#.

[@phobicyt9920]

What type of reed should I use, number 3?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

I would try a slightly harder reed than your usually use. If you still can't get the notes out keep trying harder and harder reeds until they speak. At first, you may also have to put a whole lot more mouthpiece in your mouth to get the notes out. Eventually you won't need to do that. Hope this helps

[@slankan]

yoo what's that intro!?

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

It's Naftuli Brandwein playing this tune kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqCae5Rjd82rftU

[@yourlocalholywatermerchant1750]

I can't play high B

[@rainbowrainbow6218]

your local holy water merchant same

[@lucasxue2031]

I know a guy that can play 5 and half octaves on contrabass clarinet C1 to F6

[@Tadcoco]

Bro you can’t even hear C1 though it’s too low to hear

[@georgia.newman]

Now the big question is can I go higher than that?!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

I bet you can. Here's a video for notes up to the double C# and D kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHdZoqJaMmJbKc

[@georgia.newman]

@@RobinSeletskyClarinet ohhh I’m gonna try these now. Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

@@georgia.newman Just sent an e-mail about going higher

[@eduardosarmiento8985]

⚡⚡:⚡⚡ it belongs to iris h8rs

[@thelookingcat]

I wish someone knew how to go higher...

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHdZoqJaMmJbKc

[@luismonsalve9084]

Hey!We can arrive more far away !!I wanna play an E!!!!

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Maybe this can help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHdZoqJaMmJbKc&frags=pl%2Cwn

[@lillianandstellayu5733]

Oooooo...........

[@ritually5736]

It’s got to be a fake clarinet

[@RobinSeletskyClarinet]

Nope, its the real thing.