Q&A for How to Avoid and Remedy Squeaking on the Clarinet

Some reeds can make a better sound than others because of different strengths/thicknesses.

Usually this means that you're blowing too hard into the clarinet, so try to relax your breathing. If the squeaking persists, the issue might be with the instrument.

This might have to do with the weather or humidity in the mornings and afternoons. This is specially the case with wooden clarinets because they require a certain temperature for them to sound pretty.

Practice deep breathing as often as you can. Each time you take a deep breath, try to hold it for a second longer than the previous breath. Eventually your lungs will be able to hold a greater capacity of air. Also, work on controlling your diaphragmatic muscles so that you can better control your breathing and air flow.

Your embouchure is probably weak. Try raising your tongue in the back of your mouth.

This is called a chirp. Try softening your tonguing, but still make sure at least the tip of your tongue is touching the reed.

Since it is a hand-me-down. it is probably old and squeaky for real. You could get it repaired or consider buying a new one if the repair costs are too much.

High notes are hard to process -- make sure your back is straight and you are blowing enough air into it.

I deal with that almost every day. Use a small layer of tissue on the thumb hold or use the rubber bumper.

Yes, that is true.

If it sounds airy, you may be placing the reed incorrectly. Make sure the top of the mouthpiece is almost completely hidden by the reed.

You may be biting the reed or have too much of the mouthpiece in your mouth. Also, try holding your clarinet at a 45 degree angle with your head facing down a bit.

It could be any number of reasons, so you ought to talk to a teacher. Normally, a problem like that revolves around: a loose embouchure, using too much air, not using enough air, or a too loose/tight ligature.

Make sure that it has been set up properly -- the wrong set up is an easy mistake.

Work on your embouchure. Try not to bite down or clench. When you see it coming, don't get stressed. Try not to notice it as much. You can also practice in front of a mirror to make sure you are covering your holes completely.

Push your lip harder against the reed. You could also adjust the reed, the way you are blowing, or get a different type of reed. Reeds come in different thicknesses, so there is a little wiggle room.

Take a break of a week or more to let your thumb heal. And then see if you can fix the way you're holding your instrument.

Yes, you should get a plastic clarinet. You may be disappointed with the sound quality at first, but it will be worth not having to tune it every time you make your trips.

Some possible reasons would be not using enough air, not using a correct embouchure, a bad reed, or simply the fact that your clarinet may be broken.

My suggestion is to get a lot of breath support and make sure you're sitting up straight. Without doing these things, even the best clarinetists won't be able to get a note out.

Try to work on airflow and embouchure. Good posture helps your airflow. Try to fit a book behind you and the back of your chair to help with your posture.

Yes, that's normal if the key is old! They will get squeaky over time.

Try again with your breathing, making sure not to blow normally. If playing right, you will feel a buzz/vibration and a deep note. Also, experiment with other positions as long as they aren't incorrect.

All you can do is keep wetting it with your tongue. Lick your reed if it is dry.

To practice and get better at high notes, keep doing the high note scale ove and over until you know them all and don’t squeak as often. (Leaks make squeaks!)

Assuming you put a reed on, if it isn’t making a sound, bring it into your music store.

There could be many reasons why. If your reed is chipped, it will squeak, if you put all of your mouth on the mouthpiece, it could squeak, it could also be a different finger that is not completely down.

Your clarinet does not hate you. It can be a stress thing, yes. It could also depend on your reed. Sometimes you have to, “break in” your reed, which can take up to 3 practice days or so.

If you are playing a low note, it can sound flat and weird. Try doing a D or C.

That is a very high note, so it will sound like a squeak! It is a B flat or B#.