Q&A for How to Make a Correct Clarinet Embouchure

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Question

All I get is air when I blow, no sound at all. What do I do?

Community Answer

Create a flat chin. To do this, pull the bottom lip across your teeth and cover the top of these teeth with a thin row of lip. It is here that you rest the reed. Next, position the mouthpiece to be even with where the reed and mouthpiece join on the lower lip. Close your upper lip and corners around the mouthpiece, finally, and blow. Also, consider the reed position to the mouthpiece, the reed strength, brand, and if it is soaked, that the ligature fastens the reed securely to the mouthpiece, and you're not biting the reed closed. Make sure you use more air than you think you should!

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Question

I cant play the high notes because it either squeaks or doesn't make a sound at all. I don't know if its the reeds or something else. Please help.

Community Answer

Tighten your embouchure, and give these notes plenty of air support. Breathe deeply, and make sure your fingerings are correct as well.

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Question

How do I play high notes?

Community Answer

You use the "register key" in front of the clarinet which is shaped like a bowling pin and the front hole simultaneously paired by some other fingers.

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Question

What position should the tongue be at the back of the throat?

Community Answer

Your tongue should be down, but close to the reed, because you need to press the tongue against the reed to start a note.

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Question

When ever I am playing a really long sound, near the middle, I start getting tired and air escapes my mouth, and when I try to fix it, I can’t and lose time. How do I stop my problem?

Lily

Community Answer

Try breathing out and in through your nose instead. If that doesn’t help, try playing the song alone and getting used to play for a long time.

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Question

How do I play notes in the middle range? I can play in the altissimo register without messing up the note, but my mid range (C to A) tend to squeak a lot.

Lily

Community Answer

Practice the register over and over until you can get it without squeaking.

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Question

I am an intermediate saxophone player (5 years) who is trying the clarinet for the pit in a musical. Do I need to change my embouchure in any way?

Lily

Community Answer

Yes. Saxophone players hold their saxophone to their side, and clarinet hold it above themselves.

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