Q&A for How to Play the Clarinet

You might be playing on a broken or old reed, so if you can, get a new one. If your reed is not the problem, it might be that you are not covering the holes on your clarinet completely. Try to move your fingers on the holes in a different way (i.e. rotating them differently or arching them) to fix this problem. You will also want to check that you have the proper embrochure, as this could cause a problem as well. If none of these fixes work, take your clarinet into a music store for a "check up," as something may need to be repaired.

Try picking up beginner books and re-learn it. Then occasionally practice so you keep improving and don't lose it again.

Cleaning the instrument after playing it ensures that the instrument will have a long lifetime and will not harbor bacteria that can make you ill. If it is not cleaned out after use, moisture can accumulate inside and produce mold and other bacteria. Make sure you clean the mouth piece of the instrument as well.

Depends on the type. Student models go from $300 to $1000 USD. Professional ones can exceed $5000.

While you're playing, smile. Tuck the corners of your mouth in. Don't huff and puff. Imagine saying "too."

Curve your fingers more in order to cover the hole, and arch your fingers to stretch them.

"Hot Cross Buns" is the easiest song to play. Hold down the register key and cover the first hole and then the second hole and finally, the third hole as follows: 1,2,3. 1,2,3. 3,3,3. 2,2,2. 1,2,3.

Most definitely! The clarinet is a very versatile instrument with a wide range of octaves.

This is probably because you are playing a Bb clarinet. This plays notes written as C as a Bb. So, if you are playing along with a piano from the same sheet music, it will sound completely wrong. Matching sheet music will have notes written one tone higher for the clarinet so that the pitch will come out the same.

Try joining the band at your school or taking classes at your local community center. You can also search online and see if there are any music schools close to you.

You can borrow one from your school or buy one at a music store. You could also try eBay, but make sure to buy from a reputable seller.

There are many online resources you can use. I like YouTube and Clarinetnow.com. I taught myself, and it's not easy, but it can be done. Frequent practice is key. You should also purchase a good beginner's clarinet book from your local music store.

Just practice! Learn the notes, perhaps using a fingering chart, and you'll pick it up pretty quickly. These are very easy songs, so you shouldn't have too much trouble. There are probably tutorials for these songs on YouTube as well that you could watch for reference.

Yes. Your clarinet needs time to adjust to the new environment and weather. So give it some time and just keep tuning it. Eventually, it will settle and tuning won't be as much of an issue. Another thing it might be is simply your intonation. If you're a beginner your intonation probably isn't that great to find a tuner app.

The clarinet has a similar range as most saxophones, and there are many variants. Clarinetto in Bb (the usual one) can get up to A4 (even higher with some other techniques).

You can still play all notes on the clarinet. The downside is that you have to "pinky hop" with your left pinky to get to some notes. For example, C# to E, you will have to slide your pinky, which is not the best thing to do, but you are fine otherwise. With practice, you'll soon work out your own personal ways to manage around the missing finger.

There are over ten different kinds of clarinets. The one you are probably most familiar with is the Bb, or B flat, clarinet.

It would be difficult without an instructor. However, you could try checking out some of the tutorial videos on YouTube if you want to try to learn on your own; it comes more naturally to some than others.

The clarinet's sound is produced by vibrating the reed with air. When you blow a steady stream of very fast air into to the mouthpiece, and across the reed, it will vibrate or shake back and forth really quickly. The water (or saliva) just helps the reed move easier without breaking. Reeds are made of bamboo wood which, if used dry, can crack or snap like a pasta noodle.

You don't want to wear anything on your lips while playing, because it can get on your instrument. Apply it once your playing is over, to moisturize your lips.

You can watch YouTube videos from reliable sources, ask any friends that play clarinet, or join your school band in the fall.

To make the "airy" noise go away, use a broken-in reed, tighten your mouth and the corners of your lips and bite slightly. Flatten your chin and make sure you are using enough air. If you are not making any noise on the lower notes, the lower bar may be slightly bent. If that is the case, the music store can fix it for $20 or less. If it plays sometimes, it's an embouchure problem. Play a note that you are very comfortable with, and then move the mouth piece very slowly until you hit the "sweet spot" where it sounds really good. Then, keeping the piece and your mouth in the same place, move your fingers to a lower note and try playing. It should sound better.

No, because you need to maintain a steady airstream and rocking will make the sound quiver. Yes, you can technically play, but it won't sound very good.

Try using a bit less air. This will stop you from producing the air that actually makes you puff out your cheeks.

I think you might need to position your lips better. Curl your bottom lip over your teeth, tilt your head up and your clarinet down, and blow. If it still doesn't work, try taking it to the shop for a repair.

If you want to learn more songs, try looking at prominent music websites. There is the Clarinet Institute, 8notes, and IMSLP.org, just to name a few.

The register key is the key that is on the other side of the 'A' key and above the 'F' key. The register key makes it so your clarinet can produce high notes. This does take practice.

For practice you should play for about 30 minutes or longer, depending how much your lips can handle.

Yes, wetting the reed before playing it helps to get it warmed up and significantly improves the sound.

Yes, it can still be usable, but if you want a fresh sound that isn't airy, you'll need to use a fresh reed.