How to play the clarinet?
A clarinet is a woodwind instrument that has a single-reed mouthpiece, a cylindrical tube made of wood with a flared end and holes stopped by keys. The clarinet is one of the most challenging instruments to play because it has one of the largest ranges of pitch. With a lot of practice, however, you can learn to play the clarinet over time.
Put the clarinet together
Instructions
Start by putting cork grease on all of the corks so they will fit together easily.This is very important if your clarinet is new.
You will not have to do this every time after but only as the corks become dry. Remove the reed from the protective case and put it in your mouth wet it. Remove the bell and second joint from the clarinet case.
Twist and push the cork end of the joint into the bell.
Turn it back and forth until it is completely in. Remove the first joint from the clarinet case.
Hold it in your left hand and place your fingers over the ring holes in front. You should hold it like this, because this causes the bridge key to lift up.
Twist the joint into the second joint.
The sections between the two joints should meet at a certain point. Refer to the clarinet’s user manual for help with this.
Remove the barrel from the clarinet case and carefully twist and push the large end into the first joint.
Remove the mouthpiece from the clarinet case and remove the ligature. Carefully twist and push the cork end of the mouthpiece into the barrel.
Make sure the flat side of the mouthpiece is lined up with the back of the clarinet.
Put the ligature back over the mouthpiece. Slide the reed down between the mouthpiece and ligature.
The tip of the reed should not extend beyond the tip of the mouthpiece. Tighten the ligature screws so the reed will not slip.
How to play
Final word
Place the mouthpiece of the clarinet in your mouth reed side down.
The reed should be resting on your bottom lip.
Curl your lower lip over your lower teeth so your teeth won’t hit the reed.
Your top teeth should be sitting on the top of the mouthpiece.
Seal the corners of your mouth around the mouthpiece. Your lips have to completely seal it or air will escape and no sound will be made.
Puff out your cheeks when you blow. If the clarinet made a sound without your fingers covering any holes, this is an open G sound. If you made a squeak sound, try again!