Many clarinet players in band at school who participate in the top band may use a 4 too. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. A more expensive mouthpiece would certainly help, but there are cheaper ways. How do I blow into the clarinet properly when I keep puffing up my cheeks? In order to produce good sound, you should blow facing straight forward, without puffing your cheeks out. This could happen if you sized up or started using a new reed, are nervous of playing outside of the band room, or the clarinet was dropped/damaged. Is there a specific reason as to why my clarinet sounds extremely airy, harder to exert air, and more likely to squeak while I'm at home rather than when I'm playing in a band room or related room? That's something I can't explain in a short answer, so try looking it up and asking your teacher. Make sure your reeds aren't chipped and are well-aligned with the mouthpiece. How to make a sound on your Clarinet. If you're having an abnormal amount of difficulty with high notes, you squeak way more than you think you should, or some notes aren't coming out, have your instrument examined at a music store. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and blow air into the instrument, while keeping the corners of your mouth tight. Hope you find this tutorial helpful! At the bottom of the clarinet (the part called the bell) the pressure of the air is close to the pressure of the surrounding air, and the pressure is greatest in the mouthpiece. Try using a "double lip" embouchure by tucking the upper lip over the top teeth. You should get the pads on the keys replaced every two years of playing or so. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If none of these work talk to your local band director or take it to a music store. Developing a good embouchure did take time—up to two years. It's done by a combination of … If you are a clarinet player, then you must know how important the reed is to the sound quality of your instrument. Sound on the clarinet is achieved with the vibration of the reed against the mouthpiece. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You could also try listening to a well-known clarinetist (e.g. Learn about topics such as How to Play the Clarinet, How to Choose a Reed for a Clarinet, How to Get a Good Sound on the Clarinet, and more with our helpful step-by-step instructions with photos and videos. I know it's cliche, but the more you practice and strive to improve your embouchure, the better you will become. Whether you're learning with a school band or on your own, there is a lot to learn. Use the muscle in your cheeks and practice, practice, practice! Registers should match in quality. The phrase "practice makes perfect" applies here too. The sound of the clarinet is produced by the vibrations of the single reed located/fastened to the mouthpiece, where it vibrates when air moves across the reed. Finally, learn how to hold a clarinet by mastering the right playing angle. Use only the thumb of your right hand to support the instrument, and hold the barrel with your left. Make sure that your clarinet is put together correctly. Playing Angle. It is also advised to place the entire mouth piece in your mouth when playing the instrument. How do I make my playing sound less airy? Why does my new clarinet sound worse than the old one? This will make a big difference in how you play the clarinet. Try to flatten your chin and tighten the corners of your mouth more. To produce the resonating air column in the clarinet, energy is admitted to the clarinet from the player's higher-pressured mouth cavity. Find some polypropylene sheets. The vibrating reed that produces the clarinet's sound are made from the cane of a type of grass or synthetic materials. [1] Registers of the Bb clarinet (sounds as written) Lower register (chalumeau register): D3 – E4. To create this article, 36 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Made from wood, the clarinet produces a fluid sound when air is blown between a single reed and the mouthpiece. Keep at it. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. How to create sound. If you've done it right, it should make a nice sound instead of a squeak or a weak noise. Chipped reeds can produce squeaks, sharp or flat tones, and other problems with clarinet sound. % of people told us that this article helped them. It may be very much in need of repair, and it'll sound much better once you get that done. If none of these work talk to your local band director or take it to a music store. Use lots of air and try low-ish notes below the break. 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