How to Adjust the Pitch on a Clarinet

A clarinet is tuned by changing its length.

The clarinet is a member of the woodwind family. As is the case with most woodwinds, the clarinet is tuned by increasing or decreasing the length of the instrument by small amounts, typically no more than a few millimeters. Although the basic procedure for tuning a clarinet is easy to learn, actually tuning the instrument properly takes a great deal of practice, as does maintaining the correct pitch while you play.

Things You'll Need

• Source of an in-tune note, such as a tuning fork, piano or other instrument

Instructions

1. Warm up the clarinet and your facial muscles by playing the instrument for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Play a tuning note using a tuning fork, piano or other source of an in-tune tone. Use a concert F (open G on a B-flat clarinet) to start with in most instances.

3. Play the same note on your clarinet and compare it to the tuning note. Determine if your note is sharp or flat. Listen for the "beats" (vibrato-like wavering in tone) that indicate an out-of-tune condition.

4. Adjust the pitch on the clarinet by changing the amount of space between the segment below the mouthpiece, which is called the barrel, and the segment just below the barrel, called the upper joint. Pull the barrel out if the note is sharp. Push the barrel in if the note is flat.

5. Repeat the tuning procedure with a variety of high and low tones to make sure the instrument is properly in tune.

Tips & Warnings

• Different length barrels are available for clarinets that play consistently out of tune. There are also other alterations to the instrument that can be made by a skilled technician if necessary. Be aware, however, that many other things besides the position of the barrel effect the intonation of a clarinet, such as your embouchure, posture, mouthpiece and breath.

• Inexpensive electronic tuners are available that can sound a wide range of tones as well as display a visual indication of notes played. The machines help you tune your clarinet and can also assist you in learning to play the instrument in tune.

References

• The College of New Jersey; Clarinet Compendium; Intonation
• Ridenour Clarinet Products; Tuning the B-flat Clarinet; Tom Ridenour
• ET's Clarinet Studio; Electronic Tuners; Eric Tishkoff

Resources

• Clark W. Fobes; Tuning and Voicing the Clarinet: Procedure and Techniques; Clark W. Fobes; 2000