How to Play Clarinet for Absolute Beginners

When you learn to play the clarinet, for fun or to join a band, you need to start at the beginning. You need to put it together properly, learn the fingering and play the notes. There are some basic things to learn before you can begin playing like a pro.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Grease the cork parts that join the clarinet so that the pieces will join without being forced.

2. Put the clarinet together properly. Use the ligature to hold the reed in place and then join the mouth piece to the barrel. Put the mouthpiece aside.

3. Join the two larger parts of the body together carefully by holding down the extending key while pushing the pieces together. Make sure the keys line up and then add the top part to the body. Push on the bell to the bottom of the body.

4. Hold the clarinet correctly by placing your left hand on the top of the clarinet and the right hand on the bottom. Place your left pointer over the first hole, your second over the next hole and your index finger on the third hole. Your left thumb goes on the hole at the back.

5. Place your right pointer finger over the fourth hole, your second finger over the next hole and your index finger over the last hole. Your right thumb goes on the rest at the back.

6. Hold your pinkie fingers over the extending keys. You will press different keys to play different notes.

7. Sit comfortably, take a deep breath and blow into the mouthpiece. Once you start making a clear sound, you can learn the notes and move on to more advanced playing.

Tips & Warnings

• Wet the reed before putting in on the mouthpiece.
• Adjust the reed if you squeak.