How to Hold a Clarinet

Holding a clarinet can be easy--if you have the information that enables you to do it the right way. The trick is to let the clarinet balance between your hands rather than letting one hand or finger support the whole weight of the clarinet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Relax your hands, wrists and shoulders. Let your hands drop to either side of your body in this relaxed position. Keeping your fingers bent in that relaxed position, pick up your clarinet.

2. Balance the clarinet on your right thumb. Don't let the thumb bear the entire weight of the clarinet. Each finger of each hand has a job to do so that you don't put unnecessary strain on that thumb.

3. Continue placing your relaxed fingers of your right hand on the lower portion of the clarinet. Put the index finger on the first hole, the middle finger on the middle hole, and the ring finger on the third hole. The pinky plays an important role in balancing the instrument as well as reaching for the various silver keys on the clarinet.

4. Put the left hand in position on the top portion of the clarinet. Place your left thumb over the hole on the back of the clarinet. You need to be able to move it to the octave key. Cover the first hole with your index finger, the middle hole with your middle finger and the lowest hole with the ring finger. Again, the pinky of the left hand plays a variety of keys.

5. Make sure each finger covers its hole. If your fingers don't cover their holes correcty, you will play squeaky sounds rather than good solid notes.