How to Assemble the Clarinet Mouthpiece

The clarinet is a versatile instrument. It fits virtually any personality. It can play bouncy jazz, smooth and entrancing classical, driving marches and even rock and roll. No matter what the piece, to play the clarinet, you're going to have to properly assemble the mouthpiece. This can be tricky at first, but with practice it can become second nature.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reed
• Ligature
• Mouthpiece

1. Place the reed in your mouth. For the best sound and maintenance of the reed, you should always wet the reed thoroughly before playing even the first note.

2. Locate the flat part of the mouthpiece. This is the area with the opening.

3. Place the well-hydrated reed along the mouthpiece. Ensure that the flat part of the reed is against the mouthpiece. The other side of the reed is rounded at the bottom, tapering to a thin flat tip at the top.

4. Hold the reed against the mouthpiece with your thumb. Center the reed as much as possible and place it so that the tip is just barely below the tip of the mouthpiece. Be careful that it doesn't slip out of place as you put the ligature in place.

5. Slip the ligature over the mouthpiece and reed. Place the ligature over the thickest part of the reed.

6. Tighten the ligature correctly. Most metal ligatures tighten with screws on the bottom of the mouthpiece, over the reed. Some metal and many rubber and leather ligatures tighten on the top of the mouthpiece, over the solid part. Be sure you know the correct positioning of the tightening screws for your type of ligature. Placing a ligature in the wrong position could damage the mouthpiece or reed or both.