-
Step 1
Play in the mouthpiece, which is at the top of the clarinet. The mouthpiece includes the reed and the ligature, which holds the reed in place. The reed vibrates against the mouthpiece to create the beautiful sound. Sometimes a mouthpiece cap is also available.
-
Step 2
Adjust the barrel to tweak the tuning of your clarinet. Longer and shorter barrels are available to purchase depending on your needs. If you need a longer barrel, but you don't have one on hand, you can always create a gap between the tip of your barrel and the first joint and that works just as well. Just be careful that the gap isn't too large, or your clarinet might fall apart while you play.
-
Step 3
Depress the keys on the first joint and second joint. The clarinet has more than twenty holes. You create notes based on which holes are open and which are covered. Some of these holes are open, and padded keys cover others.
-
Step 4
Amplify the sound of your clarinet with the bell. Just as a megaphone helps to amplify the sound of a cheerleader's chant, the bell helps to increase the volume of the music you play with your clarinet.
-
Step 5
Clean your clarinet after each use using a swab. If your clarinet doesn't come with a swab, it's essential you purchase one. Swabbing your clarinet after each use protects the wood from moisture build-up, which happens while you play.
