How to Play Altissimo Notes on Clarinet

Altissimo notes are the highest notes a clarinet can produce. To play altissimo notes, you must learn to control the airflow and the pressure you put on the reed, known as embrochure. The embrochure needs to be held firmly in your mouth, but not bitten.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Inspect your reed. A dirty reed or a damaged reed will make your altissimo notes more difficult to reach and hold. Replace your reed at the first signs of wear.

2. Put your clarinet together firmly, making sure there are no gaps for the air to escape. When playing traditional notes this isn't always a problem; but when playing altissimo music notes on your clarinet, it's critical to make sure air is directed properly through the instrument.

3. Maintain your best clarinet-playing posture; watch yourself in a mirror if you have to. Your chin should be pointed slightly outward, rather than downward.

4. Use strong, steady airflow. Remember, you can control the range of a note with just your air pressure.

5. Learn the fingering that works best for you. There are a number of acceptable fingerings for altissimo music notes and each musician is encouraged to find those that work best for him.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care not to make faces while playing. Altering the expression on your face alters the embrochure you play with, and that changes the musical notes you play. Avoid grimacing or scowling when you miss the note.

Resources

• A guide to altissimo finger

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on 11/10/2009 Thanks so much. I haven't been able to produce a respectable altissimo note since my 5th grade band class. Now I am playing like a pro. Thanks again!