How to Play High on a Bass Clarinet

Sheet music

The bass clarinet has a smaller range than the B flat clarinet but can still manage at least four octaves. Often, however, the higher notes of the bass clarinet can sound squeaky and unmusical, or even not sound at all. It is important to practice to reach these more uncommon notes, but there are a few tips that can make your practicing more worthwhile.

Things You'll Need

• Bass clarinet

Instructions

1. Use more of the mouthpiece. Taking in a bit more of the mouthpiece--not much, just a slight amount--will make reaching notes above concert C a little easier. Also, try keeping your throat open and imagine you are making an "ooo" sound for a better tone.

2. Use more air. Make sure to breathe and play from your diaphragm, which is located below your rib cage, rather than from your lungs. This will allow for greater air control and will enable you to use the air to play higher notes without blasting or squeaking.

3. Practice by slurring first. Instead of trying to hit high notes right away, practice slurring into them from the highest note you can comfortably reach now. Play half step increments. This will make it easier to reach the high notes.

4. Ensure proper posture. If you're slumped in your chair, or not sitting up straight, it restricts your air flow and makes it more difficult to achieve the correct finger placement. Make sure you're sitting up straight, away from the back of the chair.

References

• Playing High Notes
• Bass Clarinet Tips