How to Play the Upper Register of a Bass Clarinet

The fingering of a bass clarinet is exactly the same as on a soprano clarinet.

As its name suggests, a "bass clarinet" is a clarinet relative whose overall range is exactly an "octvate" (eight notes) lower than that of a "soprano" clarinet. Physically, bass clarinets are longer and boast wider diameters than their soprano counterparts. They also feature the curved "necks" and "bells" characteristic of tenor saxophones. Playing a bass clarinet's upper register is exactly the same as doing so on a soprano clarinet--in terms of where your fingers go. If you're having trouble reaching these notes, you'll need to address other issues with your playing.

Instructions

1. Adjust your "embouchure"--the shape of your mouth around your mouthpiece--so that it's as if you're playing a soprano clarinet and not any sort of saxophone. As the bass clarinet's mouthpiece enters your mouth horizontally (by virtue of its neck), it's tempting to extend your lips evenly around it when you play it as you might do using a saxophone. Instead, pull your bottom lip in so that the "corners" of your mouth--and your chin--are as flat as possible.

2. Increase the speed of your airflow--but only moderately. The bass clarinet requires more air than a soprano clarinet to reach any notes, but the air must move through quickly in order to reach high notes, as slow air will escape quickly through the open "register" key and not make it down to the bottom of the horn, where the majority of sound comes out. If you blow too forcefully, however, your air may force itself out of gaps, closed buttons or even the sides of your reed, which can cause embarrassing "squeaking" sounds.

3. Use a harder reed when attempting to play high notes. Although it's a bit more difficult to blow through, a harder reed will trap your air inside the horn, which will allow you to maintain a more even airflow overall--and therefore a more even tone.

4. Shop around for a different mouthpiece. As is the case with bass clarinets themselves, mouthpieces are not created equally. Visit your local music store and ask the salesperson what kinds of mouthpieces are most suited to hitting the notes you want or need to hit.

References

• The United States Army Field Band: Bass Clarinet Basics

Resources

• The College of New Jersey: Clarinet Embouchure