play the clarinet

The clarinet is a beautiful instrument with a pleasant, mellow sound. Because it is made of wood and uses a reed, a clarinet is called a woodwind instrument. The clarinet is found chiefly in orchestral music and jazz. If you want to learn how to play the clarinet, here are some tips to get you started.

Clarinet Reed

Start by moistening your reed. Place it in your mouth in order to absorb moisture. Then place the flat side of the reed against the flat side of the mouthpiece. Adjust the reed so that it does not hang out above the top of the mouthpiece. Use the ligature to secure the reed. The first sound you get when you play the clarinet may not be the beautiful music you are dreaming of, but do not let that discourage you. Learning any instrument takes effort and dedication.

Now it is time to position the mouthpiece in your mouth. Proper positioning will ensure that you have proper embouchure, and proper embouchure is essential to play the clarinet. Start by rolling your lower lip just slightly over your teeth. Put a half inch of the reed into your mouth. The mouthpiece should rest on your lower lip, with your teeth on the top of the mouthpiece. Close your mouth, and seal the corners.

Watch your posture!

The next step to playing the clarinet is your posture. Proper posture will allow for proper breathing. Put both feet flat on the floor. Sit up with your chest out. Hold your clarinet about forty-five degrees from your body. Now you are ready to play your first note.

The first note you will learn when you play the clarinet is the open G. This not does not require any fingering. Start by blowing steadily through the mouthpiece. Gradually place pressure on the reed until the sound is produced. Continue blowing air, and hold the sound for about five seconds. Do not puff out your cheeks. From the first note, practice good tone and embouchure. You have now played your first note on the clarinet. You are on your way.

It is important to keep your instrument dry. Use a soft cloth that is attached to a string. Draw this through your instrument when you are done playing to keep the inside dry. Keep your reed in a good reed container. Also, you can buy a reed trimmer, which will allow you to use your reeds longer. This will cut down on the expense of your new found friend, the clarinet.