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How do you play a high F sharp on the clarinet?

How to play low F on a clarinet? And some other notes?

  • I've been learning the clarinet since September 2011 so I'm a beginner. I play in the school concert band. Except I still cannot play the low F on the clarinet. In January and February, I was able to play the low F. Except ever since March, we've been preparing for this school concert and I guess I haven't played that note for a long time because now I am unable to play it! Now, the only thing that comes out is either a squeak or nothing at all. Can someone please help me? Also, I have never been able to play the high B, C, or D. My teacher expects me to be able to play them but I just can't. The funny thing is that I am able to play the high E, F, and G. The high E, F, and G are higher than the high B, C, and D which puzzles me on why I can play even higher notes. I'm just really worried that my teacher will pull on a surprise test [soon] and make everyone in the band class do a scale. She did it once before Christmas and I wasn't able to complete the test due to my lack of notes. (I coudn't play the high B, C, or D) Since that was during around Christmas time, I'm pretty sure that she would expect me to know those notes by now! Anywho, can someone please give me some tips on how to play the low F and high B, C, and D. Thanks so much in advance!

  • Answer:

    The biggest problem I find when my students can't produce those notes is that they don't use enough air support and/or their air stream is too wide. Without watching you play, I can only give you very general suggestions. Make sure you are blowing a fast, thin column of air. Pretend like you are blowing through a straw. On the B, C, and D, you are going to have to keep your embouchure firm, but on the low F, loosen your embouchure a little and allow for a slightly wider air column. I hope this helped a little, but like I said, without watching you play, there aren't going to be many people who can help you. Practice, practice, practice and if you still can't get them, talk to your teacher and ask for suggestions. If your teacher knows you are struggling, they're going to want to see you succeed and will do what they can to help. They're people too :)

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Other answers

Try another reed. Otherwise, with low notes you don't need to bite real hard, and with high notes you need to support the lower part of your mouth and use less reed. you should also check if you are covering the holes correctly. I'm in advanced, but it happens to me all the time. You should also check if the parts with cushion are doing their job aswell.

Chris Rodriguez

The reason why you are able to play a variation of the high notes is because the airflow is masked with notes like high d. If you know your fingerings for high g you will know only a couple holes are closed causing less pressure for you able to play notes ike the high g. I would say for playing these notes always tongue, say oreo....and then put your mouth on the clarinet...and play!

Mike Birch

most of the time it is just the reed or you are a beginner it takes about a year to get the notes right trust me. Just be patient and tell your teacher you need extra help or your horn could be messed up or have a leak in it take it to a shop to see what they can do

Alexis

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