Best
Beginner Clarinet
-
Overall: An adjustable thumb rest to make playing more comfortable
-
Best Feature: Comes with a 5-year warranty
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Clarinet for Professionals
-
Overall: Anyone learning the clarinet as a second instrument
-
Best Feature: Leblanc's high standards for production
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Clarinet Accessory
-
Overall: Advancing students who want a better sound
-
Best Feature: Medium chamber in the mouthpiece
-
TedScore™: 8/10
A clarinet fingering chart might seem daunting with all the notes it can produce. The challenge grows as each note often has different fingerings.
Fortunately, a good chart can help you learn the right-hand position. Then, you can start to play all of the clarinet sheet music in the world.
How To Hold The Clarinet
You position the B flat clarinet with your left hand on top and right on the bottom. Both of your thumbs should be on the back of the instrument. The right thumb goes under the thumb rest, while the left thumb hovers over the thumb hole.
Place the first, second, and third fingers over the ring keys or tone holes. Each pinkie finger is responsible for four keys, so they should hover over the instrument.
Fingering Chart For The Clarinet
A clarinet fingering chart can help you learn the fingering for each note of the Boehm system clarinet. That way, you can read new pieces of music more efficiently.
Using A Clarinet Fingering Chart
Clarinet fingering charts feature circles and ovals representing each tone hole or key. If the shape is coloured in, the coordinating key is closed to produce the pitch. Otherwise, it’s left open.
Tips for Using Clarinet Fingering Charts
Use Clarinet Lesson Books than Charts Alone
Not only will a method book teach you the fingering for various notes, but it will take students through lessons at a good speed. That way, learning will be consistent and not too fast or slow.
Try Playing Scales
After you learn where all of your fingers go, use your basic fingering chart to start reading major and minor scales. You’ll blow a series of notes in succession, moving your fingers as necessary to change the pitch.
Practice Using Alternate Fingerings
Alternate fingerings are super common on the clarinet. They may be similar to the main fingering but use a different pinky key or use a side key instead of the right-hand index finger.
Be Patient and Aim for Mastery
Learning all of the fingerings across the octaves takes time. Learn a few fingerings at a time and apply them to the music you’re playing. Over time, your hands and fingers will know what keys to press and when.
Best Clarinets and Accessories In The Market Today
Best Beginner Clarinets
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners who want the best sound
FEATURES: an adjustable thumb rest to make playing more comfortable
OTHER INFO: comes with a 5-year warranty
Yamaha YCL255S
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great sound
- Responds easily
- Durable material
- Projects well
- Somewhat expensive
- A bit basic for advanced players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
A PROFESSIONAL SOUND AT A BEGINNER PRICE
DESIGNED FOR: students looking for an instrument that will last them for years
FEATURES: leather pads for a complete seal and better intonation
OTHER INFO: tunes to A=442 Hz
Buffet Prodige
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ergonomic design
- Silver-plated keywork
- Comes with accessories
- Great tone
- Out of tune in the high register
- Hard to play quietly
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: with a nylon case and a clarinet mouthpiece and ligature
FEATURES: Leblanc's high standards for production, make it a quality clarinet
Leblanc LCL311S
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Good intonation
- Nice condition
- Professional appearance
- Even response
- Somewhat expensive
- Not for players on a budget
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners or students on a tight budget
FEATURES: lightweight instrument
OTHER INFO: comes with a case and accessories
Roy Benson CB217
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great sound
- Easy to play
- Durable materials
- Amazing price
- Not a super well-known brand
- Intonation can be inconsistent
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners who want to look and sound great
FEATURES: ABS resin body with a wooden look
OTHER INFO: comes with plenty of accessories
Stagg CL210S
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Very affordable
- Easy to play
- Nice materials
- Adjustable
- Nickel plated keys
- Accessories cut into the value of the clarinet
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Clarinet Accessories
DESIGNED FOR: any clarinet player, especially those in dry climates
FEATURES: lipstick tube design for easy application
OTHER INFO: it has an apple blossom fragrance
Vandoren Cork Grease
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Lasts a long time
- Fits in your clarinet case
- More expensive than other cork greases
- Only one tube
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: absolute beginners who need reeds that aren't too hard
FEATURES: a set of three reeds, each with its own case
OTHER INFO: suitable for classical and jazz playing
Rico by D'Addario Clarinet Reeds
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Good quality
- Decent strength
- Works for beginners
- A little soft for advanced players
- Not a bulk product
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: advancing students who want a better sound
FEATURES: medium chamber in the mouthpiece
OTHER INFO: versatile enough for use in classical and jazz music
Yamaha 5C Clarinet Mouthpiece
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Sounds rich
- Offers a nice volume
- Affordable upgrade
- Good design
- Not for professionals
- Not for absolute beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: clarinet players who suffer from hand pain
FEATURES: sturdy leather tab
OTHER INFO: works with Bb and A clarinets
Rico Clarinet Support Strap
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Works on most clarinets
- Fits comfortably
- Adjustable length
- Affordable
- Not for the bass clarinet
- The strap is a bit thin
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: anyone who needs to switch between clarinets
FEATURES: in-bell design for the legs
OTHER INFO: folds up nicely
K&M Clarinet Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use
- Holds Bb and A clarinets
- Screw legs
- Black so blends in
- A little short
- Can be unsteady at times
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Clarinet Fingering Chart
Summary
Be sure you use a clarinet fingering chart to help you learn new music. Keep a fingering chart on you for easy reference during your rehearsals. Perhaps print off the diagram above.
The following articles might help you if you’re a complete beginner: Best Beginner Clarinets, Best Clarinet Brands and Must-Have Clarinet Accessories.
Good luck, and keep practicing!
yo so i’ve been playin clarinet for a bit in school and stuff ngl using those fingering charts def helps a bunch but when ur tryna play something by ear its like a whole different game gotta keep practicin both ways tho makes playin more fun and less of just school work u know
While the fingering chart is a crucial tool for beginners, I strongly believe that too much reliance on it can hamper a student’s ability to play by ear or improvise. It’s essential to balance sheet music learning with ear training for a well-rounded musical education.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Thanks for the compliments!
hey everyone, i’m new here and just picking up the clarinet. read about holding the clarinet right but still kinda confused how you know if you’re doing it correctly? like is there a feeling or something that tells you it’s right? also any tips on how to keep practicing even when it gets boring or tough? thanks a lot!
Hey MelTunes, the best way to know you’re holding the clarinet correctly is by ensuring there’s no strain in your hands or fingers. It should feel natural. Regarding practice, try to mix things up with different music genres or even play along to your favorite songs. Keeps it fresh and fun!
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!