Best
Overall
-
Overall: Has a responsive sound with superb intonation
-
Best Feature: The flute's body is built with nickel silver for durability, producing a clear, rich tone
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
CLARINET
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Overall: Has a durable body with an attractive matte finish
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Best Feature: Has silver-plated nickel silver keys for an added touch of luxury
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
FLUTE
-
Overall: The nickel-silver body is extremely durable yet lightweight
-
Best Feature: With a free-blowing head joint for producing music notes much easier
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Wondering which instrument to go for: **clarinet** or **flute**? Considering **Clarinet vs Flute**?
If you struggle to decide which is better: flute or clarinet, we’re here to help!
Both the clarinet and flute have unique qualities, making it a tough decision for aspiring musicians because what works for one may not work for another. However, with a little guidance, you can decide which instrument to choose based on your personal preferences and musical goals.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between the clarinet and the flute to help you decide which instrument is right for you. Plus, we also listed some of the best clarinets and flutes for beginners in the market!
Keep reading to learn more about these woodwind instruments!
What is a Clarinet?
A clarinet is a woodwind instrument that blows air through a mouthpiece that holds a single reed. It has a cylindrical bore and open tone holes, which produce a unique and distinct sound.
The clarinet has a range of approximately three octaves and is capable of producing a wide range of tones and dynamics. It’s typically made of wood, with grenadilla wood most commonly used.
The clarinet is often used in classical music, jazz, and marching bands.
What is a Flute?
A flute is one of the many woodwind family instruments introduced in school. It’s a reedless instrument, meaning it doesn’t have a reed attached like a clarinet. Instead, a flute player must shape their lips and blow air across the hole to produce the flute sound.
Flutes have been used in various cultures throughout history.
In orchestras, flutes are often used to play melodies and solos and can also be used to create a delicate and beautiful sound.
Key Differences Between Clarinet and Flute
While both are wind instruments, there are several key differences between the flutes and clarinets. Let’s learn about some of these below.
Appearance
The flute and clarinet have different shapes and sizes.
The clarinet instrument is a cylindrical tube with a flared bell at the end, while the flute is a long, thin, cylindrical tube with a small, tapered opening at the end. The clarinet is typically around 26 inches long, while the flute is around 26 inches long for a standard C flute. The size and shape of these musical instruments affect the sound they produce.
The material used to make the flute and the clarinet can also affect their sound. Clarinets are typically made of wood, plastic, or a combination of both, while flutes are usually made of metal, wood, or plastic.
Sound and Range
The tones of the flute and clarinet are quite different. The clarinet has a distinctively fuller and cleaner sound, while the flute produces notes on a higher octave register with more “debris”. Both are in the ensemble’s soprano range, but the practical range of each is quite different.
The clarinet’s tone is created when the reed vibrates against the mouthpiece, while the flute’s tone is created by the air blowing across the embouchure hole. The range of the clarinet is from E3 to C7, while the range of the flute is from C4 to C7. The clarinet has a larger range than the flute, but the flute can play higher notes than the clarinet.
Role and Music Genres
Classical
The clarinet and flute are both commonly used in classical music. The clarinet is often used in orchestral pieces, while the flute is used in orchestral and solo works. In classical music, the clarinet is known for its rich, warm tone, while the flute in the orchestra is known for its bright, clear sound.
Jazz
Jazz is another genre where both the clarinet and flute are commonly used. The clarinet has a long history in jazz music, with famous players such as Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. The flute, on the other hand, is often used in Latin jazz and fusion styles. In jazz, the clarinet is known for its ability to play fast runs and intricate melodies, while the flute is known for improvising and playing complex rhythms.
Pop
While the clarinet and flute are not as commonly used in pop music as in classical and jazz, they still have a place in the genre. The flute is often used in pop ballads and acoustic arrangements, while the clarinet is used in genres such as klezmer and gipsy jazz.
Embouchure
The embouchure is the difference in how a player positions their lips and mouth around the instrument’s mouthpiece. The embouchure for the clarinet and flute is quite different.
The clarinet requires a firm embouchure, with the corners of the mouth pulled back, and the lips tightened. Conversely, the flute requires a more relaxed embouchure, with the lips forming a small, round opening.
Fingering System
The fingering for the clarinet and flute is quite different as well. The clarinet has a complex system of keys and holes that must be covered or uncovered to produce different notes. The player must use their fingers and sometimes their pinky finger to cover the holes and keys in the correct sequence to produce the desired sound. Take a look at our Clarinet Fingering Chart here.
The flute, on the other hand, has a simpler fingering system. The player covers and uncovers the holes on the instrument with their fingers to produce different notes. The fingerings for the notes are relatively easy to memorize, but the player must focus on controlling the airflow, pitch and speed to produce a clear sound.
What Should You Play?
Choosing between the clarinet and flute ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of music you want to play. You should consider these other factors when choosing between the two instruments.
Difficulty
Is flute or clarinet harder to play? Or is it the other way around? Let’s see…
When considering whether to learn the clarinet or flute, many people wonder, “Is clarinet hard to learn?” The answer to this question varies for each individual, but some may find the clarinet to be more challenging than the flute.
The clarinet is a bit more challenging to learn due to its more complex fingerings and the need to develop a proper embouchure. It takes time to build up the strength and control needed to produce a good sound on the clarinet, but once you do, it can be a very rewarding instrument to play.
On the other hand, the flute is generally considered to be an easier instrument for beginners to learn due to its lightweight design and relatively simple fingerings. However, it can be difficult to produce a good tone on the flute, especially in the beginning stages of learning. It requires a lot of breath control and proper embouchure (lip position) to get a clear, consistent sound play the flute.
Embouchure
The flute embouchure involves placing the lips over the mouthpiece to direct the air stream across the hole’s edge. This creates a clear, focused sound. In comparison, the clarinet embouchure is a bit more complex.
The player must form a tight seal around the mouthpiece with their lips while keeping the corners of the mouth firm and the chin flat. The player must also use their tongue to articulate the notes and control the airflow.
Price
If you’re thinking how much does a clarinet cost versus the flute...
The price of a clarinet versus a flute can vary depending on the woodwind instrument’s brand, quality, and level. However, beginner-level flutes tend to be slightly less expensive than the clarinet price for beginners.
A basic student-level flute can range from $100/£80 to $500/£400. Intermediate and professional-level instruments can be much more expensive, ranging from $1,000/£800 to $10,000/£8,200 or more.
5 Clarinet Recommendations for Beginners
Elkhart 100CL Student Clarinet
This high-quality clarinet is perfect for beginners and won’t break the bank. The durable composite body is easy to play with, and the ABS ebonite material is tough and long-lasting. You’ll be impressed with the nickel-plated keys and adjustable metal ligature that come with it.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and students
FEATURES: Offers excellent, authentic intonation with ABS and Ebonite composite construction
OTHER INFO: Has silver-plated keyword. Bb clarinet with 17-key Boehm system
Elkhart 100CL Student Clarinet
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 play and can also stand up to heavy handling
- Includes backpack-style canvas carry case
- Thumb-rest is not adjustable
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™.
PlayLITE Clarinet by Gear4music
The playLITE Clarinet by Gear4music is lightweight yet durable. Don’t let its lightweight construction fool you! It still produces the same beautiful tone as a traditional wooden clarinet. Plus, you’ll have everything you need to dive right into learning.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and young players
FEATURES: Produces the same great tone as a wooden clarinet
OTHER INFO: Robust enough to handle knocks and bumps from younger clarinet players
PlayLITE Clarinet by Gear4music
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!
- Ideal starting point for musicians on a budget
- Available in two bright and exciting colours (red and blue!)
- Includes everything that you need to get started
- Needs extra care when handling since the keywork is easy to bend.
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™.
YAMAHA YCL255S STUDENT Bb CLARINET
This clarinet is constructed using durable ABS resin, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The adjustable thumb rest ensures a comfortable playing experience, and the silver-plated keys and resonance chamber provide excellent all-around performance.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and intermediate players
FEATURES: Has a durable body with an attractive matte finish
OTHER INFO: Has silver-plated nickel silver keys for an added touch of luxury
YAMAHA YCL255S STUDENT Bb CLARINET
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!
- Comes with a new bell with improved response and projection
- Ideal for wind bands or orchestras
- Includes a lightweight carry case and a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece
- A little pricey for a beginner instrument
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™.
BUFFER PRODIGE Bb CLARINET
The Buffet Prodige has revolutionized the student clarinet market with its essential tone, ergonomics, and reliability qualities. It’s supplied with a hard case with removable padded backpack straps, making it easy to transport to lessons and performances. Plus, replacing the popular B12, the Prodige design takes all the best features and adds enhancements to make it even better.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and students
FEATURES: Has a bore design based on Buffet's popular E13 clarinet
OTHER INFO: Made from a co-polymeric ABS instead of wood for less maintenance
BUFFET PRODIGE Bb CLARINET
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!
- With a simple design featuring the standard 17 keys and 6 rings
- Includes everything that you need to get started!
- Has the quintessential Buffet design
- Higher price range for a beginner 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™.
JUPITER JCL700 BEGINNER Bb CLARINET
The Jupiter JCL700 is a beginner-level Bb clarinet designed to be easy to play and produce a good sound. It features a grenadilla wood body, undercut tone holes, and nickel-plated inline trill keys for improved playability. The clarinet has a lightweight case and a cleaning swab, making it a great option for players starting to learn the instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and students
FEATURES: With silver-plated nickel silver keys and an adjustable thumb rest precision
OTHER INFO: Allows a comfortable playing experience and optimum precision
JUPITER JCL700 BEGINNER Bb CLARINET
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!
- Maintenance-friendly with French-style offset trill keys
- Chosen by many music teachers
- Easy to maintain and carry
- Package includes a gig bag, music stand, reeds, and much more!
- A clarinet player with larger hands might find the keywork to be a little too tiny
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™.
5 Flute Recommendations for Beginners
Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute
The Yamaha YFL212 is a student-model flute designed to be easy to play and produce a good sound. The keys are designed for easy playability and are durable enough to withstand the rigours of student use. The YFL212 also features a split E mechanism, which makes it easier to play high notes, and an offset G key, which is more comfortable for smaller hands.
DESIGNED FOR: beginner flute players
FEATURES: Has a responsive sound with superb intonation
OTHER INFO: The flute's body is built with nickel silver for durability, producing a clear, rich tone
Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute
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!
- Offers comfortable playing with offset G and E-mechanism
- Ideal for students seeking to develop their skills
- Offers a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- Includes a maintenance kit, hard case and soft cover
- Quite expensive compared to other beginner flute brands
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™.
Nuvo jFlute 2.0
The Nuvo jFlute 2.0 is a unique and innovative wind instrument designed to be lightweight and easy to play. It features a durable plastic body and interchangeable key extensions, allowing players to adjust the size of the instrument as they grow. The jFlute 2.0 also comes with various accessories, making it a great option for beginner players.
DESIGNED FOR: beginner players
FEATURES: With a "donut" head joint so smaller arms can easily access all of the keys
OTHER INFO: Comes with helpful grip spots for good hand positioning
Nuvo jFlute 2.0 Outfit, Black
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!
- With durable ABS resin construction
- Has a waterproof design for easy maintenance
- Ideally suited for all ages and abilities
- Includes everything you need to get started
- Available in a range of bright colours
- Produces a quite different "rich" sound compared to metal flutes
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™.
Trevor James TJ5X Student Flute
The Trevor James TJ5X features a silver-plated head joint, body, and foot joint, which provide a bright and clear tone. The keys are designed for easy playability and are durable enough to withstand the rigours of concert and student use. It also features a split E mechanism, which makes it easier to play flute in high notes, and an offset G key, which is more comfortable for smaller hands.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and intermediate players
FEATURES: The nickel-silver body is extremely durable yet lightweight
OTHER INFO: With a free-blowing head joint for producing music notes much easier
Trevor James TJ5X Student Flute
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!
- Offers an ergonomic playing experience with an offset G and split E mechanism
- Comes in a purple-lined wooden case with a black, fleece-lined case cover
- With incredible value for money and rigorous quality control
- May not be suitable for more advanced players looking for a higher level of quality
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™.
Student Flute by Gear4music
The Student Flute by Gear4music is a beginner-level flute that is easy to play and produces a good sound. It features a silver-plated head joint, body, and foot joint, making it a reliable and affordable option for beginner players. It also comes with a lightweight case and a cleaning rod, making it easy to transport and maintain.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and students
FEATURES: With a closed-hole design ideal for beginners and young players
OTHER INFO: Produces a strong, smooth tone with an easy flow of air throughout the registers
Student Flute with Case by Gear4music
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!
- Provides easy playing response with a bright and open tone
- Has a lightweight and durable body with a reliable construction
- Comes complete with a case, cloth and rod
- Good value for a beginner instrument
- You may want to opt for higher-quality flutes as you progress
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™.
Powell Sonaré 101 Series Flute
The Powell Sonaré 101 Series Flute is a high-quality student-level flute that produces a clear and focused sound. It features a nickel silver, silver-plated body and C foot, and offset or in-line G keys for comfortable playability. The easy-blowing head joint and smooth keywork make the Sonaré 101 a great option for beginner and intermediate players.
DESIGNED FOR: beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES: Produces a sweet, clear tone with comfortable and smooth keywork
OTHER INFO: With closed holes for easy playing and more access to flute players with smaller hands
Powell Sonaré 101 Series Flute, Closed Hole
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!
- Has a Split-E mechanism to improve the response and clarity of your high E
- Powell Flutes are renowned for their fine craftsmanship and premium materials
- made with the same care and attention as their premium instruments
- More expensive than other beginner-level flutes on the market
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™.
Flute VS Clarinet
Summary
A comparison of two popular woodwind instruments: clarinet vs flute.
Difference between flute and clarinet sound: Flute produces mellower tones while clarinet offers a richer, deeper sound. While both require breath control, the flute’s fingerings are simpler, making it easier for beginners. Clarinet, however, excels in jazz and classical music due to its unique timbre and versatility.
Both the flute and clarinet have their own unique features and challenges in terms of playing difficulty and embouchure technique. The price of a clarinet versus a flute can vary depending on the instrument’s brand, quality, and level.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which instrument you prefer based on the sound you want to produce, the music you want to play, and your budget. Usually, the right instrument for you is the one your heart (and not head) is most attracted to.
Whichever instrument you choose, remember that practice and dedication are key to mastering any musical instrument.
Happy playing!
A flutist and a clarinetist are musicians who play different instruments with distinct characteristics in how they are played, the sound they produce, and the techniques involved.
The flute and clarinet are both woodwind instruments, but the flute is played transversely (sideways) and has no reed, while the clarinet is played vertically and uses a single reed.
Flute:
Playing Position: Transverse (held sideways).
Material: Typically made of metal.
Reed: No reed; air is cut on the edge of the sound hole to produce sound.
Pitch: The standard concert flute is pitched in C and is a non-transposing instrument (it plays the notes as written).
Range: Has a range of about three and a half octaves.
Overblowing: Overblows at an octave, meaning fingerings are similar across octaves.
Tone: Known for its bright, clear, and airy tone.
Difficulty: Can be challenging for beginners to learn proper embouchure and air control, but the lack of a reed can make it easier to learn the basics of playing a woodwind instrument compared to the clarinet.
Clarinet:
Playing Position: Vertical (held vertically).
Material: Typically made of wood.
Reed: Uses a single reed that vibrates against a mouthpiece.
Pitch: The standard clarinet is tuned in Bb (B-flat) and is a transposing instrument (plays Bb when you finger C).
Range: Has a range of about four octaves.
Overblowing: Overblows at a twelfth, meaning fingerings are different across octaves.
Tone: Known for its warm, mellow, and versatile tone.
Difficulty: Requires more physical effort and coordination, especially for beginners, and the reed can be difficult to manage.
While the article provides a decent starter view for newcomers, there’s a depth of nuance between the flute and clarinet that seems glossed over. For instance, the sound and range section could benefit from a deeper dive into tone quality and the unique expressiveness of each instrument’s lower and upper registers. And regarding the embouchure section, more information on the specific challenges newcomers might face with each instrument could better prepare them for what’s ahead. I’d argue that a section comparing maintenance and care requirements could also add value, considering these aspects can significantly influence a beginner’s experience and ongoing costs.
Really appreciate the beginner instrument recommendations! Been trying to decide what’s best for my kiddo and this helps a lot.
Gotta say, the fingering system part caught my eye. I play sax and wondering how similar it is to flute and clarinet? Anyone transitioned between these instruments?
Hey Lucy Downer, I’ve been on the fence about whether to pick up the clarinet or the flute as my first foray into music, and your comparison really sheds some light on both instruments for someone like me. I’m drawn to jazz and was curious if the learning curve for clarinet in that genre is significantly steeper than for the flute? Also, in terms of embouchure flexibility, does practicing one over the other offer a more versatile skill set that could apply to learning additional woodwind instruments down the line?
Jumping in to say flutes are awesome for jazz too! The learning curve is different for everyone but both are fun.
Harper, great question! Jazz clarinet can be a bit tricky at first but it’s super rewarding. The skills you pick up there can definitely help when learning other instruments, especially with breath control and finger dexterity.