The clarinet has a reputation for being a bit tricky at first — and honestly, that reputation mostly comes down to one thing: the break. The "break" is the register change that happens around the middle of the instrument's range, where the fingering system shifts in a way that can feel awkward for new players. A good fingering chart helps you navigate this and the rest of the instrument's range with clarity.
What's in the Chart
This chart covers the full standard range of the Bb clarinet, from low E up through the upper register, with clear diagrams showing which keys and tone holes to cover for each note. The register key (the small key on the back of the instrument) is clearly indicated where it applies, helping students understand the relationship between the lower and upper registers.
Who This Is For
- Beginning clarinet students learning their first notes
- Students working through crossing the break for the first time
- Band directors who want a reliable handout for new players
- Parents supporting a child's home practice
Tips for Using This Chart
Many notes in the upper register share the same fingering as a lower note, but with the register key added. Once you understand that pattern, the instrument starts to make a lot more sense. Use this chart not just to look up individual notes, but to study the relationships between registers — it'll help everything click faster.