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Resources
Free Clarinet Fingering Chart
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.↓ Download the Clarinet Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreHow to Care for Your Clarinet
Proper clarinet care keeps your instrument playing well, protects your investment, and prevents avoidable repair bills. Most of it comes down to a few consistent habits — and once they're part of your routine, they take almost no time at all. After Every Practice Session Swab out each joint of the clarinet after playing. Use a pull-through swab designed for clarinet — one that fits through the upper joint, lower joint, and barrel separately. Moisture left in the bore can swell wooden clarinets and degrade pads on both plastic and wood instruments. Never leave your clarinet assembled and unswabbed. Wipe down the exterior of the instrument and the mouthpiece with a soft cloth. If you use a mouthpiece, rinse it with lukewarm (not hot) water occasionally to remove buildup. Assembling Your Clarinet When putting the clarinet together, use a gentle twisting motion and never force the joints. Apply a small amount of cork grease to the corks if they feel stiff — dry, cracked corks are a common cause of airtight seal problems and can crack if forced. Keep a small tube of cork grease in your case. Reed Care Reeds are consumable, but proper care extends their life. After playing, remove the reed, wipe it dry, and store it flat in a reed case or holder. Never leave a reed on the mouthpiece while the clarinet is in its case — this warps reeds quickly. Rotating between two or three reeds during a practice week also helps them last longer. Wooden Clarinets If you play a wooden clarinet, allow it to warm up gradually — especially in cold weather. Wooden clarinets can crack if subjected to sudden temperature changes. New wooden clarinets should be "broken in" gradually over the first several weeks, starting with short practice sessions and slowly increasing duration.↓ Download the Clarinet Care Tips (PDF)
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