CLARINET
Embouchure
The first step to playing in tune on the clarinet is to play with a good embouchure. There are several ways to learn how to play with a good clarinet embouchure. Try these analogies with a mirror in front of you:
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The "inbouchure” is equally important to explore and make connections with. Without adjusting the external embouchure, try to form the syllable "EEE" in your oral cavity. This will force your tongue to arch. Pretending to hiss like a cat will also cause this to happen.
Mouthpiece and Barrel
To check if your embouchure is correct, play on just the mouthpiece and barrel. If this is not in tune, there is no possibility of playing in tune when the full instrument is assembled. The pitch should be about a concert F#.
Often, students will play with too loose of an embouchure, which will cause the pitch to be flat. Firm up your embouchure if necessary. Another way to manipulate the pitch is to change the shape of your oral cavity. The vowel "EEE" will raise the pitch. Morphing the vowel to "OH" will lower the pitch.
Often, students will play with too loose of an embouchure, which will cause the pitch to be flat. Firm up your embouchure if necessary. Another way to manipulate the pitch is to change the shape of your oral cavity. The vowel "EEE" will raise the pitch. Morphing the vowel to "OH" will lower the pitch.
Tuning Procedure
Temperature affects intonation dramatically so it is important warm up your clarinet before tuning it. When the instrument is about room temperature (72 degrees Fahrenheit), it is time to tune the clarinet.
1) Play the following exercises at a mezzo forte dynamic. Playing any louder or quieter may distort the pitch. 2) Play Tuning Exercise #1 several times. Sustain the final G, and check your pitch with a tuner. It should be in tune. If it is sharp, pull the barrel out of the upper joint a tiny amount. If the G is flat, push in the barrel a tiny amount. An easy way to remember which way to adjust the barrel is through the acronym SOFI (see graphic below.) 3) Play Tuning Exercise #2. Sustain the final C, and check your pitch with a tuner. It should be in tune. If it is not, adjust the barrel. |
4) Play Tuning Exercise #3. Sustain the final C, and check your pitch with a tuner. It should be in tune. If it is sharp, pull the upper joint from the lower joint slightly. If it is flat, push in between the joints.
5) If you do not see these results on the tuner, it is most likely an embouchure issue. See the chart below for possible solutions!
5) If you do not see these results on the tuner, it is most likely an embouchure issue. See the chart below for possible solutions!
Stable Tuning Note
Factors Affecting Pitch
To see the specific pitch tendencies and solutions for the clarinet, click here: