Are you ready to start your clarinet journey? Don’t worry if you’ve never played a note before. We can get you started straight away!
In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to put your clarinet together, attach the mouthpiece, place the reed, and make your very first sound. This blog has been created for anyone taking their first steps into the world of clarinet playing. Oh and don’t forget to read until the end, where you will find the link to my latest Youtube demo video so that you can start playing today!
Learning the clarinet for the first time
Starting a new instrument can feel both exciting and a little intimidating—but don’t worry! Today, we’re going to take the very first steps on your clarinet journey: putting it together and making your very first sound. Whether you’re completely new to the instrument or just need a refresher, this guide will set you up for success.
Step 1: Assembling Your Clarinet
The clarinet comes in five main parts: the mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, lower joint, and bell.
Here’s a simple way to put them together:
- Start with the upper and lower joints, aligning the bridge keys carefully.
- Attach the bell to the lower joint.
- Connect the barrel to the upper joint.
- Generally with new instruments you will need to put cork grease on the corks to help assemble the clarinet. Put the cork grease around half of the cork and then use your finger to smooth it around the whole of the cork. This way you don’t put too much on and the grease going everywhere. You might need to put cork grease on the first few times you play and then when a section starts to get difficult to connect add some more. You won’t need to use cork grease daily.
Step 2: Attaching the Clarinet Mouthpiece
- Place the mouthpiece on top of the barrel, twisting gently to secure it. Make sure the hole of the mouthpiece is lined up with the register key and the thumb rest.
Step 3: Placing the Reed
The reed is what makes the clarinet play! Here’s how to position it correctly:
- Moisten the clarinet reed slightly with water or by placing it gently in your mouth for a few seconds.
- Line up the flat side of the reed with the flat surface of the mouthpiece. The tip of the reed should be almost perfectly aligned with the tip of the mouthpiece.
- Secure it with the ligature (the metal or fabric band), tightening just enough so the reed doesn’t move. The screw of the ligature should be on the right side of your face.
Step 4: Making Your First Sound
Once your clarinet is assembled, it’s time for the magic—your first note! Follow these tips for a steady, clear sound:
- Hold the clarinet comfortably and make sure your posture is upright. You want to sit comfortably on the chair with your feet flat on the ground and the goal is to bring the clarinet up to your mouth rather than tilting the head downwards.
- Your left hand goes at the top and your right thumb goes underneath the thumb rest to help balance the clarinet.
- Slightly curl your bottom lip over your bottom teeth to cushion the reed. Then place your top teeth on the mouthpiece to keep the mouthpiece secure. Close your lips gently around the mouthpiece.
- Do not bite on the mouthpiece, as this will close the gap between the reed and mouthpiece and choke the sound.
- Keep your chin flat and your lips flat, not puffed out. Avoid pushing your lips forward or puffing your cheeks. This will make the clarinet squeak.
- Blow air steadily through the instrument, imagining it is one big straw. Start gently and adjust until you hear a clear, steady tone.
- Don’t worry if it sounds squeaky at first. You may have just too much mouthpiece in your mouth; squeaking is completely normal for beginners!
Step 5: Tips for Success
- Take it slow: focus on correct assembly, reed placement, and embouchure before worrying about notes.
- Don’t be discouraged: your first sound may not be perfect, and that’s okay! Every clarinetist has been there.
- Watch the video demonstration: I’ve created a step-by-step video showing exactly how to put your clarinet together, attach the mouthpiece, place the reed, and make your first sound.
- 🎥 Watch it here and start playing! 🎵➡️ Youtube Lesson
Conclusion:
Learning the clarinet is an exciting journey, and every great player started exactly where you are now. With patience, practice, and curiosity, you’ll be making beautiful music before you know it.
Want to know more about our lessons, clarinet courses and resources for clarinetists of all ages? Then join our mailing list here!