Part of the woodwind family, the clarinet is a highly popular instrument - it's also very flexible since it can be played as part of an array of different ensembles, from symphony orchestras, to big bands, jazz outfits, and even marching bands.
The Clarinet: An Adaptable Instrument
The clarinet has a naturally open sound that blends beautifully with the other instruments of an orchestra, especially when it's providing extra support, since it can sweeten the overall sound without stealing focus. The flexible and dynamic sound of this woodwind instrument is also able to take on solo parts (as demonstrated in Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin) so it's able to slot seamlessly into a range of very different genres. To find out just how far the clarinet can reach, see our full collection of clarinet books.
The Range of a Clarinet
There are different models of clarinet, so the pitch range of one type of model differs from the next. Because they've developed their technique, experienced clarinettists will also be able to produce higher pitched notes than beginners. However, the popular Bb clarinet has a four octave range.
Clarinet Accessories: Stands, Mouthpieces & More
A stable clarinet stand is definitely a must. Not just to keep your instrument safe at home, but during performances. We also stock plenty of mouthpieces, reeds and ligatures for the clarinet. And, if you're taking lessons, rehearsing with ensembles and performing, then a good clarinet case is essential.
Bb, A, Eb & C Clarinets
The Bb clarinet is the most-played and therefore the most common variation. When following sheet music, the natural 'C' of a Bb clarinet is a Bb - hence the name. This means that the Eb clarinet is a transposing instrument that's tuned an entire pitch lower. As such, the clarinet parts in classical music are often notated a whole note down to compensate. So, if you're playing music from a book that's written for non-transposed instruments, like piano books, then what you play on a Bb clarinet will sound an entire note lower in pitch than the piano, so it needs to be transposed up by a whole note. If you play a C clarinet, then this isn't a problem. Other common clarinets are the A clarinet and Eb clarinet. However, the Bb clarinet remains the most popular simply because the tuning produces the best sound - from the lowest registers to the highest. If you're about to start clarinet lessons, then it's worth having chat with the teacher to figure out which model will fit best.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Clarinet
Is learning to play the clarinet hard?
Ultimately, it's hard to play any musical instrument at a high level and even the basics of some instruments are more difficult to learn than others. When it comes to the clarinet, the blowing technique - the way you use your lips - is the first challenge, so it's far harder to get a good sound out of a clarinet at first compared to an instrument like the recorder.
Where does the clarinet come from?
The Chalumeau, an instrument that emerged during the Baroque period, is the direct predecessor of the clarinet. Johann Christoph Denner from Nuremberg introduced a new and improved 'modern' clarinet in 1690, and during the centuries that followed, more small improvements were made.
What's the best clarinet for beginners?
It can be a good idea to start with a relatively affordable model. In our range of clarinets, you'll find an array of a different options and prices, so if you're not 100% sure that the clarinet is for you, it's worth going for a cheaper, entry-level model.
What kind of clarinets are there?
The clarinet family is actually pretty big and some models are less accessible than others, while other models are only popular within a specific genre. The most common is the sopranino (in Ab, Eb, and D), the standard clarinet (in C, Bb, and A), the basset clarinet (in A), the basset horn (in F), the alto clarinet (Ab), the bass clarinet (Bb), contra-alto clarinet (Eb), and the contrabass clarinet (Bb). The standard Bb clarinet is the most popular.
How much does a clarinet cost?
A professional, high-end clarinet can set you back thousands of pounds, but an entry-level model doesn't have to cost quite so much. You can definitely pick up a good model for as little as a couple of hundred pounds.
