 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: HannahLynnLove
Date: 2011-04-24 02:33
I'm in the process of trying to memorize all my full range scales.
So far, I've memorized Concert Bb, F, C, Eb, and Ab.
I'm in the process of learning Db (I would like to get as far as 5 flats and 5 sharps eventually)
I know the fingerings you're supposed to use for going up chromatically, but I only know how to with a natural note in between.
What alternate would be best for going between two flats?
If I wasn't clear enough, it's the Ab and Bb ones right above the staff.
The largest possible range I have to learn is 3 octaves. Only two of them have 3 octaves, and all the rest only have two. I'm not going SUPER high (like a C above high C, for example) just up to a G above the C
Hannah
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2011-04-24 03:09
Hi Hannah,
If you're asking this question, may I guess that you're playing the Bb with the first three fingers of the left hand?
If so, you've become accustomed with the least used of the Bb fingerings. When you use the finger Bb 5 with the first two fingers of the left hand and the fourth right hand side key you will be able to more easily transition between the two notes.
My apologies if I haven't understood your question clearly.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-24 04:33
The most practical way to go from Ab to Bb (or G#-A# or lower register Db-Eb/C#-D#) is using the side Eb/Bb key which is the lowest of the four side keys for RH finger 1.
Ab (G#) - Sp. Th. xxxC#/G#|ooo
Bb (A#) - Sp. Th. xxo|Side Eb/Bb ooo
Personally I've never found the LH3 Eb/Bb 'sliver' key of any real practical use and it's a throwback to earlier key systems and do away with it (Benny Goodman had this key ommitted from his 'Gramercy 5' Buffet) as I already have the side key (which I use as my main Eb/Bb) and long Bb (xoo|xoo) as well as the forked Eb/Bb which isn't fitted as standard to any instruments.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-04-24 17:02
the easiest fingering is to go out and find a Full Boehm clarinet.
Then, you have a Bb fingering that is really a slick variation on the Ab:
Ab: TR XXX G#/C# | OOO
Bb: TR XOX G#/C# | OOO
Also, in the low register:
Db: T XXX C#/G# | OOO
Eb: T XXX C#/G# | OOO
Which I think is civilized, like flutes and saxophones --along with a left hand Eb/Ab and an articulated G#/C#
...But when reality strikes, and you don't have a modern clarinet, you need to use the "side" Bb/Eb trill key as pointed out above.
Sorry.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-24 17:41
Bob, there is no sliding to be done on a regular (modern) 17 key 6 ring Boehm - for the Ab-Bb trill you can just trill with the side Eb/Bb key (and the side Eb/Bb key also gives a good G-A trill as well instead of trilling with LH finger 3). And when playing Ab to Bb (or lower register Db to Eb) you only have to lift off LH3 and the C#/G# key when you play the Bb (or Eb) using the side key.
The likelyhood of finding a brand new full Boehm from a top maker is very limited now unless you pay a premium for one to be specially made for you, but there are some older Buffet, Selmer and Leblanc full Boehms listed on eBay from time to time, but they will most likely need a complete rebuild.
Where the forked Bb on full Boehms (and others with it fitted) comes in very useful is in 'Polovtsian Dances' where the tune goes Bb--Ab-G-Ab-Bb-Ab-G-Ab-F-G-Ab etc. as there's no need to use the side key. I was told a little while back by a teacher 'Just use the normal fingering as you'll forget the fancy fingering' - but to me, using the forked Bb IS the normal fingering as I use it all the time as my clarinets are equipped with the forked Bb mechanism. If I had to use the 'normal' fingering (side Bb) then I'd probably crash and burn. I've got used to using these gadgets and use them as my primary fingerings where they come in very useful. On Albert/simple systems and German/Oehler systems the Bb can also be played as a forked fingering (xox|xxx) instead of the keyed fingering. Reform Boehms have an arrangement which also allows this while the C#/G# key is held down, plus an arrangement where F#-G# can be played by trilling with LH3 only while RH2 is held down.
But for players with standard 17/6 instruments which are the majority of you, you're best playing Ab-Bb using the side key and not the 'sliver' key as it's impractical. The 'sliver' key for LH3 is only really useful for chromatics, but you're best using the side key instead.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: HannahLynnLove
Date: 2011-04-24 18:24
It's still a bit tricky, but it's my best bet out of the possible alternates I suppose. Now I gotta get practicing!
Thanks!
Hannah
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2011-04-24 18:30
Just speaking for myself , I love the LH 'sliver' key in the chromatic scale and would not use the RL 'trill' key at all in this scale. It keeps everything in the LH from middle C to F above, then the RH is easily ready for the side F# key. I call both these keys the chromatic keys for those notes.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-24 19:13
Hannah, practice playing G-Ab-Bb-Ab-G slowly to get your fingers co-ordinated. Then gradually build up the speed until you're not having to think about it anymore. Use the side Eb/Bb key for diatonic scales and passages.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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