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Clarinet lower joint

Author: bcooley2014
Date: 2017-05-09 05:25

Hi I am new to playing the clarinet. I have learn most of the notes in the upper joint and I play them well but the lower joint I am having problems. When I try to play notes in the lower joint it sounds horrible! Even when I'm doing the scale it sounds as if I'm off tune. I tried to do high notes on the lower joint but they still play low rusty. Can someone help me

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Re: Clarinet lower joint

Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2017-05-09 16:25

The key on the lower joint that has 3 finger rings may not be closing properly. It could be held open by the key it connects to on the upper joint, or the pad itself may not be sealing (very common). Another potential cause could be that there are leaks higher up that aren't as problematic till you start playing the lower joint notes.

Steve Ocone

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Re: Clarinet lower joint

Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-05-09 19:38

Also check your fingers are covering the toneholes on the lower joint as that will cause problems if you're not covering them fully.

Have you got a teacher? Have them watch what you're doing to be sure you're covering the toneholes well.

If your 2nd or 3rd fingers on your right hand aren't covering the toneholes at the lower or inside edges, see if moving your thumb lower will help. You can get a thumbrest cushion which is made from soft silicone rubber to increase the thickness of the thumbrest if you haven't got an adjustable thumbrest fitted.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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