 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Leonard A
Date: 2002-12-09 20:04
I play alto and tenor sax but would like to learn the clarinet just to be more well-rounded. I just learned that the fingering is different on the clarinet (Bb) than the sax. How hard is it to make the transition? Any pointers? Thank you.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-12-09 20:27
The fingerings are not the problem, as they can be learned overnight. Be aware that the clarinet overblows a 12th, not an octave.
The bigger problem is setting the correct embouchure, due to the entry angle of the mouthpiece, and the size of instrument.
Although it is possible to use a text for guidance, a few lessons with a clarinet instructor will assure correct "hands on" embouchure formation.
Thousands (millions?) have switched from sax to clarinet, and still lived to tell about. Join the party...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Vic
Date: 2002-12-09 21:29
Yes, by all means, come over to the dark side.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: super20dan
Date: 2002-12-09 23:42
good luck. its MUCH harder than sax .most give up .every sax player should start on clarinet first...then switch to sax.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-12-10 01:38
And make sure you cover the holes. ALWAYS cover the holes you want to play.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jenna
Date: 2002-12-10 03:49
If the open holes become an issue, try a plateau model (covered holes). I know a few doublers that prefer the plateau because it has more of a "sax feel."
jenna
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Colin B
Date: 2002-12-10 09:03
I started off on clarinet some years ago. After a few years I gave it up for the alto sax. A couple of months ago I decided that I wanted to play the clarinet again (Inconsistent! Me?), so I bought one. As GBK says, the biggest "problems" were forming a tighter embouchure, covering the holes and crossing the *!!**!!" break." Scale practise and a feeble reed (1.5) have helped me to overcome these. I believe that having spent those years on sax have helped to get to grips with the clarinet much quicker than otherwise. I found the change from sax to clarinet not as difficult as I had expected it to be. Give it your best and you'll be fine, I'm sure.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David
Date: 2002-12-10 16:44
The upper register is fingered like a sax. Left hand B A G. G# key is pretty much where you expect it. Articulated G# are for fancy folks, though.
Lower down, the right hand does F E D. The D# key is right where it should be, the C is familiar and the C# and B will be a doddle. No Bflat key. You'll find the C# works independantly (no need to keep the C down). And you have a double set of pinkie keys, so that you can play left or right. A fast alternation between C and D# is now dead easy - Left C -> Right D#.
The lower register is fingered the same, but named like a treble recorder. Left E D C Right B A G. The left G# key is now a C# and the D# is now a G#
Some other keys will be in the right place. The side ones do the same as A# etc trill keys, and there's an F# for the third right as well.
When you get to the register above the C (2 lines over the stave) you'll love it. None of this opening more and more side keys and sounding weedier and weedier. Straight into Sigurd Rascher country, really powerful hamonics and you can go high enough to make bats fall out of trees.
The embouchure is a lot more strenuous and you'll have to blow harder, but same rules as a sax. Make it sound beautiful.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
