 The Fingering Forum
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Author: clarinetgirlly
Date: 2004-06-13 20:33
i have been playing the b-flat clarinet for 5 year and this past year i played the bass clarinet and i wanted to know if it was hrder to play eb or not
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Author: Erica
Date: 2004-06-13 22:30
I don't know if you're referring to the Eb soprano (or sopranino) or the Eb Alto Clarinet. The Eb soprano, in my opinion, isn't really much harder. I'll tell you one thing though, it will be murderous to your lips for the first week or so. Also, you may have a little difficulty for a while switching between the Bb and Eb clarinets, and especially the bass clarinet if you wish to continue that. Also, when you're playing it in your band, be aware that it will sound very out of tune sometimes, especially with the flutes (you will play a lot of parts along with the flutes). Be aware when you need to change your embouchure or use a different fingering for some notes. Otherwise, basic fingerings and the way you blow into it are very similar. And personally, I find the Eb clarinet lots of fun sometimes! (That is, when my lips aren't hurting!)
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Author: Eleni
Date: 2004-06-27 07:12
I play all of the clarinets (mainly the bass clarinet) and the Eb is definately harder to get a good sound out of than the Bb ones. It's also more difficult to play in tune with. But it's nice to know how to play it becuse it's easier to get in to honor bands with and they need one for orchestra most of the time.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2004-08-01 20:08
The Eb can be just about as easy as the Bb but there are a few concerns. The Eb parts are more exposed and the player must listen to the flutes which often play the same notes. Flutes have a difficult time playing low enough in pitch in their third register and if they do that, it is almost impossible to match their pitch with the Eb. Some notes in the third register of the Eb are also hard to play in tune and need alternate fingerings for best tuning on an individual instrument.
Some people with large fingers find it difficult to fit their fingers between the Eb keys. This can be helped by having an expert clarinet repairperson make those keys a little thinner. Good luck!!
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