Troubleshooting

Clarinet

If you are having problems with notes and it is not finger related (fingers not fully covering holes), the problem must be at the mouthpiece end of the instrument.

Exactly how we go about putting the mouthpiece in our mouth and what we then do with it can be split into a check-list as follows:

• How much mouthpiece in mouth?
• How much bottom lip curled over teeth?
• Top teeth resting on mouthpiece?
• Jaw forward?
• Jaw pressure/support?
• Angle of clarinet?
• Good air-support (blowing)?
• Articulation (tonguing)?

These are all connected, some having a much more direct affect than others. For example, the first six all have a direct bearing upon one another, air-support is very important, but may not be directly linked to certain problems caused by the first six.

Articulation is more like to suffer from the others being incorrect than vice-versa. If you hold the clarinet too close to your body in an almost vertical position, the chances are that you will be unable to tongue the correct part of the reed.

How much mouthpiece in mouth?

Look at the mouthpiece (with reed attached) sideways-on. Notice where the gap between the mouthpiece and reed begins; from here to the tip of the mouthpiece is roughly how much should be in your mouth. Too little often gives a small, weak sound, whilst too much will give a harsh sound, or worse cause squeaks.

How much bottom lip curled over teeth?

As little as possible. Too much will muffle the vibration of the reed and prevent many of the overtones that help give a rich sound.

Top teeth resting on mouthpiece?

This has to be the way. Can be very painful on high notes if you curl your top lip under your teeth and will only lead to problems. If you find the vibrations uncomfortable on your teeth there are mouthpiece patches that can be stuck onto the top of the mouthpiece that take this sensation away.

Jaw forward?

Put your jaw about half-way forward (so that your top and bottom teeth are aligned). Try not to move your jaw back and forth, especially when tonguing in the upper register.

Jaw pressure/Angle of clarinet?

Both of these are linked not only to one another but also to the previous point. The clarinet should be at an angle to your body of anything between 40 and 45 degrees. The more acute angle, the less jaw pressure you need and vice-versa (within reason).

Air-support?

We all need air in order to survive, so do your notes!