Clarinet Fingering Chart

Comprehensive fingering guide + technique tips + beginner learning resources + free PDF download

Interactive Clarinet Fingering Chart

🎵 How to Use This Interactive Chart

Step 1: Choose Key Signature

Select your desired key signature from the dropdown menu. This will show you which notes are sharp or flat in that key.

Step 2: Click on a Note

Click any note button below to see the correct key fingering. The clarinet diagram will highlight the keys you need to press.

Step 3: Learn the Fingering

Study the highlighted keys on the clarinet and read the fingering description. Practice until it becomes automatic!

Current Key: C Major
Interactive Clarinet Fingering Chart Interactive clarinet with key positions, note names, and key signatures. REG L1 L2 L3 L4 R1 R2 R3 R4 T1 T2
Current Note: Select a note
Click on a note button to see fingering
Musical Notation
Select a note to see notation

Select a Note

Clarinet Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

Clarinet Fingering Chart

High-quality fingering chart perfect for practice and reference. Download PDF

📚 Complete Clarinet Fingering Guide

Looking for a comprehensive guide to master every clarinet note? Our detailed guide covers register breaks, advanced techniques, and professional fingerings:

🎵 Read Complete Clarinet Fingering Guide →

BEGINNER CLARINET FINGERING CHART

(B♭ Clarinet | Boehm System)

1. Basic Fingering Combinations

Note Left Hand Right Hand Description
E3T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1, R2, R3, R4All fingers down + thumb
F3T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1, R2, R3All left, first 3 right
G3T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1, R2All left, first 2 right
A3T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1All left, first right
B3T1, L1, L2, L3, L4-All left fingers
C4T1, L1, L2, L3-Left thumb + first 3 fingers
D4T1, L1, L2-Left thumb + first 2 fingers
E4T1, L1-Left thumb + first finger
F4T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1, R2, R3All left, first 3 right
G4T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1, R2All left, first 2 right
A4T1, L1, L2, L3, L4R1All left, first right
B4T1, L1, L2, L3, L4-All left fingers
C5T1, L1, L2, L3-Left thumb + first 3 fingers

Tip: Use the register key (REG) for notes above the break (B4 and higher).

2. Essential Beginner Scales

Practice these scales to develop finger dexterity and smooth transitions.

C Major Scale

C4 (T1, L1, L2, L3) - D4 (T1, L1, L2) - E4 (T1, L1) - F4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - B4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4) - C5 (T1, L1, L2, L3)

G Major Scale

G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - B4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4) - C5 (T1, L1, L2, L3) - D5 (T1, L1, L2) - E5 (T1, L1) - F#5 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - G5 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)

F Major Scale

F4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - Bb4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4) - C5 (T1, L1, L2, L3) - D5 (T1, L1, L2) - E5 (T1, L1) - F5 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2, R3)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for applying new fingerings!)

"Hot Cross Buns":

B4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)
B4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)
G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)
A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1)
B4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4) - A4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)

"Mary Had a Little Lamb":

E4 (T1, L1) - D4 (T1, L1, L2) - C4 (T1, L1, L2, L3) - D4 (T1, L1, L2) - E4 (T1, L1) - E4 (T1, L1) - E4 (T1, L1)
D4 (T1, L1, L2) - D4 (T1, L1, L2) - D4 (T1, L1, L2)
E4 (T1, L1) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2) - G4 (T1, L1, L2, L3, L4, R1, R2)

4. Clarinet Fingering Tips for Beginners

  • Form a proper embouchure: place the reed on your lower lip, top teeth on the mouthpiece.
  • Keep fingers curved and close to the keys for quick, efficient movement.
  • Ensure tone holes are completely covered to avoid airy or squeaky sounds.
  • Use the register key (thumb key) for notes above the break (B4 and higher).
  • Support the clarinet with your right thumb on the thumb rest, don't grip too tightly.
  • Practice long tones to develop a consistent, clear sound and breath control.
  • Breathe deeply from your diaphragm for good breath support.
  • Start slowly with a metronome and gradually increase tempo.
  • Listen carefully to your tone and intonation, use a tuner regularly.
  • Keep reeds properly moistened and maintained for best sound quality.
  • Clean your clarinet regularly, especially after each practice session.
  • Master the "break" between B4 and C5 - this is a challenging transition for beginners.

Understanding the Clarinet

Clarinet Anatomy and Parts

Before learning fingerings, familiarize yourself with the clarinet's components and how they work together to produce sound.

Clarinet anatomy diagram

How the Clarinet Works

The clarinet uses a single reed that vibrates when you blow air past it. The vibrating reed creates sound waves in the cylindrical tube. Keys open and close tone holes along the body to change pitch. The clarinet has a unique cylindrical bore that gives it a wide range and distinctive tone.

🎵 New to the Clarinet?

Just starting your clarinet journey? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know:

📚 Read Complete Clarinet Fingering Guide →

Understanding Musical Notes

Musical notes are organized in a specific pattern. Understanding this pattern is crucial for reading music and learning fingerings.

Want a deeper primer? Read our Music Notes Guide for beginners.

Musical staff with notes

The Musical Alphabet:

Musical notes use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, then repeat.

  • Natural Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
  • Sharp (♯): Raises a note by one half step (e.g., C♯)
  • Flat (♭): Lowers a note by one half step (e.g., B♭)

Half Steps and Whole Steps

Understanding the distance between notes is essential for learning scales and fingering patterns.

Piano keyboard showing half steps and whole steps

A half step is the smallest distance between two notes. A whole step equals two half steps.

Clarinet Range and Registers

The clarinet has a range from D3-C7. For beginners, focus on the comfortable middle range: E3-G5.

Instrument range diagram

Common Clarinet Fingering Patterns Chart

Here are fundamental fingering patterns to get you started. Mastering these will build a solid foundation.

Note/Pattern Fingering/Position
Low E Left thumb + all fingers + right pinky on low E key
F Left thumb + all fingers except right pinky
G Left thumb + first 3 fingers of each hand
A Left thumb + first 3 fingers of left hand, first 2 of right
B Left thumb + first 3 fingers of left hand, first finger of right
C Left thumb + first 3 fingers of left hand
D Left thumb + first 2 fingers of left hand
E Left thumb + first finger of left hand
High-quality clarinet fingering chart with complete guide

How to Hold the Clarinet Correctly

Proper holding technique is essential for comfort, control, and good sound production.

How to hold clarinet correctly - front view with proper posture

Front View: Proper hand and body position for clarinet holding

How to hold clarinet correctly - side view with hand position

Side View: Correct posture and angle for optimal clarinet playing

Key points for proper technique:

  • Maintain good posture - sit or stand up straight
  • Keep shoulders relaxed and level
  • Hold instrument at comfortable angle
  • Keep wrists relatively straight
  • Use proper breath support from diaphragm

🎯 Master Professional Clarinet Technique

Want to perfect your clarinet holding technique? Our comprehensive guide covers advanced posture, hand positioning, and professional playing methods:

📖 Read Complete Clarinet Fingering Guide →

How to Learn to Play the Clarinet

  • Start with basics: Learn proper posture, hand position, and sound production
  • Practice scales: Build finger dexterity and note recognition
  • Use this chart: Reference fingerings until they become automatic
  • Play simple melodies: Apply fingerings in musical context
  • Listen actively: Study professional recordings
  • Be patient: Consistent daily practice yields best results
  • Find a teacher: Professional guidance accelerates progress

Best Beginner Clarinet Brands and Models

Quality student instruments from trusted manufacturers make learning easier and more enjoyable:

  • Yamaha YCL-255
  • Buffet B12
  • Jupiter JCL710
  • Jean Paul CL-300

Always try instruments in person when possible, preferably with guidance from a teacher or experienced player.

Practice Tips

  • Form proper embouchure - say 'eee' then place mouthpiece on lower lip
  • Use enough reed strength - start with 2 or 2.5 for beginners
  • Keep fingers curved and close to keys
  • Support the clarinet with right thumb rest, don't grip tightly
  • Break in new reeds gradually by playing short sessions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Biting down on the reed instead of using steady air pressure
  • Forgetting to use the register key for higher notes
  • Not covering tone holes completely
  • Poor posture - slouching affects breath support
  • Not keeping reeds properly moistened and maintained