What is a clarinet fingering chart?

A clarinet fingering chart is a visual guide showing which keys or positions to use for each note. It helps beginners learn the correct fingerings, making it easier to play different notes accurately.

How many keys does a clarinet have?

A standard clarinet has Boehm system with 17-23 keys. These mechanisms work together to produce different pitches and notes.

What is the clarinet's range?

The standard clarinet range is approximately E3 to G6. Advanced players may extend this range with practice and technique.

How do I read a clarinet fingering chart?

A clarinet fingering chart shows note names along with visual representations or descriptions of which keys, strings, or positions to use. Follow the chart's key to understand the fingering notation system.

What are the best clarinet brands for beginners?

Popular beginner clarinet brands include Buffet Crampon, Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc. These offer quality instruments at student-friendly prices, typically providing good value for beginners.

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!

Key Signature:

Current Key: C Major

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)

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
E3	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3, R4	All fingers down + thumb
F3	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3	All left, first 3 right
G3	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2	All left, first 2 right
A3	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1	All left, first right
B3	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	-	All left fingers
C4	T1, L1, L2, L3	-	Left thumb + first 3 fingers
D4	T1, L1, L2	-	Left thumb + first 2 fingers
E4	T1, L1	-	Left thumb + first finger
F4	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2, R3	All left, first 3 right
G4	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1, R2	All left, first 2 right
A4	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	R1	All left, first right
B4	T1, L1, L2, L3, L4	-	All left fingers
C5	T1, 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.

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