Clarinet High Notes 101, Part 1: Approaching altissimo

Common Challenges in High Notes:

• Reed Strength:
  • Soft reeds (1.5 or 2) may be inadequate for high notes
  • Recommended at least a 2, potentially 2.5 for upper register
  • Soft reeds result in unfocused, squawky sound
• Air Support:
  • High notes demand faster air speed
  • It’s important to direct air efficiently
  • Slow air leads to fuzziness, hissing, and note resistance
• Biting and Tension:
  • The natural tendency is to bite under pressure
  • Biting affects reed vibration, leading to poor tone
  • Strive for relaxed posture, dropping shoulders, and open throat
• Finger Technique:
  • Leaky finger holes, especially on the right hand, disrupt high notes
  • Focus on precision and proper finger placement
  • Also important — left thumb covering the hole and hitting the register key

Exercises and Techniques:

• Reed Experimentation Exercise:
  • Imagining jaw movement for overtones on low C
  • Introduces the concept of jaw pressure adjustment
• Double Lip Embouchure Exercise:
  • Use of double lip embouchure to reduce tension
  • Playing altissimo notes (C to E) to develop breath support and tongue position
  • Transition back to regular embouchure with improved results