The clarinet has also been used in pop and rock music by bands and musicians such as the Beatles, Billy Joel, Van Halen, etc. The clarinet is also used often in traditional music of many different cultures. It is an essential part of klezmer music. There are many types of clarinets in existence, each exuding its own unique qualities. There are some commonly used ones and some that have become completely obsolete over time. Each clarinet is very different. You should be able to identify each one by looks as well as by listening to recordings.
After that, you can determine which other clarinets will suit your individual needs. Chris K. Toggle navigation Contact Us Login. Types of Clarinets. Bass Clarinet The most common types of clarinets are the Bb clarinet, the bass clarinet, the A clarinet, the Eb clarinet, the contrabass clarinet, the contra-alto clarinet, and the alto clarinet.
Bass Clarinet: The bass clarinet is a Bb instrument. Contrabass Clarinet: The contrabass clarinet is a Bb instrument. Contra-alto Clarinet: The contra-alto clarinet is an Eb instrument. Alto Clarinet: The alto clarinet is an Eb instrument. Other Types of Clarinets In addition to the main types of clarinets, there are several other kinds.
Conclusion There are many types of clarinets in existence, each exuding its own unique qualities. Because the clarinet is a Bb instrument, it sounds a whole step lower than the written notes it plays. For example, when the clarinetist plays a C, the instrument sounds a Bb. That means that the clarinetist must play written Bb parts in a key a whole step higher than the written music.
If a piece is in F major, then the clarinetist will have to play in G major. If, however, the piece is composed in E major, then the clarinetist will have to play in F major, a key with six sharps in it. Now, for a professional player, the key of F major sits well on the clarinet. It is not a left hand-intensive key like C major, but it is still much more difficult than playing in a key with fewer sharps.
The A clarinet sounds a minor third lower than the written pitch. When the player plays C, the clarinet sounds an A. So, if we take the same piece in E major as before, the written part would have to be minor third higher than E major. In intense technical passages, playing in one sharp is much better than playing in six sharps.
Also, it was common practice at that time to perform without rehearsal. Even a pro would have a tough time with a piece in six sharps while sight reading.
This is often the case when the part is in the altissimo register, which consists of the very high notes above the staff. The player has to perform lots of cross fingerings. Some of these notes are also better in tune than others. The bigger the instrument, the bigger the mouthpiece. So, saxophone mouthpieces are, in general, bigger than clarinet mouthpieces.
In addition, this leads to the use of cane reeds. This is the exact opposite when it comes to the instruments power with the saxophone being the instrument that can play much louder. When it comes to the technical requirement of the instrument, they both share a lot of similarities. Firstly, the fingering patterns are almost the same, with the exception of the clarinet having a few more keys attached to it, but at the end of the day they both follow the same principal. Embouchure, air flow, and articulation are identical as is how the sound is produced.
In general, there is more resistance when playing the saxophone, and you have to be more careful while producing the sound because especially in the beginning, it can be difficult to control. There are enough similarities in tone production and fingerings that make this a natural choice. As previously mentioned, the two instruments have different timbres.
The tone color of the Eb is brighter and more piercing, while that of the Bb is considered to be fuller and warmer. Also, if the music is written in the altissimo register, the notes will be even higher on the Bb clarinet, making the music much more challenging to play. As members of the same woodwind family, the Eb and Bb clarinets have many aspects in common. While they look alike but the Eb clarinet is smaller, and the pitch is different. Musicians generally start learning on the Bb clarinet, then begin playing the Eb clarinet after they have progressed.
Both clarinet types serve different purposes and are both vital in the music world. Table of Contents. Not What You May Think. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
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