The Clarinet in General

THE CLARINET

 The clarinet is a woodwind instrument that was invented by Johann Christoph Denne of Germany around the turn of the eighteenth century.

The mouth piece of the clarinet fits into the top of the instrument and holds the reed. The reed is made up of wood or plastic and is important in playing notes. The clarinet has a complex key system. The keys cover holes in the body of the clarinet and make it possible to control pitches. The little finger keys are very important on woodwind instruments. Pressing down on one of these keys opens or closes a hole further down the instrument, beyond reach of the hands.

 The thumb rest is a small metal plate, attached to the back of the clarinet that helps the clarinetist support the weight of the instrument with the right thumb.

 To produce sound you must put your lips over the mouthpiece and reed and blow.

One technique clarinetists often use is called bending notes. This means vary the pressure on the reed and partly covering the holes to change the pitch.

 The solo clarinet is the most played member of the clarinet family. Other clarinets include the alto and the bass clarinet.