How do you make a clarinet more flat?

Question

So, my clarinet is always very sharp- so what should I do to make it more in tune?

I know how to pull out my clarinet- Im not THAT dumb- but what else can I do to make my clarinet in tune?

Answer 1

Well, you know, it's a tube. And the keys shorten and lengthen it. (closed shorter, open longer) it seems pretty obvious to me (a trumpet player) that making it just slightly longer will make it slightly flatter (since flat is "back" and sharp is "forward" piano-wise)

It's been awhile since I've actually seen a clarinet in person and I can't recall if I've ever noticed a tuning "thing" on one (as a trumpet has) but it wouldn't surprise me if there was one.

Or you could just not snug-down the section that holds the mouthpiece and see if that helps any, then maybe wrap something around it like a hair thingy so as not to mess up the cork. (I know a sax has a valve that goes up almost to the reed but I don't reckon a clarinet does)

Maybe this is the one time that the expression, "You're not holding your mouth right" applies?

Answer 2

Try using a harder reed or adjust your embouchure

Answer 3

If you are using a correct embouchure and have tried pulling at the joints to tune and it hasn't helped then you should have your instrument checked for adjustment problems. Check to see if key height is correct. The instrument is going to play sharp when and where the keys are too high. This is usually caused by missing cork on key footings especially around the bridge key. A competent repairman should be able to adjust key height for you.

If tuning at the joints and making sure the keys are mechanically at the right height doesn't correct the problem then using a longer barrel may help (as Lady Prism also pointed out).

However, do be careful about trying to use the throat to help with sound and tuning problems as it can lead to some bad playing habits.

Good luck.

Musician, composer, clarinetist/woodwind teacher 40+ years.

Answer 4

Wow... these answers are really random tonight! LOL  Let's see if I can help you out a little?

Ok... first off... have you bought a new clarinet, or gotten a private teacher recently?  I know this is strange, but at some point we all go through a stage (usually because of the afore mentioned events) where we just can't play low enough!  EVERYTHING is sharp, no matter how much we pull out!  This is because you are working your muscles in a new way, or finally reaching the pinnacle of correct embouchure!  However, to fix this for now, a) try playing long tones with a tuner and adjusting accordingly, and b) buy a longer barrel.

Now, if there is a specific range that is sharp... say throat tones?!... you need to put down extra fingers.  F# (1st space on the staff) to Bb (middle line on the staff) are considered throat tones... they are naturally very sharp when played at "mf" and quieter.  Playing them at "forte" actually puts them more in tune- but you can't always play at blastissimo!  Try putting down the fingers on your right hand, as well as the right pinky "F/C" key.  This is also good because it lets you go back and forth between the break much easier while maintaining a more consistant tone.  You should actually do this even when you're NOT having tuning issues!

Next thing... breath support and embouchure may be contributing... many times on clarinet (and through most of the range of the horn), the softer you play the more sharp you will go!  Put some air through that horn!!!!  And are you biting?  Your embouchure may be wrong, or the reed is too soft for you now.  Try switching to a better cane (Vandoren reeds) or, if you already use Vandoren, try half a strength harder.  Make sure to do long tones with a tuner (yes, again) and do it in front of a mirror so you can SEE if you're doing anything funky.  Sometimes it is such a habit that we don't know what to feel for, but we can sure see it!

The last thing... I will give you an exercise that will help with fine tuning and later, maipulation of notes and slides....

1) Cross your legs like a man (right ankle on left knee).

2) Press the bell of the clarinet against your calf until it is sealed.

3) Finger a "B natural"... middle line on the staff.

4) Make sure your embouchure is solid, and your tongue is in the "EEEE" position.

5) Blow... it should sound like a MIDI system clarinet- or something equally as odd, but you will get a strange note.

6) Don't change your lips, tongue, or jaw... but open your throat like you are yawning.  Blow again... the note gets lower.

7) Tighten your throat again... the note goes up!

The notes are in 3rds... you can play Revelry (The Army wake-up Bugle Call) this way with enough practice.  This works your throat though, which contributes to embouchure, tone quality, tuning, and resonence.  It is the technique used in the opening clarinet riff of Rhapsody in Blue (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_gTdqNX... ).

Anyways, I hope some of this can help you!  I know it's frustrating, and I can't emphasize how important it is to work with a tuner a little bit every day... EVERY instrument has pitch tendencies for EVERY note and at EVERY volume.  If you are indeed sharp on nearly everything, I would suggest making sure everything is right with your clarinet (5 minutes in the shop for them to give it a once over), and if that's not the issue, you may need a longer barrel.  

Some instruments come with a shorter barrel... especially beginner clarinets- they have to compensate for weak embouchures!!!  Some clarinets come with 2 or 3 barrels (and bells) so that you can alter your tuning and tone to fit your desired sound, but you can buy these seperately.  

If you find that this is the case (you just need a longer barrel) I would take that as a sign that you are progressing and should start to consider not just a new barrel, but an upgrade on the whole clarinet as well!  

Anyways, hope something in here helped, and have fun! :)

Answer 5

I'm not a clarinet expert, but if you're playing, say, a clarinet in A on a piece that calls for a clarinet in Bb, then I believe it's best to play on a clarinet with a key system such as. Use a clarinet in Bb to play a Bb-calling piece, instead of an A. I think you need a different clarinet to play in a different key. If you only have one clarinet, I suggest buying the others.

Answer 6

Have you tried a different reed?  I don't know why some horns are just sharper than others.  Have you tried pulling it out a bit at the center piece rather than the neck?  You got me stumped, and I have played for 30 years.  You shouldn't have to pull out every joint to make it in tune.  Maybe the maker was a flake and made it wrong.  I like using softer reeds, too.

Good luck.

Answer 7

other than pulling out at the joints. change your ligature. put the reed more in your mouth and pull it closer to your body.

Answer 8

drive it over with a steam roller. it might be a little too flat though