Clarinet Fingering Chart
The Clarinet Fingering Chart is a music reference tool covering clarinet fingering chart, clarinet fingering chart for beginners, clarinet fingering chart full range, clarinet note chart. Use the chart below to look up values instantly. Printable and downloadable versions are available on this page.
How to Read a Clarinet Fingering Chart
- A clarinet fingering chart shows the instrument from the player's perspective — left hand on top, right hand below.
- Filled circles (●) indicate keys or tone holes that should be covered or pressed. Open circles (○) indicate keys or holes left open.
- The main body of the chart shows the six main tone holes (three left hand, three right hand) plus the register key (thumb), speaker key, and the side and bell keys.
- The register key (left thumb hole at the back) is the most important single key — pressing it while fingering a note in the lower register raises the pitch by a 12th to produce the upper register.
- Diagrams are typically shown for the written pitch — clarinets in Bb are transposing instruments, meaning written C sounds as concert Bb. Always confirm whether a chart shows written or concert pitch.
Clarinet Fingering Chart — Lower Register (Chalumeau)
| Written Note | Fingering Description | Tips and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low E (E3) | All three left hand holes covered, all three right hand holes covered, plus register key closed. Right hand ring finger covers the E key. | The lowest standard note on Bb clarinet. |
| Low F (F3) | Same as E but lift right hand ring finger. Add right hand pinky F key if needed. | — |
| F# / Gb | Same as F but also press the side Bb key or alternate fingering. | Multiple fingerings available. |
| G | Left 1-2-3, Right 1-2 covered. | — |
| G# / Ab | Left 1-2-3, Right 1-2, plus right hand Ab/Eb key. | — |
| A | Left 1-2-3, Right 1 only. | — |
| Bb / A# | Left 1-2-3 covered. Right hand open or use side key. | Side key Bb is the most common in this register. |
| B | Left 1-2, Right open. | — |
| C | Left 1 only, Right open. | — |
| C# / Db | Left 1, plus left hand ring finger Ab key. | — |
| D | Left thumb and register key, Left index only, Right open. | — |
| Eb / D# | Open — no main holes covered. Use left pinky Eb key. | — |
| E | Left index covered only. | — |
| F | Left index and middle covered. | — |
| F# / Gb | Left index, middle, ring covered. | — |
| G (upper chalumeau) | Left 1-2-3 covered. | — |
| Throat tones (A, Bb, B, C) | Left thumb hole and first hole with register key. | These notes are in the throat — they can sound thin and require special embouchure support. |
Source: Standard Boehm-system clarinet fingering conventions
Clarinet Fingering Chart — Upper Register (Clarion)
The clarion register is produced by adding the register key (speaker key) to the chalumeau fingerings — this raises each note by a 12th.
| Written Note | Fingering Description |
|---|---|
| G (G5 — above treble staff) | Register key plus left 1-2-3, right 1-2-3. |
| A (A5) | Register key plus left 1-2-3, right 1-2. |
| Bb (Bb5) | Register key plus left 1-2-3, right 1, plus side Bb key. |
| B (B5) | Register key plus left 1-2, right open. |
| High C (C6) | Register key plus left 1 only. |
| High D (D6) | Register key plus left thumb open, left 1. |
| High E (E6) | Register key plus left 1-2. |
| High F (F6) | Register key plus left 1-2-3. |
| High G (G6) | Register key plus left 1-2-3, right 1. |
| High A (A6) | Full register key fingering. |
| High Bb (Bb6) | Register key plus Bb key combination. |
| High C (C7 — top of normal range) | Altissimo fingering required above this point. |
Clarinet Transposition Reference
The Bb clarinet is a transposing instrument — a written note sounds a major second (one whole step) lower than written.
| Written Pitch | Concert Pitch (sounds as) |
|---|---|
| C | Bb |
| D | C |
| E | D |
| F | Eb |
| G | F |
| A | G |
| B | Ab |
| C (octave up) | Bb (octave up) |
| D (octave up) | C (octave up) |
| E (octave up) | D (octave up) |
| F (octave up) | Eb (octave up) |
| G (octave up) | F (octave up) |
Source: Standard Bb clarinet transposition convention
Clarinet Fingering Lookup
Select any note from the dropdown to see a visual key diagram with open and closed hole positions, plus alternate fingerings and technique tips.
Left hand all three holes covered. Right index and middle covered. No extra keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest note on a clarinet?
The lowest standard note on a Bb clarinet is written low E (E3). This sounds as concert D3 due to the Bb transposition.
Why does the clarinet overblow at a 12th?
The clarinet behaves acoustically as a closed cylindrical pipe — it only produces odd harmonics. This causes it to overblow to the third harmonic (a 12th above the fundamental) rather than the second harmonic (an octave) as open-pipe instruments like the flute do.
What is the chalumeau register?
The chalumeau register is the lowest register of the clarinet from low E to approximately the C or D above the staff. It is named after the chalumeau — the predecessor instrument from which the clarinet evolved.
What is the break on a clarinet?
The break refers to the transition between the chalumeau register and the clarion register — specifically the movement across the throat tones (A, Bb, B, C). This transition requires a register key change and is notoriously difficult for beginners.
Is the clarinet a transposing instrument?
Yes — the Bb clarinet is a transposing instrument. Written C sounds as concert Bb — a major second lower than written.
What is the highest note a clarinet can play?
The standard upper range for most clarinettists is written high C (C7). Advanced players can extend into the altissimo register above this using special fingerings and embouchure adjustments.
What is the clarinet register key?
The register key (also called the speaker key) is a small key operated by the left thumb that opens a small vent hole in the upper joint. Pressing it while fingering a chalumeau note raises the pitch by a 12th to produce the clarion register equivalent.
How many keys does a standard Boehm clarinet have?
A standard Boehm-system clarinet has 17 keys and 6 rings. The Oehler system used in Germany and Austria has more keys — typically 20 or more.