Eb Clarinet! How to play it more easily
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- Опубліковано 18 сер 2017
- Curious about Eb clarinet? Michelle Anderson, founder of Clarinet Mentors (www.learnclarinetnow.com), presents a clarinet lesson to help you play the Eb Clarinet better. Michelle recommends equipment and technics to improve tuning. Featuring reeds, mouthpieces, barrels, bells, altissimo fingerings and more.
Storytime:
I am currently a senior in high school. When I was a freshman, I asked my director if I could play our Eb flat clarinet. He said no, obviously, but we make a deal. He said that if I could hit the highest C on the Bb in tune I could play the Eb. I've literally worked my entire high school music career trying to achieve this. And it finally happened today. Let's hope he hasn't forgotten.
If you’re talking about C7, then good job! That’s a pretty hard one to play👍
Because she's Canadian, she also plays the Eh Flat clarinet.
A good Canadian clarinet, for sure!
We need Maple reeds
@@ClarinetMentors Eb Clarinet reeds aren't just shorter than Bb reeds, they're also narrower.
I tired the Bb clarinet reeds on the Eb and it was soooooooooo much better. Thank you so much!!!
*tried
WOWZA, I have to play the e flat this Tuesday in band for the first time, this is exactly what I needed!!
Back in high school, the symphonic band at Marian Catholic had 10 clarinets and the 5th chair played Eb. I was sixth so I stayed on Bb but I always wanted to try one. I remember using the synthetic reeds my last year in 1999-2000 and I absolutely loved them. Never dried up and I thought I got a very nice full and warm sound when using them. Thanks for posting!!!
You are a very good teacher clarinet , I found out your videos now , and I am going to see your videos now .
Many, many thanks for the tip about using a B flat clarinet reed on the E flat AND using wire cutters to trim the clarinet reed. Clarinet reeds work for me and the wire cutters trimmed the reeds without problem. I also tried an E flat soprano sax reed and it works as well as the clarinet reed and does not need trimming. Like the clarinet reed it is a bit wider than the soprano clarinet reed. I usually play bass clarinet, so the E flat soprano clarinet is quite a transition.
Thank you for the tip on altísimo notes
Just tried playing a Bb reed on my Eb clarinet and it's life changing!! Thank you sooo much for this tip!
I know! It can be amazing! Welcome to "Eb Enlightenment".
Interesting! I'm thinking of playing one of those!
I ordered an Eb clarinet and I'm so excited to try it!
Hey. It’s been a while. How did Eb work out for you? (I’m looking into one for myself.)
This was very helpful and insightful. I also only use B-flat clarinet reeds and tend to choose those that are well broken in and even a little "dull" which makes the E-flat sound richer. I also occasionally reshape the reed with a file to narrow it, if required.
You're absolutely correct that experimentation with fingerings is essential, both for the type of sound and the intonation that you desire, but also for various fast passages. Often, the E-flat is expected to play with the same facility as the piccolo, which necessitates a lot of "alternate" fingerings for very fast passages.
Finally, (and I notice that you also can have some difficulty with this, Michelle,)is the notorious initial "undertone" as one articulates, in particular in the the altissimo. For me, I've found that taking more mouthpiece (or at least it "feels" like more mouthpiece) so that the lower lip contacts further down on the reed, helps to eliminate the annoying "undertone." But this trick would definitely be mouthpiece and reed dependent. As an alternative, one can choose reeds with a more robust or higher heart, but this may present other issues, in particular with intonation.
Thanks for your videos! They are applicable for players at all levels of development and provide ALTERNATIVES, which is a very good thing. While I, myself, do not use Backun products, I know many who do, and I'm grateful that he is sponsoring your work!!
I played the eb clarinet solo solo in Bolero once. The only 16 bars i played in the concert. But very important. Very satisfactory.
Thank you, Michelle! This is a great resource for such a notoriously hard-to-control instrument.
I started learning the Eb clarinet recently to play the Eb part for molly on the shore in a clarinet choir (and possibly a solo piece). I’ve seen some very helpful charts that give good alternate altissimo fingerings. I play on Eb reeds and I have tried the Bb reeds but I prefer the Eb reeds because in my experience they work better with my clarinet. I’m still a bit nervous about learning the alternate altissimo fingerings though because it seems very complicated and difficult to commit all of them to muscle memory.
thank you!
Hey Michelle! I have played a low-quality Eb that I found in the depths of my school's instrument storage. I experimented with it for about four months, and became frustrated due to lack of repertoire for the Eb. After watching this video, I think I'm going to give it a second chance. If you have any solo suggestions for the Eb, I'd love to hear them!
I haven't performed any solo Eb repertoire, but I know there are some great ones out there. There is a duo called Amacitia that has commissioned many pieces of music for Eb and Bb clarinet. It can be really fun to play. Likely a good mouthpiece will really help revive that old school instrument.
Hi Michelle,
I find that when I play Eb I tend to bite quite a bit. I feel that Eb requires a firmer embouchure but I know that too much biting leads to intonation issues. What are you thoughts on Eb embouchure?
Mouthpiece patches
try not to bite but keep your corners really tight.
I had to modify my Eb as the speaker key was too close to the thumb hole. I use a 3 and a lot of pressure is needed. I would love one of those barrels. I will try the Bb reed trick. Many thanks
I love the synthetic reeds for Soprano Sax, They are the same Length but Wider Also I have a Backun cocobolo barrel and I love it.. I would love to adapt the bell of the Bb onto the Eb and see what happen.
Love the video. But just a fun fact I also play the standard Bb clarinet ,but instead of using clarinet reeds I use soprano saxophone reeds for my clarinet. I find it more free blowing and I can cross the break much easier than if I was using the Bb Clarinet reeds.
Hello Michelle! I love your videos! I have seen several vendors selling a product called an Eb clarinet extension which adds a tone hole between the body and bell of the Eb clarinet. Would this be a product you would recommend? I'm looking into getting an Eb and mapping out the accessory costs as well. Thank you!
Thanks for this video! It looks like you are using Steuer reeds. I have been using those for the past 6 months or so and love them!!
What is the size difference between your cane reed and the Legere?
I’m finding that I’m playing a really soft reed and I can’t get anything higher than a g an octave higher than open g and when I try to use a harder reed it is really hard to make a sound? Btw I use a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece until I can upgrade to a Vandoren.
i have a bundy and added a deg barrel and what a difference it made. along with a hite mpc its a very serviceable horn now. i cant get the altisimo to speak as easy on legere so i still use cane.
If you were to cut your Bb clarinet reeds would it still work and play just fine or do you A) have to get that barrel or B) only ever use Eb clarinet reeds.
Hi Michelle. Do you have any advice on how to adapt finger positions to get used to the Eb after years on Bb so I don't squeak or get no sound at all?
Do you know where i can get a decent Eb clarinet?
If you cut a Bb reed to Eb size will it still work on a Bb clarinet?
Matthew Hood Why would you want to do that??
yes
do you have any advice on getting notes out above D above the staff? i can get to an A on Bb but i have trouble getting past a D on Eb.
Hello, enjoying your Eb video. I have acquired an Eb clarinet which I enjoy playing. I am wondering if you can help me identify my instrument. It bears the name which is engraved on the bell and the upper body "R.M.S." it also has the following reference number "CO391".
What are the highest notes on this thing, because you played a concert G, which I can play easily on my Bb. And it sounds good. I know the upper range of smaller instruments is usually less extended. So, while I can play up to a double high concert Bb, easily, can this instrument do the same?
I can tell you I have never gotten more crap from my director than when he forced me to play Eb.
Also, where do you get a barrel like that? I have cut my reeds before, but I ended up splitting the reed. I think my cutters are too dull.
Thanks for this video.
those barrels are made by Morrie Backun. Search up Backun clarinets :)
hi, do you know where i can find notes for eb clarinets?
@arinetMentors
@UCmA8B54JikSgVi2WqAXi4aw
What kind of sound does an Eb reed produce compared to the Bb reed?
Hi, I recently switched from Bb, and am having issues playing in tune. I bought a rather cheap Chinese instrument, but have upgraded the mouthpiece, ligature, and reed. I am playing a bit flat, especially above the g on top of the staff. Is this an embouchure issue or do I need a better instrument?
i have same issue . a shorter barrel fixed it for me
@UCmA8B54JikSgVi2WqAXi4aw
I went away w/ the Standard Eb Reeds since Legere now makes them out of plastic so they tend to be easier to blow into.
I have a problem with my E flat clarinet. It is out of tune. When I try to tune mi E flat clarinet at 400 Hz with F sharp, I almost took out my barrel from the clarinet body, even I can see a little part of the cork. But the main problem is I can't tune the rest of the notes prefectly, so I need to tighten or loosen my embouchure drastically to fit the correct tune in each note. Is this a common situation for begginers in e flat clarinets, or does my e flat clarinet have a factory defect? What do you think about?
Ik I’m very late but I need help on my b flat clarinet. I can’t play notes higher than a high b flat because my left thumb does not bend backwards. If you could help it would be appreciated.
Allison Withee like from the register key and a key b flat? So you’re having trouble jumping the register? And sorry, this was quite a while ago, r u good now? :)
Yes. "It's a lot of fun."
@UCmA8B54JikSgVi2WqAXi4aw
I have one more question, Eb reeds are most appropriate for Eb Clarinet, but interestingly enough, how come those Bb reeds have better quality cane than the Eb Reeds, isn't it due to their size? Doesn't the larger Bb reed have better quality cane?
Is a plastic e flat clarinet good to start out with or would it be better to get a wooden one
i have both and actually prefer the bundy.
So my higher notes are generally in tune, but oddly my biggest issue is about from the horrid b flat on the staff down to the e on the line of the staff. They are like insanely flat that the tuner will go between the flat note and the next note up bc it is confused. Anything I can do to fix it? ive been experimenting with my embouchure but that improvement is miniscule.
The throat tones were devilishly flat on my E-11, too. I got a Fobes barrel and it helped a little. Then I lucked into an R13 and it helped *a lot*. I’m slowly learning that there’s almost no problem with the eefer that can’t be fixed by throwing more money at it. They really do save the better stencils for the higher-end instruments. Try different mouthpiece/reed combos, maybe a different barrel. Some of these horns are just plain not in tune with themselves.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) The Eb Reeds are fantastic because they produce that signature sound it's known for. Don't you find the Bb Reeds higher quality in cane due to size or something?
I need albert system clarinet tutorial how i can learn to play albert system clarinet plz help me
I got the most elementary Rubank's book, copyright 1933 (but still available new), to find the fingerings. Then Google up youtube-Albert System clarinet to see (and hear) guys playing them. Learn the great Albert system players, like Johnny Dodds, Barney Bigard, Albert Nicholas, etc., listen to them on you tube, and learn. Alphonse Picou is no longer available to give lessons.
@@janlabij7302 same fingerings as oboe
How can I find a barrel that will accommodate the b flat reed? What brands should I try?
Backun makes the cutback barrel she uses; Clark W Fobes has started producing one as well. Brad Behn also makes a barrel with a little cutout.
Could you do a video on how to play low note better on the B flat clarinet?
These videos will help: ua-cam.com/video/7tyKWTO0mqs/v-deo.html - long tones
ua-cam.com/video/Eb4_HOwsEhE/v-deo.html - activating blowing muscles
ua-cam.com/video/JSUWle1lOwY/v-deo.html - good huffing/long tone warmup
ua-cam.com/video/bUgHynL_lQo/v-deo.html Good Tone part three - lengthens etc.
Do an Ab clarinet next!
Hi, Michelle! Do you have any knowledge about the ear health in the case of musicians? I am some worried about mine as a clarinetist. I am concerned with the possibility of loosing part of my hearing.
If you know have anything to share or If you could indicate someone in that area to give some light I would be really thankful
Hi Angela - This is not my expertise, but would be a great topic. I'll see if I can find someone for a future video.
Thanks Michelle
I played bass clarinet in a band which sat me in front of the trumpet section (who, of course, play only fortissimo and louder). I was in later middle age so I worried about my hearing. I was referred to a hearing specialist who fit me with ear plugs that utilize inserts. Then she asked what sort of music I was playing and gave me inserts suitable for playing in a concert band. There are also inserts for playing in a rock band, etc. Also useful for sitting at the end of a French horn section! I gather sitting beside a piccolo player is the worst for the eardrums.
@@rontoews5570 Piccolo oboe & an Ab clarinet
I got an Eb clarinet from a music store not to far from where i live i got it for $600 it is a selmer paris model it has a buffet mouthpiece. For and old clarinet it plays well it has no cracks in it.
That sounds like a pretty good deal. If you are happy with the sound you get, you are set. You can always experiment with other mouthpieces as well.
Are the fingerings the same as the B flat clarinet?
Yes, they are the same
hey michelle can a b flat ligature fit on the e flat clarinet and will it become loose?
it will not fit, no.
@@hudsonm9282 thanks for the info its hard to find a e flat good ligature
Hudson answered this question well. BG, Vandoren, and Silverstein all have nice Eb ligatures (and I'm sure there are others out there that are great as well).
Where can you find the special barrel?
Manuel Rosales go to Backun clarinets and look at their clarinet barrels
Can someone please give me the fingering chart for the e-flat clarinet.......going from playing the Bb clarinet...I can’t find any online
HI Nicole, sorry for the delay - you can use the same fingerings on all clarinets. Sometimes in the extreme high register people will use variations depending upon the response of each instrument, but the basic fingerings are the same. They transpose the music so that your brain doesn't have to change fingerings.
hi I came because I wanted to know about Eb Clarinet I play Bb Clarinet and because my band teacher was talking about one
Eb can be really fun, especially because it often is a bit of a "solo" part in band. It is a bit fussier than a regular clarinet, but you might want to give it a try.
I play the e flat clarinet, and am getting braces soon. Will that be an issue?
i don't think so. when i first got braces playing my normal Bb was the same and then i switched to Eb and was fine and when i got them off it was normal
Orca thanks so much!
0241__0484 I don’t think bc when I got braces 2nd yr of playing Bb all it changed was a bit more blowing
Yes when I was a kid I had braces and I play e flat clarinet. I bought cigarette papers and covered my bottom teeth. The cigarette papers will not dissolve in your mouth. It helped a lot especially if you have to practice the part a lot
Hi Michelle. My name is Nathan and I am an eb clarinet LOVER!!!! First I wanted to tell you that your video was fantastic and very helpful, I had never thought about using a synthetic reed!! What ligature do you use?? Rovner? Also, which model is your actual clarinet?
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Eb Reeds will work well w/ an Eb Clarinet since they're meant for it. The Eb reeds are shorter & Narrower than Bb reeds which is an interesting difference if you look at them more closely. The Cane Quality of Eb reeds is just the same as the Bb reeds due to updates after playing HandClap on my Sitar:ua-cam.com/video/BIYKRv2omF8/v-deo.html
WAH! My 1917 Conn "C" don't get no love around here. It is an early ebonite body, and it has such a creamy sound. Albert System.
i have one allso. the sound is unique and awesume . mine also conn albert
I am going to 8th and I forgot a couple notes
Yamaha?
Yes!
I want a clarinet but no money
Higher frequencies not higher range
It sounds a lot louder to my ear than the Bb Clarinet. Maybe just my imagination.
Higher frequencies
Parli troppo ma suoni poco....
all talk no substance BS
?
@arinetMentors
@UCmA8B54JikSgVi2WqAXi4aw
What kind of sound does an Eb reed produce compared to the Bb reed?
@arinetMentors
@UCmA8B54JikSgVi2WqAXi4aw
What kind of sound does an Eb reed produce compared to the Bb reed?