How Do You Play Altissimo Notes On Clarinet?
Altissimo notes are the highest notes a clarinet can produce. To play altissimo notes, you must learn to control the airflow and the pressure you put on the reed, known as embrochure. The embrochure needs to be held firmly in your mouth, but not bitten. Inspect your reed. A dirty reed or a damaged reed will make your altissimo notes more difficult to reach and hold. Replace your reed at the first signs of wear. Put your clarinet together firmly, making sure there are no gaps for the air to escape. When playing traditional notes this isn’t always a problem; but when playing altissimo music notes on your clarinet, it’s critical to make sure air is directed properly through the instrument. Maintain your best clarinet-playing posture; watch yourself in a mirror if you have to. Your chin should be pointed slightly outward, rather than downward. Use strong, steady airflow. Remember, you can control the range of a note with just your air pressure. Learn the fingering that works best for you.