Wish my band instructor in high school would have mentioned this. The only time I ever changed my reed was when it was physically damaged and I never experimented with reed strength. No wonder I couldn't hit those high notes. Your videos should be mandatory viewing for all clarinet students.
I thought my embouchure was weak when I couldn't get a sound using a no. 3 reed. It turns out that the display clarinet in the music store had some air leakage from at least one pad in the upper joint. I was really embarrassed until I pulled the joints apart & discovered weak pad seals on the upper joint. I was quite relieved to discover that it was the horn & not me or the reed. That is great advice you give in this video, because I usually automatically move new reeds up & down a little to determine if it is too soft or too stiff for my immediate comfort. Finally, those are lovely colors in your back yard, sparkling in the sun. Thanks for the post!
I feel like this is what might be wrong with mine. I played on a vandoren 4 my senior year in high school (over 15 years ago). I haven't played much since, until now that I've resurrected my clarinet from the shoe closet. I can't even fathom playing on a size 4 with my weakened face muscles, so I play on a 3.5 but have trouble once I get to that high B and C. However, when I lift my left index finger to hit a D or higher its sounds okay. 🤔🤔🤔 I'll have to check out the pads.
This video was SO helpful. My teacher ( of 5 years) and I were plagued with squeaks. She had me on a 3 but I thought it was to “hard” to play so WITHOUT telling her I went back to a 2 1/2 I think that has been causing the problem. I will (sheepishly) go back to my 3. You were so much help Thank you 😍
I tried the 2 1/2 for easier clarion sound, it worked! Thanks! I was using a 2 bc of asthma made it hard for me. I’ll move to a 3 as soon as I can. I expect that will produce nice clear high notes thanks again!
It's been 8 years that I do not play, after more than 10 years playing, I used reeds 4 ... Today I got my clarinet to play and although I managed to play all the scale, I heard that hiss in most notes, lol! I think I'll have to go back to 2/5 !!! I love your vídeos, and I´m whatching all !!!! Thank you for sharing your precious knowledge to us !!!!
Thanks for the well informative video. I self taught about 20 years ago and didn't know I needed a thicker reed for the upper register. Sure wish youtube was around back then. I gifted that clarinet to my niece and am now looking for a new one to give it a try again.
Switching reeds made all the difference - I had the exact problem with the clarion register that you were describing: it was like th notes just wouldn't come out. I switched to a 3.5 reed, and like magic, everything improved. Thank you so much!
This video was really helpful. I needed to change my reed a few weeks ago. I had exactly the same symptoms as you described. I was using 2s and 2 1/2 and my high C and my altissimo notes just wouldn't come. I tried a three and a half and got a really airy sound (my face felt strained after trying to play a piece). I tried a three the next day and I had neither of those problems. Thanks for confirming the choice, Michelle!
Hi Kristen. I'm glad that helped. Good for you for trying several strengths. The best one is usually obvious. You may eventually end up on a 3.5, but for now it seems like you are right on track.
I wanna cry. I used to play in high school. I miss the clarinet so much. I miss spending 40 hours a day practicing. I didn't have many resources. I keep wondering how much better I could've been if I had the Internet to help me understand the clarinet even better
A very detailed explanation on reed choices. Much appreciated. I am a marginally bad saxophone player who started out from being a clarinet player. But this video is applicable to both instruments.
I just started playing again after a 30-year break. I played for 10 years from ages 10 to 20 (4 of those years while in school and the rest on my own), but had to sell my clarinet due to financial reasons. Got a loaner clarinet from a neighbor (a Selmer). I am starting off at a 2.5, which seems to be perfect for me right now. I also bought 3.0 for when I'm ready to advance. For now, the 2.5 is great for me to get back into the groove, so to speak. I have always hated the higher notes, but do not find them too hard to play with the 2.5 (for now anyway). Getting my airflow back to where it was is the real challenge for me right now.
Hi Michelle, my instructor recommended me to watch yours and your partner I think Debbie, not sure on the other gals name, however he said you ladie clarinet instructionss are the best to watch in RUclips's
This was very helpful, recently I've been stressing after joining advanced band at my school and I couldn't play the high notes. Some of the songs we were given barely ever dip below a high D. I've been playing for 5 years now, but I somehow never thought it was too important to move up until I realized something was very wrong when I couldn't produce these sounds despite following all my band instructor's tips. I have a parade in exactly a week too, so awful to come to this conclusion much to close to a big event. Thanks so much for this video!!!
Love this video! In my 60s, taking it up again after a twenty year wait. I wish i had known this years ago, might have changed my life choice from nursing to music...
Your videos and verbal instruction have been very helpful. Having picked up my clarinet after a 40 year layoff, I have worked hard to change bad habits and incorporate your recommendations for embouchure and air flow. I am now using a Rico 3 1/2 reed, which was producing a good tone. My muscles have strengthened and the embouchure is now automatic, as well as strong airflow. I am now experiencing a problem after playing for about 10 minutes, characterized by a "wet sound, as if blowing through water" when playing an A (Inex finger only) and B flat. It is not the typical fuzzy sound. Extending the reed above the mouthpiece helps some. For the past 3 months I have been playing on a new Yamaha 650 with the stock mouthpiece, but a Rovner Dark - 1R ligature. I have experienced the tone and ease of play that you describe, but am now struggling to "find it" again. I will be grateful for any suggestions.
+kalman buchovecky Hi - It sounds like you are doing really well at getting back into things. The Bb and A are notorious for having a fuzzier tone than other notes on the clarinet. This video may help: ruclips.net/video/MDp6VDUgOOU/видео.html. Also, at times, a clogged register key can contribute to the fuzz, although your clarinet is new enough that it likely isn't giving you trouble now. This video shows you how to fix it: ruclips.net/video/IKUIKOj8jsw/видео.html. I hope those help.
Thanks for the video. I'm going back to clarinet after about 6 years of almost-hiatus (just playing ocassionally some easy stuff on the christmas eve for my family or sth). I learned clarinet when I was a child (I started learning before my 7th birthday), so during my education I started with 1,5 and moved to 2,5, rarely exceeding that strength. However when I return I feel that 2,5 is quite soft for me (for an example I didn't have any problems when working on a fresh reed), but some of the highest notes I've previously learned, require real caution from me, because they're now often overblown when I try to use same amount of pressure as I used when I was young. (I grew up and I have much stronger lungs and muscles than before) I thought that I just need to rework the technique, but I didn't think that it might have something to do with strength of used reed. So it might be time to pernamently move to 3 or even 3,5. ps. Funny thing is that problematic notes are E6 and F6. I picked up higher (F#6 and G6, I haven't been teached to go even higher, as I never needed it anyway) notes back easily. I use separate fingering and mouth adjustments for those (for E6 and F6 I use simple chromatic ascend from C#6, D6 and D#6 while for higher notes I always switch to open thumb hole settings), that might be the case...
Thanks for this excellent video. I have picked up woodwind music again after a 40 year break, I can still read sheet music and know a lot of tunes, but have never had to deal with a reed before. So explanations of the reed strengths is vital for me to progress.
Thank you for this :) I'm getting back into bass clarinet after a little over a year, now I think I know high my high register was hard to control. I was on 2.5, and Rico at that...lol. I'm getting my own bass Monday, and ordered some 3s from Vandoren. Let's see how this goes :)
I rarely play alto. It is kind of a cross between bass and Bb. The Basset horn often uses an alto clarinet mouthpiece, so the feel would be the same. It is fun, and used mostly in wind ensembles.
Hi... Thank you for all your very helpful videos. I often use your information to assist my pupils. I have a query right at the beginning of this one. When you use a high C in the clarion register, ie. thumb + speaker key, to demonstrate a possibly too soft read, you appear to put down the left hand middle finger. At first it appeared to be on a tone hole and ring-key but on freezing the pic, I now think that it may be on one of the long rods for trills. Is this something I might pass on? Some early players do have difficulty in supporting the instrument solely with the right hand thumb rest plus the left hand thumb on hole + speaker key. I don't remember having the same problem as a beginner but it WAS about 150 years ago. Regards from Olde Englande.
Hi - I don't actually hold down any keys, but I try my best to keep my fingers really close to the holes. I highly recommend that my students do this as well. If a student has trouble balancing the clarinet, I recommend a good neck strap. I really like the BG and the Neo Tech ones. They help keep balance, and allow students to focus more on their actual hand position.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thank you. I never did use a sling on clrt. and often wondered what was the point. Now I see YOUR point and might experiment myself before advocating it. When can get around to it, I might ask you about circular breathing unless you have already posted about it. Many thanks...
@@MauriatOttolink there is an excellent video here on circular breathing......and i actually did it!!!!! i was amazed!!! however....it takes a LOT of concentration at first....i couldn't even tell you how to do it...even though i have
@@michaelshelley1289 Hello M. Thanks for the reply...Would like to know more about the video...Is there a link? I know what you mean about "I couldn't even tell you how I do it...!" I was once asked by a non-jazz clarinettist how I had done a long glissando (jazz concert). My reply was just that. I suppose it really meant "Well I do know but can't start explaining here and now."
Hi Michelle, You post very helpful informative videos. Just one correction about reed strength you are talking about in 1:56 and on.When we talk about reed strength we talk about cane density not the reed tip thickness.Commercial reeds like Vandoren are made identical from tip to bottom and tip resistance (cane density)determines by a machine that indicates the reed strength/number.This info. I got from Vandoren artist.So basically we are looking for the proper cane density rather than tip thickness and the number on the reed gives a clue what cane density is the best for the player.I like your videos so keep it up.Thanks.
ok....thank you so much!!! sounds like i need to move up!!! you teach me so much!!! TYVM!!!!! those high notes i use to hit with no problem.....are now a problem, i use to be able to hit high G above high C....I'm lucky to get the C or D anymore....
I need help.. I've played on a 3 1/2 for about a year and it's now starting that when I put on a new one it sounds like the reed is to strong but I used to play on 3 1/2 perfectly... putting on a new reed tips is what I need.
ive been playing for 5 years, about to take my grade 5. I play on a 2 1/2 (i can go up to Top F with no problems), is this normal? I've tried a 3, and it's great on the higher register but from a to middle C, it sounds very airy. What do?
Depends on how much you practice. I've been playing for 3 years and I'm almost to Reed size 3.5. I practice about an hour a day. If you don't practice that might be normal to you.
Thanks for the help! In the beginning of Band, I used Vandoren strength 2. Then I had gotten some strength 3 reeds. And I still couldn't make that high note, so I tried strength 3 and a half in Vandoren V12s and it helped a lot with the high notes and the tone. Thanks!
I have outgrown strength 2 reed I'm almost done with my 2nd year playing clarinet and my friends at school say I sound terrible but not last year so I guess I have outgrown my current size
Thank you for these videos - I am finding them more informative than my tutor ever was! I am just starting to play again after a 10 (read:12) year hiatus and am not sure what strength to start with again. When I stopped playing I was using a 3.5, but I'm trying a 2.5 at the moment. The sound seems airy and I am having difficulty getting above the break (I could just be seriously out of shape). Do you have any recommendations/advice for a prodigal player?
Hi Aimee, You will likely fairly quickly increase your reed strength as your muscles get back in shape. For now, if the 2.5 feels too hard, you might just want a temporary 2. On the other hand, if you focus on blown with much faster air, you quickly grow in the 2.5 and beyond. This is probably the most productive strategy to use.
I use the middle opening new line of Rico Reserve mouthpieces. On my R13 clarinet I get very little resistance unlike my Yamaha CRV. When I use this mouthpiece with a 3.5 reed on the Buffet I find I need a harder reed but when I use a 4 the resistance is too hard. In general the Buffet is a free blowing instrument. I enjoy this quality of the Buffet but the clarion C with one finger and the register seems flat when I don't really focus. Rather than look for a slightly stiffer reed which tends the problem I find that it is better for me to focus on directing my air "higher" or maybe more focused. I also enjoy practicing on this difficult note doing fast tongues which tends to punish any sloppy tonguing with a wobbly pitch. When the tonguing is light and the air is focused the pitch is good. Also, I find that any biting actually makes the tone flatter and not sharper. The only way I can get up to pitch is with an openness in the embouchure, a faster air and a light tongue. Is it wrong to stay with the softer reed just because it makes me work harder in the altissimo?
Garth Libre It sounds like you are testing things fairly thoroughly...It is up to you to decide which reed gives you the best overall performance. A couple of things to consider - When that high C is flat (super common) it usually indicates that your overall tongue position inside of your mouth is low. Try saying "HEEE" with your tongue while you play. In that position, the pitch usually improves. I also have several students who are between a 3.5 and a 4. Vandoren now has a 3.5+, which may be useful for you to try. You might just truly be playing between strengths, and a reed designed to be in the middle might help.
I started playing 2 years ago and I use reeds 3.5+ Vandoren. I am practicing a lot (at least more than 1 hour every day, can go to 5-6 sometimes). Is that correct? Should I take easier reeds?
You're on the right path. 3.5's are great. Keep up the great practice! I would also recommend private lessons if your budget can handle it. Good luck, & I wish you the best!
This is my third year playing and I’m still on a 2.5 because I find 3’s and 3.5’s are too difficult to produce a clear enough sound, I’m able to hit the high C quite easily so I was wondering on what I should do too progress through reed strength
Antonio, when I was in high school, my private instructor taught me to message my new reeds to soften them up a little & give them the appearance of a used reed. We used the finest grain sand paper & I he taught me to lay the read flat on my clarinet case or on any flat surface (that's fairly clean) and rub it with your finger or the back of your fingernail from the base towards the tip of the reed with the goal of closing the pores on the reed. It really helps get your newer reeds closer to that perfect playing texture. Good luck & happy playing!
I'm a freshman and I started playing on a 4 a couple days ago. I can get out the highest note but some of my lower notes sound somewhat airy. Do you think it's a reed issue or a support issue
Hello. I just bought my very first clarinet. I am a sax player obviously. Wondering if I will need a stronger reed than someone with no woodwind experience. I play a #4 on soprano sax.. similar shape and MP size to clarinet. Not sure where to start on reed strength.
Hi Michelle! Loved your video on reed strengths. I am 61 years old and would like to get my clarinet back out (after many decades!) and try to play it again. What reed srrength do you recommend for me? My grandson is a sixth grader who is taking up clarinet this year and I am excited to maybe be able to play with him. Any suggestions you have for me would be most welcome. Thanks -Sharon
Michelle - I'm far from being your usual or typical subscriber. At 75+ with mild COPD and asthma, I don't play clarinet but I do try to play a Bb chamuleau-type instrument (absolutely NOT a pocket sax) which uses a clarinet mouthpiece and reed. I use a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece with a Rovner dark ligature. I have found many of your uploads which discuss reeds, mouthpieces, tone, embouchure and breath control to be both excellent and very useful. In this upload you talk very clearly about strengths of reed starting with 2.0. This has made me want to ask a question . . . who uses Bb clarinet reeds strengths 1.0 (eg: D'Addario Royal) and 1.5 (eg: D'Addario Rico)? Because of my own particular 'non-clarinetty' needs, I started with 1.0 and now mostly use 1.5. I have some Vandoren 2.0 in stock for the hoped-for future. But who usually uses Bb clarinet reeds of those lower strengths - and why? Thanks again for such a clear and useful series of uploads.
Hi thanks for the help I have been playing for 2 years now I started in 6th and now my band teacher says I'm an expert but sometimes I can't get that height c but now I can thanks so much
By high C, do you mean that one where you put your fingers down on all of the tone holes and the left little finger key, or the one where you use the thumb key and the octave key?
Michelle, Thanks so much for you videos. Have a question. I currently use a Legere 2 1/4 reed on my bass clarinet. Should I choose the same reed strength for my newly acquired Contra Bass? It is the BBb instrument.
Every mouthpiece works a bit differently, and generally, the bigger clarinets work better on softer reeds. For many people a 2.25 would be a good Contrabass strength. If you get a Legere reed, they will let you exchange it if you find the strength does not work. Most people use between a 2 and a 3.
hi i play with a 2 1/2 reed and have done for years. i had surgery on my lip to remove a cyst many years ago and and the musle never went back together properly. would is be usual for someone in my situation to play on a softer read than the usual
Dear Mrs. Michelle Anderson, I am currently a Freshman in high school, and have been playing the Clarinet for over 5 years. I've been looking for ways to improve on the Clarinet and now it seems like my band teacher can't help me with that, so I have taken initiative and searched for ways to improve, your videos are great help by the way. I was wondering if you could give me resources or techniques to play faster, faster fingering techniques, alternate fingerings for easy playing, or just a new system to learn by and improve. I really love playing the Clarinet. I use strength 3 Rico reeds and an R12 Buffet Crampon Student Clarinet set. Thank you very much for all the videos.
Hi - It sounds like you are doing great with the clarinet! I do have some videos that help with fingering things. Most of the videos for your level would be on my more advanced playlist, at: ruclips.net/p/PLxQWCQXA2UjW-bQyrS79z7QWC0i83MpE7. Pay attention to any that specifically deal with fingers or even expression (which is affected by fingers).
I haven't played in over 40 years and restarted about three weeks ago as my school needs people in our small band to generate interest. Now on vacation, I took out my old clarinet and it hardly plays at all. It has old cork and seems to have many air leaks (especially where the mouthpiece goes on and is hard to get any sort of note out. Would repadding and replacing the cork help the clarinet to play easier and become less "hissy?" It is super hard to get much volume out.
Hi Michelle, I have been playing the clarinet for about 3 months. I play in a sixth grade band, and it's very boring. I started taking lessons about 2 months ago, and boy, it was fun. I have learned lots of high notes, and it was fun. Anyways, I recently (accidentally) bought a vandoren v-12 3 1/2+ professional reeds, when I planned to buy normal basic vandoren 2 1/2 reeds. Anyways, I was very curious, so I tried the reeds, out, and of course I couldn't play as long, but the higher notes were easier for me! And the sounds were better too. Would you recommend me to keep on buying those reeds, or stay with basic? :D
Hi Minjae, the Vandoren V12 are very good reeds. Most of my best students use those. The 3.5+ may be a bit stiff for you (although if it is working great, go for it). You might try a 3 initially and then work your way up. You might even be ready for a 3.5, although usually this takes a bit longer than 3 months of playing to develop air and embouchure muscles. Try them out, and see what sounds best. It sounds like you are ready to go higher than 2.5.
Hi Michelle, I stopped playing after I graduated High School and joined the military shortly after withdrawing from college, I rediscovered my passion for playing music recently and I plan on going back to school to major in music after my current enlistment is over (3.5 yrs left!). My question is this. When I stopped playing I was at a 3 1/2 strength on the Vandoren V12s. What strength would you recommend for me to start back at while I start to practice more to regain my skills? I currently have a plastic, ugh, reed that I bought when I recently refurbished and repaired my clarinet. I had assumed, wrongly, at the time that I would only be playing it again as a hobby.
I recently found this video and I got to thinking about this. I have been playing the Bb clarinet for 5ish years. I use a 3 strength and have been using currently a 3.5 and it was easy, should I stay at 3 or get 3.5? I also have another question. Like I said I have been playing normal clarinet for five years but I recently began to play the bass clarinet in the past two years. I have a 2 1/2 should I get a stronger reed? Last question promise! I am moving to Contra bass clarinet next year, should I get beginner reeds for contra or just get 3 reeds? Thank you so much!
Hi Michelle. I have been struggling with reeds lately. A #3 seems too stiff, so I have been using a V-12 2.5. I continue to experiment and have ordered the Vandoren 56 Lepic 2.5. I think I am getting closer to what I need for my Vandoren M-15 mouthpiece. My Yamaha YCL 650 has been checked and there are no leaks in the clarinet. Lately, everything seems too resistant. I have found that I can get a better sound if I lower the #3 on the mouthpiece. I have had a frustrating week with reeds. I will let you know how the 56 Lepic works out. I am still working through lesson 6 of your course. Thank you again for another great video.....Sal
Hi Sal - You might really like the Rue Lepic. Although they are sized at a similar strength level, to me, they seem to respond a bit more lightly than the V12's. Having the reed low will make it act softer. It sounds like you need a 2-3/4. I wish Vandoren made them!
Is there a clarinet that plays the high notes without pressing the register key? I see different size clarinets in the music shop. My clarinet is 25 inches long. If it was a smaller clarinet would the notes be higher?. Great video.
I played the clarinet in school and recently picked it up again after 20 years. I have been playing on a 2.5 reed and am having the trouble with the high notes that you describe. But when I switch to a 3, my sound is airy and my mouth gets sore quickly. Advice?
I played clarinet for 1 year switched to bass and played 3.5 for 4 years and switched to a 4 for a year and I think, it’s time to switch to 4.5-5. Based on what this video has taught me, Thanks.
Do you have any suggestions how to deal with the saliva issue. I'm 80 years old and consider myself to be at the level of a 6th grader. I'm having a lot of trouble with saliva coming out of the F key and eventually dripping out of the bell on the floor. It causes a garbled sound when it gathers between the reed.
HI Michelle Having trouble squeaking and your video seems to have sorted it out. I am now trying strength 3 reed, but keep going back to 2.5. Sometimes at strength 3 there is a kind of hissing sound. Going to move from my loan instrument which is a Yamaha SC 450, to a Buffet E12, or a new Yamaha. have you any comments, please. still really enjoying playing.
Hello Michelle I use 3.5 reed Vandoren and I want know if it can help me reach to altissimo register high A also what reed and number do you use to play that high A
Hello! I am 69 years old and was a clarinet major in college for one year and then didn’t pick it up again until 2 years ago;(. I can’t seem to play in tune anymore and just can’t figure out if it’s me or my horn or my reeds. I always used Van Dorens #3 but am only able to play a 2.5 now but then I can’t play the really high notes very well - always out of tune ;( I regret switching majors now but that’s life. Should I get help with lessons?
Should I still switch to a thicker reed if I am having trouble getting the a high C and D, because I have been playing for 4 years and have had trouble ever since I learned them
Hi Michelle, thanks once again for a very helpful video, I was struggling with the upper high register note with my #2 Vandoren reed. I pushed it upward a little and the notes came out great! Strange as a while back,# 2 1/2 was too strong for me. I might try it again. My very first teacher was " filing back" the tip of soft reeds with special #0 sand paper to make them stronger. Have you ever done this? I don't have a reed cutter yet have a whole new box of #2 reeds. Can I file them to fit them to my need. It would be a shame not to use them
Hi Nathalie, If a 2 pushed up high works better for you, you may be close to ready for a 2.5. My guess is you will grow into it eventually. Sanding, or filing a reed makes it a bit softer. Likely a 2.25 would be ideal for you right now, but those are hard to find!
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks Michelle. I did try again a 2 1/2 but it was too hard to play. So as you say, I will wait until I grow into it. Have a great day!
Well, depends on your skill on your previous instrument. If you feel like you are comfortable with 2.5 then go ahead! But I suggest 2 if you still have basic -pretty good knowledge of trombone.
I gave up oboe and took up clarinet because of the availability of usable synthetic reeds. I'm using a Legere and making good progress. I know many pros use these; have you thought of addressing the use of synthetic reeds? It is just SO much more convenient to not have to mess with cane, plus cane really bothers my lower lip to the point where I wouldn't play if I had to play with cane.
MattAllenTeller The Legere reeds are the best synthetic reeds out there for sure. I've used them on bass clarinet in shows where the horn sits idle for a long time, and then I have 5 seconds to pick it up and play. Personally, I still prefer the warmth of cane reeds, but there are definitely advantages to synthetic. I hope they continue to improve them until they are far superior to cane!
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Well, I went to a 3 from a 2 based on my tone problems matching what you said about reed strength, and ... it blows almost as hard as an oboe now. Ordered a 2.5 to see if that is workable for me. Yikes.
It sounds like the 3 is too stiff. The 2.5 is worth trying. If the 2.5 is just a bit stiff, you can also place it a bit lower on the mouthpiece to make it act softer. As long as it still completely covers the hole, this may help. Ultimately, when you use a stronger reed, you need faster air as well, which improves tone. Some blowing exercises may help you as well: ruclips.net/video/Eb4_HOwsEhE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/X9nd2wLMBOA/видео.html ruclips.net/video/JSUWle1lOwY/видео.html
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson)Thanks. I did get a 2.5 and it works a lot better. As a long term wind player I have enough air but the embouchure is somewhat new to me. I find with the 2.5 the high range is vastly improved but now the lower octave sounds strident. Perhaps I am putting too much pressure on the reed in the low range now?
Hard to say without hearing you, however, it could be a voicing issue. On clarinet, the higher your tongue is (at least for a classical sound), the better. Think "HEEE" with the tongue. This can direct the air faster, and mellow the sound out. You can also try to play softly with very fast air. If you are "overblowing" you can get a strident sound. The key is not so much quantity of air, but fast speed. This video may help: ruclips.net/video/JSUWle1lOwY/видео.html
Just wanted to thank you, I got a Clarinet last week, it came with some unopened 3 1/2's. I barely got anywhere with them so I switched to a 2 and got most of the middle register, and a few of the lower. Bumped up to try a 2 1/2 on advice of this video and can now play the full middle and lower and a couple of the high (but they don't sound great...yet!). Having a ton of fun just improvising jazz, and starting learning the names of the notes. Any recommendation for a good book/video/ website to learn the names and fingering for all the notes? Not a fingering chart so much as something that slowly introduces them all in a progressive manner. Anyway, thanks for the great info.
I've been playing on a 4 since highschool. I play just fine, but my mouth gets super tired after about a half hour. I popped in a 3 this morning and it played smooth as butter, haha... I wonder if I should get some 3's?
I have a b45 mouthpiece have been playing for 3 years i have been using blue vandoren 3 and 1/2 and i tryed the silver vandoren 3 1/2 reeds and both of them are quite hard to play on my new mouthpiece. Any recommendations for reed strengths for a b45 mouthpiece?
Hello Michelle, Are the Reed strengths you recommend the same as the Reed strengths used in England? I passed my Grade 1 Bb Clarinet exam in March but my teacher still has me on a number 2 Reed. I’ve switched to Vandoren reeds but still only No 2. I’m now learning to play in the upper register.
I play with a number 2 reed and at times I can play the high register notes all the way to the A high note, but one day it's easy to play high notes and then the others days it would be hard. I know I can play the high notes but is it my reed, air, or anything else.
If those notes are not speaking, they usually need more support. This can come from your airspeed, your embouchure, and your reed. For most people, a 2.5 gives more support in those upper notes and may help you to play it more reliably. Faster air is the most important thing for most people.
As an adult beginner I've started on softer reeds (1.5 / 2) but I try to buy brands that appear to be a little more well known (Rico / vandoren for instance). I'm still only really playing in the low register but as a brass player I might have a stronger airway. I have a couple of 3-reeds which I'll try tonight, and have a few 3.5 on order. My question, or at least thinking aloud, is whether for a more experienced clarinetist at least, playing on stiff reeds would make the lower register harder to play. In other words, if strong reeds are better up high then is the reverse true, are softer reeds better in the lower ranges? Once you have the experience, embouchure stability and air support of course.
Hellow i have been watching your videos and they have been helpfull for me what i have found realy challenging is that I use one and half Reed but when I want to advance for stiffer Reed I find it very difficult for me😌. What should i do so as I can get comfortable with stiffer reed
Oh! I tried putting my reed higher and I can play those top notes perfectly o_o very helpful!
Wish my band instructor in high school would have mentioned this. The only time I ever changed my reed was when it was physically damaged and I never experimented with reed strength. No wonder I couldn't hit those high notes. Your videos should be mandatory viewing for all clarinet students.
Finally some actual advice that makes sense regarding reeds. Thank you so much Michelle I am learning so much from you.
I thought my embouchure was weak when I couldn't get a sound using a no. 3 reed. It turns out that the display clarinet in the music store had some air leakage from at least one pad in the upper joint. I was really embarrassed until I pulled the joints apart & discovered weak pad seals on the upper joint. I was quite relieved to discover that it was the horn & not me or the reed. That is great advice you give in this video, because I usually automatically move new reeds up & down a little to determine if it is too soft or too stiff for my immediate comfort. Finally, those are lovely colors in your back yard, sparkling in the sun. Thanks for the post!
I feel like this is what might be wrong with mine. I played on a vandoren 4 my senior year in high school (over 15 years ago). I haven't played much since, until now that I've resurrected my clarinet from the shoe closet. I can't even fathom playing on a size 4 with my weakened face muscles, so I play on a 3.5 but have trouble once I get to that high B and C. However, when I lift my left index finger to hit a D or higher its sounds okay. 🤔🤔🤔
I'll have to check out the pads.
This video was SO helpful. My teacher ( of 5 years) and I were plagued with squeaks. She had me on a 3 but I thought it was to “hard” to play so WITHOUT telling her I went back to a 2 1/2 I think that has been causing the problem. I will (sheepishly) go back to my 3. You were so much help Thank you 😍
I finally know what the hissy noise is! Thankyou :)
I tried the 2 1/2 for easier clarion sound, it worked! Thanks! I was using a 2 bc of asthma made it hard for me.
I’ll move to a 3 as soon as I can. I expect that will produce nice clear high notes thanks again!
It's been 8 years that I do not play, after more than 10 years playing, I used reeds 4 ... Today I got my clarinet to play and although I managed to play all the scale, I heard that hiss in most notes, lol! I think I'll have to go back to 2/5 !!! I love your vídeos, and I´m whatching all !!!! Thank you for sharing your precious knowledge to us !!!!
Thanks for the well informative video. I self taught about 20 years ago and didn't know I needed a thicker reed for the upper register. Sure wish youtube was around back then. I gifted that clarinet to my niece and am now looking for a new one to give it a try again.
Switching reeds made all the difference - I had the exact problem with the clarion register that you were describing: it was like th notes just wouldn't come out. I switched to a 3.5 reed, and like magic, everything improved. Thank you so much!
Thank you as I am just learning the clarinet. This video pushed me to experiment with stronger reeds and was very helpful.
Woah, moving the reed up 1mm really gave me an indicator thank you so so much
This video was really helpful. I needed to change my reed a few weeks ago. I had exactly the same symptoms as you described. I was using 2s and 2 1/2 and my high C and my altissimo notes just wouldn't come. I tried a three and a half and got a really airy sound (my face felt strained after trying to play a piece). I tried a three the next day and I had neither of those problems. Thanks for confirming the choice, Michelle!
Hi Kristen. I'm glad that helped. Good for you for trying several strengths. The best one is usually obvious. You may eventually end up on a 3.5, but for now it seems like you are right on track.
Depends on your mouthpiece the tip opening and the facing length.... with an open tip and shorter facing you can do just fine with a #2 Vandoren Reed
I wanna cry. I used to play in high school. I miss the clarinet so much. I miss spending 40 hours a day practicing. I didn't have many resources. I keep wondering how much better I could've been if I had the Internet to help me understand the clarinet even better
Sully Fied 40 hours a day lol! I Know where that came from!
@@Brave_Aviator I know you know where that came from :)
Sully Fied two set!!!!!
@@Brave_Aviator yeeeah!!
It's never too late to get back into it !! once a clarinetist always a clarinetist ....we are an elite brotherhood.
A very detailed explanation on reed choices. Much appreciated. I am a marginally bad saxophone player who started out from being a clarinet player. But this video is applicable to both instruments.
I'm an 8th grader and play on a higher scale 4 and a half reed hehe. I loved this video btw.
This is a very clear and easy way to understand reed strength.
Great description of reed strength and how to select.
I just started playing again after a 30-year break. I played for 10 years from ages 10 to 20 (4 of those years while in school and the rest on my own), but had to sell my clarinet due to financial reasons. Got a loaner clarinet from a neighbor (a Selmer). I am starting off at a 2.5, which seems to be perfect for me right now. I also bought 3.0 for when I'm ready to advance. For now, the 2.5 is great for me to get back into the groove, so to speak. I have always hated the higher notes, but do not find them too hard to play with the 2.5 (for now anyway). Getting my airflow back to where it was is the real challenge for me right now.
This is a very important and helpful video which goes well with Dr Wallys advice on how to break a Reed in.
Thank you so much. Very informative video/lesson on choosing a proper reed strength.
These videos are very informative. You have a great teaching style. Getting back to my clarinet, and realized how much I’ve missed it.
Hi Michelle, my instructor recommended me to watch yours and your partner I think Debbie, not sure on the other gals name, however he said you ladie clarinet instructionss are the best to watch in RUclips's
This was very helpful, recently I've been stressing after joining advanced band at my school and I couldn't play the high notes. Some of the songs we were given barely ever dip below a high D. I've been playing for 5 years now, but I somehow never thought it was too important to move up until I realized something was very wrong when I couldn't produce these sounds despite following all my band instructor's tips. I have a parade in exactly a week too, so awful to come to this conclusion much to close to a big event.
Thanks so much for this video!!!
Love this video! In my 60s, taking it up again after a twenty year wait. I wish i had known this years ago, might have changed my life choice from nursing to music...
Your videos and verbal instruction have been very helpful. Having picked up my clarinet after a 40 year layoff, I have worked hard to change bad habits and incorporate your recommendations for embouchure and air flow. I am now using a Rico 3 1/2 reed, which was producing a good tone. My muscles have strengthened and the embouchure is now automatic, as well as strong airflow. I am now experiencing a problem after playing for about 10 minutes, characterized by a "wet sound, as if blowing through water" when playing an A (Inex finger only) and B flat. It is not the typical fuzzy sound. Extending the reed above the mouthpiece helps some. For the past 3 months I have been playing on a new Yamaha 650 with the stock mouthpiece, but a Rovner Dark - 1R ligature. I have experienced the tone and ease of play that you describe, but am now struggling to "find it" again. I will be grateful for any suggestions.
+kalman buchovecky Hi - It sounds like you are doing really well at getting back into things. The Bb and A are notorious for having a fuzzier tone than other notes on the clarinet. This video may help: ruclips.net/video/MDp6VDUgOOU/видео.html. Also, at times, a clogged register key can contribute to the fuzz, although your clarinet is new enough that it likely isn't giving you trouble now. This video shows you how to fix it: ruclips.net/video/IKUIKOj8jsw/видео.html. I hope those help.
I started clarinet yesterday after playing flute for years so this was helpful
Love watching these having started up after 40 years! Not sure it's a live site now though..
members.clarinetmastery.com/pages/about-us
Thanks for the video. I'm going back to clarinet after about 6 years of almost-hiatus (just playing ocassionally some easy stuff on the christmas eve for my family or sth). I learned clarinet when I was a child (I started learning before my 7th birthday), so during my education I started with 1,5 and moved to 2,5, rarely exceeding that strength. However when I return I feel that 2,5 is quite soft for me (for an example I didn't have any problems when working on a fresh reed), but some of the highest notes I've previously learned, require real caution from me, because they're now often overblown when I try to use same amount of pressure as I used when I was young. (I grew up and I have much stronger lungs and muscles than before) I thought that I just need to rework the technique, but I didn't think that it might have something to do with strength of used reed.
So it might be time to pernamently move to 3 or even 3,5.
ps. Funny thing is that problematic notes are E6 and F6. I picked up higher (F#6 and G6, I haven't been teached to go even higher, as I never needed it anyway) notes back easily. I use separate fingering and mouth adjustments for those (for E6 and F6 I use simple chromatic ascend from C#6, D6 and D#6 while for higher notes I always switch to open thumb hole settings), that might be the case...
Thanks for this excellent video. I have picked up woodwind music again after a 40 year break, I can still read sheet music and know a lot of tunes, but have never had to deal with a reed before. So explanations of the reed strengths is vital for me to progress.
Honestly thank you so much! I've been struggling to play high notes but after switching reeds it's so much easier and sounds like 10 times better
It is always satisfying when a small change makes playing the clarinet so much easier. I am glad this was helpful to you. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for this :) I'm getting back into bass clarinet after a little over a year, now I think I know high my high register was hard to control. I was on 2.5, and Rico at that...lol. I'm getting my own bass Monday, and ordered some 3s from Vandoren. Let's see how this goes :)
+Steven Shockley Sounds good - Most people do use softer reeds on the bass. I play on 3's on bass and 3.75 on Bb.
+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Do you play Alto at all? There aren't many videos on them...loved the Basset horn video.
I rarely play alto. It is kind of a cross between bass and Bb. The Basset horn often uses an alto clarinet mouthpiece, so the feel would be the same. It is fun, and used mostly in wind ensembles.
Thank you so much I was using a 2 and 1/2 but I found out that I need a 4 so thank you so much for helping me get started on my musical career!!!!
Wow! That's a big difference. If 4 is your ideal strength, that will make a significant difference to your sound. Enjoy your musical career!
Hi... Thank you for all your very helpful videos. I often use your information to assist my pupils.
I have a query right at the beginning of this one.
When you use a high C in the clarion register, ie. thumb + speaker key, to demonstrate a possibly too soft read, you appear to put down the left hand middle finger.
At first it appeared to be on a tone hole and ring-key but on freezing the pic, I now think that it may be on one of the long rods for trills.
Is this something I might pass on? Some early players do have difficulty in supporting the instrument solely with the right hand thumb rest plus the left hand thumb on hole + speaker key.
I don't remember having the same problem as a beginner but it WAS about 150
years ago.
Regards from Olde Englande.
Hi - I don't actually hold down any keys, but I try my best to keep my fingers really close to the holes. I highly recommend that my students do this as well. If a student has trouble balancing the clarinet, I recommend a good neck strap. I really like the BG and the Neo Tech ones. They help keep balance, and allow students to focus more on their actual hand position.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson)
Thank you. I never did use a sling on clrt. and often wondered what was the point. Now I see YOUR point and might experiment myself
before advocating it.
When can get around to it, I might ask you about circular breathing unless you have already posted about it.
Many thanks...
@@MauriatOttolink there is an excellent video here on circular breathing......and i actually did it!!!!! i was amazed!!! however....it takes a LOT of concentration at first....i couldn't even tell you how to do it...even though i have
@@michaelshelley1289
Hello M. Thanks for the reply...Would like to know more about the video...Is there a link?
I know what you mean about "I couldn't even tell you how I do it...!"
I was once asked by a non-jazz clarinettist how I had done a long glissando (jazz concert).
My reply was just that. I suppose it really meant "Well I do know but can't start explaining here and now."
Hi Michelle,
You post very helpful informative videos.
Just one correction about reed strength you are talking about in 1:56 and on.When we talk about reed strength we talk about cane density not the reed tip thickness.Commercial reeds like Vandoren are made identical from tip to bottom and tip resistance (cane density)determines by a machine that indicates the reed strength/number.This info. I got from Vandoren artist.So basically we are looking for the proper cane density rather than tip thickness and the number on the reed gives a clue what cane density is the best for the player.I like your videos so keep it up.Thanks.
Thanks for that! I didn't know that. It makes sense though!
Such humility for someone with your expertise. keep it up. i am hands down blown away :)
ok....thank you so much!!! sounds like i need to move up!!! you teach me so much!!! TYVM!!!!! those high notes i use to hit with no problem.....are now a problem, i use to be able to hit high G above high C....I'm lucky to get the C or D anymore....
I need help.. I've played on a 3 1/2 for about a year and it's now starting that when I put on a new one it sounds like the reed is to strong but I used to play on 3 1/2 perfectly... putting on a new reed tips is what I need.
Great video, like it. All the best!
Great information. Thank you!
Informative video. If I am
playing on a Juno reed number three and want to go to a synthetic reed what reed should I choose? 12:07
Thank you for sharing this info. Really helpful
Just starting again after 40 years
Thanks for helpful info
ive been playing for 5 years, about to take my grade 5. I play on a 2 1/2 (i can go up to Top F with no problems), is this normal? I've tried a 3, and it's great on the higher register but from a to middle C, it sounds very airy. What do?
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Depends on how much you practice. I've been playing for 3 years and I'm almost to Reed size 3.5. I practice about an hour a day. If you don't practice that might be normal to you.
i say use the 3....you will adjust and get use to it....5 years is long enough i would say
5 years is a very long time to be on 2.5. If u move up your overall play will increase greatly. You should be at a 3.5 within 3 years of playing.
Michael Shelley I agree.
Wow, very good and interesting information... thanks
Thanks for this. I think I am changing reeds.
I hope that helps!
Great video. Thank you again 😊
Thanks for the help! In the beginning of Band, I used Vandoren strength 2. Then I had gotten some strength 3 reeds. And I still couldn't make that high note, so I tried strength 3 and a half in Vandoren V12s and it helped a lot with the high notes and the tone. Thanks!
I have outgrown strength 2 reed I'm almost done with my 2nd year playing clarinet and my friends at school say I sound terrible but not last year so I guess I have outgrown my current size
Thank you for these videos - I am finding them more informative than my tutor ever was! I am just starting to play again after a 10 (read:12) year hiatus and am not sure what strength to start with again. When I stopped playing I was using a 3.5, but I'm trying a 2.5 at the moment. The sound seems airy and I am having difficulty getting above the break (I could just be seriously out of shape). Do you have any recommendations/advice for a prodigal player?
Hi Aimee, You will likely fairly quickly increase your reed strength as your muscles get back in shape. For now, if the 2.5 feels too hard, you might just want a temporary 2. On the other hand, if you focus on blown with much faster air, you quickly grow in the 2.5 and beyond. This is probably the most productive strategy to use.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thank you! That cleared up my assumptions.
Thank you so much. I was playing on a Vandoren 3...yeah the 3 1/2 is much better. Thanks for your help.
I use the middle opening new line of Rico Reserve mouthpieces. On my R13 clarinet I get very little resistance unlike my Yamaha CRV. When I use this mouthpiece with a 3.5 reed on the Buffet I find I need a harder reed but when I use a 4 the resistance is too hard. In general the Buffet is a free blowing instrument. I enjoy this quality of the Buffet but the clarion C with one finger and the register seems flat when I don't really focus. Rather than look for a slightly stiffer reed which tends the problem I find that it is better for me to focus on directing my air "higher" or maybe more focused. I also enjoy practicing on this difficult note doing fast tongues which tends to punish any sloppy tonguing with a wobbly pitch. When the tonguing is light and the air is focused the pitch is good. Also, I find that any biting actually makes the tone flatter and not sharper. The only way I can get up to pitch is with an openness in the embouchure, a faster air and a light tongue. Is it wrong to stay with the softer reed just because it makes me work harder in the altissimo?
Garth Libre It sounds like you are testing things fairly thoroughly...It is up to you to decide which reed gives you the best overall performance. A couple of things to consider - When that high C is flat (super common) it usually indicates that your overall tongue position inside of your mouth is low. Try saying "HEEE" with your tongue while you play. In that position, the pitch usually improves. I also have several students who are between a 3.5 and a 4. Vandoren now has a 3.5+, which may be useful for you to try. You might just truly be playing between strengths, and a reed designed to be in the middle might help.
I started playing 2 years ago and I use reeds 3.5+ Vandoren. I am practicing a lot (at least more than 1 hour every day, can go to 5-6 sometimes). Is that correct? Should I take easier reeds?
You're on the right path. 3.5's are great. Keep up the great practice! I would also recommend private lessons if your budget can handle it. Good luck, & I wish you the best!
I started two years ago at 2 and I still can't play with a 2.5. Is this unusual? It's definitely disappointing. Any diagnosis?
you might just need to practice and get used to the 2.5 reed
This is my third year playing and I’m still on a 2.5 because I find 3’s and 3.5’s are too difficult to produce a clear enough sound, I’m able to hit the high C quite easily so I was wondering on what I should do too progress through reed strength
Antonio, when I was in high school, my private instructor taught me to message my new reeds to soften them up a little & give them the appearance of a used reed. We used the finest grain sand paper & I he taught me to lay the read flat on my clarinet case or on any flat surface (that's fairly clean) and rub it with your finger or the back of your fingernail from the base towards the tip of the reed with the goal of closing the pores on the reed. It really helps get your newer reeds closer to that perfect playing texture. Good luck & happy playing!
I'm a freshman and I started playing on a 4 a couple days ago. I can get out the highest note but some of my lower notes sound somewhat airy. Do you think it's a reed issue or a support issue
I enjoy your video instructions so much, really
Hello. I just bought my very first clarinet. I am a sax player obviously. Wondering if I will need a stronger reed than someone with no woodwind experience. I play a #4 on soprano sax.. similar shape and MP size to clarinet. Not sure where to start on reed strength.
When I found this video, I had 4 "soft" vandoran reeds. And a whole box of 3.0 Reeds... What do I do with my 4 reeds?
Thanks :)
Give it to someone
Or a refund
I’m playing low notes. I have a 2.5 reeds, and it is very hard to blow them. Any recommendations?
Hi Michelle!
Loved your video on reed strengths. I am 61 years old and would like to get my clarinet back out (after many decades!) and try to play it again. What reed srrength do you recommend for me? My grandson is a sixth grader who is taking up clarinet this year and I am excited to maybe be able to play with him. Any suggestions you have for me would be most welcome.
Thanks -Sharon
Michelle - I'm far from being your usual or typical subscriber. At 75+ with mild COPD and asthma, I don't play clarinet but I do try to play a Bb chamuleau-type instrument (absolutely NOT a pocket sax) which uses a clarinet mouthpiece and reed. I use a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece with a Rovner dark ligature. I have found many of your uploads which discuss reeds, mouthpieces, tone, embouchure and breath control to be both excellent and very useful.
In this upload you talk very clearly about strengths of reed starting with 2.0. This has made me want to ask a question . . . who uses Bb clarinet reeds strengths 1.0 (eg: D'Addario Royal) and 1.5 (eg: D'Addario Rico)? Because of my own particular 'non-clarinetty' needs, I started with 1.0 and now mostly use 1.5. I have some Vandoren 2.0 in stock for the hoped-for future. But who usually uses Bb clarinet reeds of those lower strengths - and why?
Thanks again for such a clear and useful series of uploads.
Hi thanks for the help I have been playing for 2 years now I started in 6th and now my band teacher says I'm an expert but sometimes I can't get that height c but now I can thanks so much
no cayden u are good but not as good as me on sax
Right CADE u can keep thinking and wishing that lol
lol yup
By high C, do you mean that one where you put your fingers down on all of the tone holes and the left little finger key, or the one where you use the thumb key and the octave key?
@@Blaze850 the first one you mentioned is a D not a C....you don't lift your little finger for the C
Michelle, Thanks so much for you videos. Have a question. I currently use a Legere 2 1/4 reed on my bass clarinet. Should I choose the same reed strength for my newly acquired Contra Bass? It is the BBb instrument.
Every mouthpiece works a bit differently, and generally, the bigger clarinets work better on softer reeds. For many people a 2.25 would be a good Contrabass strength. If you get a Legere reed, they will let you exchange it if you find the strength does not work. Most people use between a 2 and a 3.
hi i play with a 2 1/2 reed and have done for years. i had surgery on my lip to remove a cyst many years ago and and the musle never went back together properly. would is be usual for someone in my situation to play on a softer read than the usual
I'd try a 2 to see if it's any easier.
Dear Mrs. Michelle Anderson,
I am currently a Freshman in high school, and have been playing the Clarinet for over 5 years. I've been looking for ways to improve on the Clarinet and now it seems like my band teacher can't help me with that, so I have taken initiative and searched for ways to improve, your videos are great help by the way. I was wondering if you could give me resources or techniques to play faster, faster fingering techniques, alternate fingerings for easy playing, or just a new system to learn by and improve. I really love playing the Clarinet. I use strength 3 Rico reeds and an R12 Buffet Crampon Student Clarinet set. Thank you very much for all the videos.
Hi - It sounds like you are doing great with the clarinet! I do have some videos that help with fingering things. Most of the videos for your level would be on my more advanced playlist, at: ruclips.net/p/PLxQWCQXA2UjW-bQyrS79z7QWC0i83MpE7. Pay attention to any that specifically deal with fingers or even expression (which is affected by fingers).
Hi, I use vandoren 2.5 reeds and they work well for me but I find it a lot harder to play on a 3. Any tips?
I don't know if I am wrong. I use strenght 2.5 for jazz, and 3 for classical music.
I haven't played in over 40 years and restarted about three weeks ago as my school needs people in our small band to generate interest. Now on vacation, I took out my old clarinet and it hardly plays at all. It has old cork and seems to have many air leaks (especially where the mouthpiece goes on and is hard to get any sort of note out. Would repadding and replacing the cork help the clarinet to play easier and become less "hissy?" It is super hard to get much volume out.
Hi Michelle, I have been playing the clarinet for about 3 months. I play in a sixth grade band, and it's very boring. I started taking lessons about 2 months ago, and boy, it was fun. I have learned lots of high notes, and it was fun. Anyways, I recently (accidentally) bought a vandoren v-12 3 1/2+ professional reeds, when I planned to buy normal basic vandoren 2 1/2 reeds. Anyways, I was very curious, so I tried the reeds, out, and of course I couldn't play as long, but the higher notes were easier for me! And the sounds were better too. Would you recommend me to keep on buying those reeds, or stay with basic? :D
Hi Minjae, the Vandoren V12 are very good reeds. Most of my best students use those. The 3.5+ may be a bit stiff for you (although if it is working great, go for it). You might try a 3 initially and then work your way up. You might even be ready for a 3.5, although usually this takes a bit longer than 3 months of playing to develop air and embouchure muscles. Try them out, and see what sounds best. It sounds like you are ready to go higher than 2.5.
thanks
Hi Michelle, I stopped playing after I graduated High School and joined the military shortly after withdrawing from college, I rediscovered my passion for playing music recently and I plan on going back to school to major in music after my current enlistment is over (3.5 yrs left!). My question is this. When I stopped playing I was at a 3 1/2 strength on the Vandoren V12s. What strength would you recommend for me to start back at while I start to practice more to regain my skills? I currently have a plastic, ugh, reed that I bought when I recently refurbished and repaired my clarinet. I had assumed, wrongly, at the time that I would only be playing it again as a hobby.
Very helpful video
I'm glad you enjoyed this. I hope your clarinet playing is going well.
I recently found this video and I got to thinking about this. I have been playing the Bb clarinet for 5ish years. I use a 3 strength and have been using currently a 3.5 and it was easy, should I stay at 3 or get 3.5? I also have another question. Like I said I have been playing normal clarinet for five years but I recently began to play the bass clarinet in the past two years. I have a 2 1/2 should I get a stronger reed? Last question promise! I am moving to Contra bass clarinet next year, should I get beginner reeds for contra or just get 3 reeds? Thank you so much!
Hi Michelle. I have been struggling with reeds lately. A #3 seems too stiff, so I have
been using a V-12 2.5. I continue to experiment and have ordered the Vandoren 56 Lepic 2.5. I think I am getting closer to what I need for my Vandoren M-15 mouthpiece. My Yamaha YCL 650 has been checked and there are no leaks in the clarinet. Lately, everything seems too resistant. I have found that I can get a better sound if I lower the #3 on the mouthpiece. I have had a frustrating week with reeds. I will let you know how the 56 Lepic works out. I am still working through lesson 6 of your course. Thank you again for another great video.....Sal
Hi Sal - You might really like the Rue Lepic. Although they are sized at a similar strength level, to me, they seem to respond a bit more lightly than the V12's. Having the reed low will make it act softer. It sounds like you need a 2-3/4. I wish Vandoren made them!
What about a Rico Royal 3? It seems to be equivalent to a 2 3/4 V12.
Looking at the Vandoren reed comparison chart...
gabbebelle Thank you. I will give it a try. I also ordered Rico Grand Concert
2.5.
Is there a clarinet that plays the high notes without pressing the register key? I see different size clarinets in the music shop. My clarinet is 25 inches long. If it was a smaller clarinet would the notes be higher?. Great video.
I played the clarinet in school and recently picked it up again after 20 years. I have been playing on a 2.5 reed and am having the trouble with the high notes that you describe. But when I switch to a 3, my sound is airy and my mouth gets sore quickly. Advice?
I played clarinet for 1 year switched to bass and played 3.5 for 4 years and switched to a 4 for a year and I think, it’s time to switch to 4.5-5. Based on what this video has taught me, Thanks.
Do you have any suggestions how to deal with the saliva issue. I'm 80 years old and consider myself to be at the level of a 6th grader. I'm having a lot of trouble with saliva coming out of the F key and eventually dripping out of the bell on the floor. It causes a garbled sound when it gathers between the reed.
HI Michelle Having trouble squeaking and your video seems to have sorted it out. I am now trying strength 3 reed, but keep going back to 2.5. Sometimes at strength 3 there is a kind of hissing sound. Going to move from my loan instrument which is a Yamaha SC 450, to a Buffet E12, or a new Yamaha. have you any comments, please. still really enjoying playing.
Hello Michelle I use 3.5 reed Vandoren and I want know if it can help me reach to altissimo register high A also what reed and number do you use to play that high A
Dr Awesome what mouthpiece do you play on? I had this exact problem a few months ago
Hello! I am 69 years old and was a clarinet major in college for one year and then didn’t pick it up again until 2 years ago;(. I can’t seem to play in tune anymore and just can’t figure out if it’s me or my horn or my reeds. I always used Van Dorens #3 but am only able to play a 2.5 now but then I can’t play the really high notes very well - always out of tune ;( I regret switching majors now but that’s life. Should I get help with lessons?
Should I still switch to a thicker reed if I am having trouble getting the a high C and D, because I have been playing for 4 years and have had trouble ever since I learned them
How do you feel on using synthetic reeds, like Legere?
Hi Michelle, thanks once again for a very helpful video, I was struggling with the upper high register note with my #2 Vandoren reed. I pushed it upward a little and the notes came out great! Strange as a while back,# 2 1/2 was too strong for me. I might try it again. My very first teacher was " filing back" the tip of soft reeds with special #0 sand paper to make them stronger. Have you ever done this? I don't have a reed cutter yet have a whole new box of #2 reeds. Can I file them to fit them to my need. It would be a shame not to use them
I am in the same situation and will try to trade my unopened single reeds at the store for 2.5s.
gabbebelle Good idea. I hope they exchange them for you
Hi Nathalie, If a 2 pushed up high works better for you, you may be close to ready for a 2.5. My guess is you will grow into it eventually. Sanding, or filing a reed makes it a bit softer. Likely a 2.25 would be ideal for you right now, but those are hard to find!
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks Michelle. I did try again a 2 1/2 but it was too hard to play. So as you say, I will wait until I grow into it. Have a great day!
Is it true that not all reeds #3 are the same depends on the make? i found the Vandoren 56 #3 is slightly softer than the Vandoren V21.
I started with 2 and a half Reed in my first years. The moment I use 3 and more It's hard for me play a thinner Reed.
If I have played the trombone in the past, should I start with a stronger size reed or just a 2/2.5?
Well, depends on your skill on your previous instrument. If you feel like you are comfortable with 2.5 then go ahead! But I suggest 2 if you still have basic -pretty good knowledge of trombone.
I gave up oboe and took up clarinet because of the availability of usable synthetic reeds. I'm using a Legere and making good progress. I know many pros use these; have you thought of addressing the use of synthetic reeds? It is just SO much more convenient to not have to mess with cane, plus cane really bothers my lower lip to the point where I wouldn't play if I had to play with cane.
MattAllenTeller The Legere reeds are the best synthetic reeds out there for sure. I've used them on bass clarinet in shows where the horn sits idle for a long time, and then I have 5 seconds to pick it up and play. Personally, I still prefer the warmth of cane reeds, but there are definitely advantages to synthetic. I hope they continue to improve them until they are far superior to cane!
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Well, I went to a 3 from a 2 based on my tone problems matching what you said about reed strength, and ... it blows almost as hard as an oboe now. Ordered a 2.5 to see if that is workable for me. Yikes.
It sounds like the 3 is too stiff. The 2.5 is worth trying. If the 2.5 is just a bit stiff, you can also place it a bit lower on the mouthpiece to make it act softer. As long as it still completely covers the hole, this may help. Ultimately, when you use a stronger reed, you need faster air as well, which improves tone. Some blowing exercises may help you as well: ruclips.net/video/Eb4_HOwsEhE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/X9nd2wLMBOA/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/JSUWle1lOwY/видео.html
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson)Thanks. I did get a 2.5 and it works a lot better. As a long term wind player I have enough air but the embouchure is somewhat new to me. I find with the 2.5 the high range is vastly improved but now the lower octave sounds strident. Perhaps I am putting too much pressure on the reed in the low range now?
Hard to say without hearing you, however, it could be a voicing issue. On clarinet, the higher your tongue is (at least for a classical sound), the better. Think "HEEE" with the tongue. This can direct the air faster, and mellow the sound out. You can also try to play softly with very fast air. If you are "overblowing" you can get a strident sound. The key is not so much quantity of air, but fast speed. This video may help: ruclips.net/video/JSUWle1lOwY/видео.html
Just wanted to thank you, I got a Clarinet last week, it came with some unopened 3 1/2's. I barely got anywhere with them so I switched to a 2 and got most of the middle register, and a few of the lower. Bumped up to try a 2 1/2 on advice of this video and can now play the full middle and lower and a couple of the high (but they don't sound great...yet!).
Having a ton of fun just improvising jazz, and starting learning the names of the notes.
Any recommendation for a good book/video/ website to learn the names and fingering for all the notes? Not a fingering chart so much as something that slowly introduces them all in a progressive manner.
Anyway, thanks for the great info.
I've been playing on a 4 since highschool. I play just fine, but my mouth gets super tired after about a half hour. I popped in a 3 this morning and it played smooth as butter, haha... I wonder if I should get some 3's?
Amazing, thank you!
Would a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece be a good upgrade for a standard quality clarinet
What happens when you get to 5? How hard is it? How much experience would you say you need?
Any reed 3.5 or above will require a very strong embouchure. 5 is beyond professional.
5 is a joke
I have a b45 mouthpiece have been playing for 3 years i have been using blue vandoren 3 and 1/2 and i tryed the silver vandoren 3 1/2 reeds and both of them are quite hard to play on my new mouthpiece. Any recommendations for reed strengths for a b45 mouthpiece?
Hello Michelle, Are the Reed strengths you recommend the same as the Reed strengths used in England? I passed my Grade 1 Bb Clarinet exam in March but my teacher still has me on a number 2 Reed. I’ve switched to Vandoren reeds but still only No 2. I’m now learning to play in the upper register.
I've been playing 3.5 for quite some time. Could I try a 4? Is that going to help I wonder? My 3 1/2s start feeling so thin at the top so quickly
I’m on a 3 1/2 and I moved my reed up and I was able to play C should I move up to a 4?
I play with a number 2 reed and at times I can play the high register notes all the way to the A high note, but one day it's easy to play high notes and then the others days it would be hard. I know I can play the high notes but is it my reed, air, or anything else.
If those notes are not speaking, they usually need more support. This can come from your airspeed, your embouchure, and your reed. For most people, a 2.5 gives more support in those upper notes and may help you to play it more reliably. Faster air is the most important thing for most people.
I am assuming this will work for bass clarinets as well, right?
As an adult beginner I've started on softer reeds (1.5 / 2) but I try to buy brands that appear to be a little more well known (Rico / vandoren for instance). I'm still only really playing in the low register but as a brass player I might have a stronger airway. I have a couple of 3-reeds which I'll try tonight, and have a few 3.5 on order. My question, or at least thinking aloud, is whether for a more experienced clarinetist at least, playing on stiff reeds would make the lower register harder to play. In other words, if strong reeds are better up high then is the reverse true, are softer reeds better in the lower ranges? Once you have the experience, embouchure stability and air support of course.
Hellow i have been watching your videos and they have been helpfull for me what i have found realy challenging is that I use one and half Reed but when I want to advance for stiffer Reed I find it very difficult for me😌. What should i do so as I can get comfortable with stiffer reed