Parts of the Clarinet

Below is a picture of how most clarinet cases are manufactured. Match the number on each part with the number on the list to the right to learn the name of each part of the clarinet. Knowing the name of each part of the instrument will be important for when we talk about putting everything together, learning fingerings, and tuning the instrument.​

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1- Reeds
2- Upper Joint
3- Lower Joint
4- Bell
5- Barrel
6- Mouthpiece & Ligature*

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The Mouthpiece

In the picture above, we see a mouthpiece that is in a mouthpiece case and not much of the ligature. Below is a close up of the mouthpiece, ligature and reed all attached.

Making sure your mouthpiece is set up properly is the first step in creating a good sound on clarinet.

1 - Mouthpiece

• The mouthpiece is what you form your embouchure around and blow controlled air through to get sound from a clarinet.

2 -Ligature

• The purpose of the ligature is to hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece. There are various types of ligatures to use. Most clarinets come with the ligature like the picture on the left.
  • Note: the ligature on top has the screws on the reed while the one on bottom has the screw on top of the mouthpiece. Be sure the screw are on the correct side of the mouthpiece to ensure the reed can vibrate correctly.​​​

3 - Reed

• The reed is what really made the clarinet sound. As you blow air through the mouthpiece, the reed vibrate. That vibration is what causes the clarinet to sing.
• Most reeds are rated based on their stiffness and the scale ranges from from 1-4, with 0.5 in-between each number. Most beginning students can start on a 2-2.5 reed.

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Additional Equipment

Cleaning Cloth - Always swab your clarinet after use. This will help preserve the pads, prevent build up of spit, and help keep you healthy.
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Cork Grease - Apply to the cork at the connecting joint if the two parts are resistant to go together. 

Reed Case - This allows you to keep multiple reeds protected. Maintaining a steady rotation of reeds helps extend the reeds lifetime and give you as a performer additional insurance in case a reed cracks/break during a rehearsal or right be a performance. 

Tuner/Metronome - Now-a-days you can have a tuner and metronome at all times on your phone. I highly recommend the TE (Tonal Energy) Tuner App. It cost a couple of dollars and is a steal for the quality you get!!

Clarinet Stand - This provides you opportunity to set the clarinet in a safe, secure spot without laying it on its sides. This is great to have at home or in the band room during class!

Next Page: Assembly