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How to Drop the Pitch on a Clarinet

In the early 1900s, jazz arrangements restricted the potential rhythmic playing of clarinetists, which left the unbridled improvisations to the brass section. During the 1920s, Chicago clarinetists began to sound more like cornetists, unleashing emotional performances, which included bending the notes. The bending technique refers to the method of playing a note, then suddenly dropping the pitch before returning to the original note. Bends are notated on a musical staff by an upside-down half moon shape written over the note. The method helps clarinetists gain further control of their sound while adding emotion to their playing.

Things You'll Need

  • Playing chair (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit erect in your playing chair or stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Raise your head so you are looking directly in front of you, with your throat open and not tense.

    • 2

      Bring the clarinet to your mouth, and create proper embouchure with your mouth. Your top lip should be over the top of the mouthpiece, while the lower lip stays tucked in under the reed. Do not place too much reed in your mouth.

    • 3

      Play a note on pitch. Quickly lower your jaw to loosen the pressure of your lips, which will immediately drop the pitch.

    • 4

      Lift your jaw and tighten your lips to bring the note back to pitch. Do not change your fingering position while you play the note; drop and return the pitch with your mouth.

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