* Use a relaxed embouchure that is centered on the reed.
* The corners of your lips should be slightly upturned.
* Your lower lip should be slightly below your upper lip.
* Blow air into the instrument with a steady, even stream.
Hand position:
* The left thumb rests on the thumb rest.
* The left fingers cover the first, second, and third tone holes.
* The right thumb rests on the low C tone hole.
* The right fingers cover the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh tone holes.
Breathing:
* Take deep, slow breaths from your diaphragm.
* Exhale slowly and evenly into the instrument.
Articulation:
* Use a light, tongued articulation for most notes.
* For staccato notes, use a short, sharp tongue.
* For legato notes, do not use any tongue.
Fingering:
The following are the fingerings for the E flat contra alto bass clarinet:
| Note | Fingering |
|:---------:|:----------------------------------------------------------------:|
| E♭| Thumb + 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| F♭ | Thumb + 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| F | Thumb + 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| G♭| Thumb + 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| G | Thumb + 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| A♭ | Thumb + 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| A | Thumb + 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| B♭ | Thumb + 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| B | Thumb + 6th, 7th fingers |
| C | Thumb + 7th finger |
| D♭ | 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| D | 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
| E♭ | 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th fingers |
Additional tips:
* Experiment with different embouchures and fingerings to find the best sound for you.
* Practice regularly to develop your technique.
* Listen to recordings of professional contra alto bass clarinetists to get an idea of the different sounds and techniques that are possible.