1. Soprano Clarinet (Bb Clarinet):
- The standard clarinet in Bb is the most commonly played variety. It's pitched in the key of B flat and often simply referred to as "the clarinet."
2. Eb Clarinet:
- The Eb clarinet is smaller than the Bb clarinet and pitched in the key of E flat. It has a higher and sweeter tone compared to the Bb clarinet.
3. Alto Clarinet (Eb Alto Clarinet):
- The alto clarinet is even larger than the Bb clarinet and pitched in the key of E flat. It has a mellow tone and plays an octave below the Eb clarinet.
4. Bass Clarinet (Bb Bass Clarinet):
- The bass clarinet is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the clarinet family. It's pitched in the key of B flat, an octave below the Bb clarinet.
5. Sopranino Clarinet (Eb Sopranino Clarinet):
- This is a piccolo-like clarinet pitched in the key of E flat, higher than the Bb soprano clarinet.
6. Basset Clarinet (Bb Basset Clarinet):
- An extended Bb clarinet with a low A or C extension, allowing for additional notes in the lower register.
7. Contra-alto Clarinet (Eb Contra-alto Clarinet):
- Larger than the alto clarinet, pitched in the key of E flat an octave below it.
8. Contra-bass Clarinet (Bb Contra-bass Clarinet):
- Larger and lower-pitched compared to the alto clarinet, usually tuned in the key of Bb.
Other less common members of the clarinet family include the alto clarinet in F, the basset horn in F, and the clarinet d'amore.
Each instrument in the clarinet family contributes a unique tonal quality and range to the ensemble. They're frequently encountered in classical music, jazz, and various other genres.