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What Are the Notes a Clarinet Can Play?

    Low Register

    • The clarinet's low register, the notes from E below middle C to E above middle C, produces a deep, rich sound and is called the chalumeau.

    Middle Register

    • The notes of the middle register, ranging from from F to B-flat, are called the throat tones. Because the tone holes for these notes are in the upper portion of the instrument and create little resonance, a player must compensate to prevent them from sounding thin and weak.

    Upper and High Registers

    • The clarinet's bright and clear upper register, sometimes called clarino, ranges from B to C above the treble clef staff. The highest clarinet notes are produced in the instrument's high or altissimo register. These notes, from the D above the treble clef staff to the A above that, sound piercing and shrill. Although an accomplished player can produce even higher notes, most ensemble music rarely requires a player to sound tones above a high G.

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