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The 11 Types of Clarinets Every Woodwind Player Needs to Know

by Laura /
22/09/2023

The clarinet is a popular instrument among younger and older players alike and is a staple feature in most orchestras and jazz ensembles. Invented in the 17th century by German instrument maker Johann Christoph Denner, clarinets reside in tonal ranges soprano, alto, and bass.  

Clarinets come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; in fact, they feature the biggest range of types in the woodwind family. Typically made from wood, some beginner clarinets are also constructed from ABS plastic, as this is lighter in weight which is perfect for younger players.

The leading brands in the clarinet world include the prestigious Buffet, Leblanc, and Yamaha. But what are the main types of clarinets and which one is the best for you?

Key takeaways

Bb ClarinetThe most popular type of clarinet also known as the soprano, its versatile sound makes it ideal for various genres and playing levels.
Bass ClarinetAs the name suggests, this fits into the bass category and is tuned an octave lower than the Bb Clarinet  - more suited to intermediate and professional players.
A ClarinetKnown as the ‘harmony clarinet’, this is particularly good for informed historical performance.
Eb ClarinetThe Eb clarinet is high in pitch so falls into the soprano category. It's used in setups such as wind bands and symphonic orchestras.
Contrabass ClarinetOne of the biggest clarinets, known as the ‘paperclip clarinet’, this type is an alto. It's great for performances of historical music.
Contra AltoThis is well suited to historically informed performance. It has a longer body and additional keys, making it a great choice for more experienced players.
Alto ClarinetThis clarinet is pitched in the key of Eb, making it lower than the Bb clarinet and smaller than the bass clarinet.
Piccolo ClarinetHalf the length of the standard Bb clarinet, this is one of the highest-pitched clarinets available.
Basset ClarinetThis clarinet has an extended range of notes and additional keys to deliver increased versatility – making it a great choice for players looking to expand their musical horizons.
C ClarinetThis clarinet is often used in clarinet choirs and ensemble playing and is most notably heard in orchestral scores from greats such as Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven.
D ClarinetThis is distinct in character and offers a versatile sound that can be heard in pieces by renowned composers, Stravinsky and Strauss.

11 types of clarinets

1. Bb clarinet

Buffet Prodige Bb ClarinetAlso known as the soprano clarinet, the Bb clarinet is one of the most popular types.

It’s used in orchestras and bands, and it’s most typically suited to beginners, with it often used as an entry-level instrument.  

Tuned three octaves above the middle C, this clarinet features the standard 17 keys.

It has an excellent range and versatility to suit both classical and jazz music.

With notable players such as Benny Goodman, Martin Frost, and Johnny Dodds, this type of clarinet is extremely versatile so it’s clear to see why it’s the go-to.

We recommend | Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet

We recommend | Student Clarinet by Gear4music

 


2. Bass clarinet 

Another popular clarinet type, the bass clarinet is tuned an octave lower than the Bb clarinet. It’s one of the largest clarinets and is used heavily in film music, orchestras, wind ensembles, concert bands, and, more recently, jazz ensembles such as the New York-based band Lucky Chops.

The bass clarinet isn’t an instrument that beginners would start with, rather it’s one that players would eventually progress to. There are many reasons for this, including the large size and extra keys – which aren’t ideal for complete newcomers to the clarinet. However, it can be a great alternative for players who are looking to graduate from the Bb clarinet.   

Bass clarinets typically have 18 keys, though this can be extended to a maximum of 24 keys (the lowest note becomes C rather than Eb) if you’re after a wider tonal range. Furthermore, with bass clarinets, you’re also able to use sax reeds to achieve a unique tone. If your clarinet is German system, use alto reeds; if it’s Boehm, use tenor reeds. 

We recommend | Bass clarinet by Gear4music

We recommend | Yamaha YCL221II Student Bass Clarinet


3. Eb clarinet

The Eb clarinet is a unique instrument that stands out in wind bands and symphonic orchestras due to its high-pitched tone – with this in mind, it is no surprise that the Eb clarinet falls into the soprano category.

Though smaller than the typical Bb clarinet, the Eb clarinet is notoriously difficult to play as it requires a lot of air pressure. This demanding aspect makes it unsuitable for beginners. However, for those who have mastered the art of playing it, the Eb clarinet can add a distinctive sound to any musical ensemble. It’s also known as the sopranino clarinet and plays a crucial role in creating beautiful music.

We recommend | Eb Soprano Clarinet by Gear4music


4. A clarinet 

Rosedale Intermediate A Clarinet by Gear4musicThe A clarinet is often known as the “harmony” clarinet and is perfect for players who are looking to expand their clarinet collection.

It’s particularly suited to informed historical performance – making it a great choice for recreating classic pieces from composers such as Mozart.

Whilst it’s not a recommended entry-level clarinet, the A clarinet is a useful type to have in your collection.  

The A clarinet performs well with sharp keys and is only a semitone below Bb making it extremely similar but larger in size whilst still being part of the soprano range.

Usually played within an ensemble, the A clarinet would never be the main instrument for a clarinettist; it’s common to have a Bb clarinet to hand during performances so they can alter between the two. 

We recommend | Rosedale Intermediate A Clarinet by Gear4music


5. Contrabass clarinet 

The contrabass clarinet is one of the biggest clarinets, standing at over 7.5 feet tall. This unique instrument, also affectionately known as the “paper clip clarinet”, not only catches the eye but also offers a rich and versatile sound. In fact, it’s through the contrabass that Leblanc has become incredibly famous. 

Despite its name, the contrabass belongs to the family of alto clarinets, making it an ideal choice for historically informed performance – where musicians strive to recreate the authentic sound of music from centuries gone by. Despite its imposing size, the contrabass clarinet is well worth exploring for any intermediate clarinettist who loves the sounds of classical or early music. 


6. Contra-alto clarinet 

The contra-alto clarinet is a unique instrument that’s also particularly well-suited to historically informed performances. It should be reserved for more experienced players as its longer body and additional keys require more skill and expertise to play.

While it has been used in various genres like jazz, contemporary music, and rock in the past, it’s commonly used today in clarinet choirs and wind bands.

What sets the contra-alto clarinet apart from others is its deep and rich sound; when played, its timbre fills the air with a warm resonance that is truly captivating. 


7. Alto clarinet 

Different types of clarinetsThe alto clarinet is a unique instrument that is often seen in orchestras. What sets it apart from other clarinets is its straight body and curved neck that give it a distinct appearance. It’s pitched in the key of Eb, making it lower than the Bb clarinet and smaller than the bass clarinet.  

Despite its size, the alto clarinet packs a punch when it comes to sound. Its presence adds a rich depth to any orchestral piece and showcases the versatility of the clarinet family. Better still, it’s suited to seasoned musicians and those just developing a love for the clarinet. 


8. Piccolo clarinet 

The Piccolo clarinet is half the length of the common Bb clarinet and offers a distinctive sound that is pitched a minor 7th higher than the Eb clarinet. It’s renowned for this higher pitch and is a popular choice in contemporary art music and clarinet choirs.

It is one of the highest-pitched clarinets available, providing a unique sound that stands out in any musical ensemble. Featuring 17 keys, the Piccolo clarinet offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. Whether you’re playing solo pieces or participating in an orchestra, this instrument is versatile enough to adapt to various musical genres and styles.


9. Basset clarinet 

The Basset clarinet is an instrument that offers a unique twist to the world of clarinets. It shares the same shape as a sopranino clarinet with the addition of an extended range of notes. This is achieved through an added extension of a major third or perfect fourth down. 

The distinguishing feature of the Basset clarinet lies in its extended length and additional keys, which enable a wider range of notes and increased versatility. This makes it the preferred choice for clarinettists who want to explore new clarinet sounds.

Traditionally tuned to A, the Basset clarinet produces a rich and warm tone that has garnered attention from renowned players such as Martin Frost, Richard Haynes, and Theo Jorgensmann. 


10. C clarinet 

Rosedale Intermediate C Clarinet by Gear4musicThe C clarinet is often used in clarinet choirs or ensemble playing and, in some cases, it’s often used as a substitute for the oboe.

It’s the only clarinet that isn’t a transposing instrument, sitting one whole step higher than the Bb soprano clarinet.

This is also popularly heard in orchestral scores from greats such as Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven.

And it’s not just orchestral music that this kind of clarinet is heard in. More recently, folk musicians have started to include the C clarinet in modern folk music. 

We recommend | Rosedale Intermediate C Clarinet by Gear4music

We recommend | Nuvo Clarineo 2.0 Outfit

 


11. D Clarinet 

Not as widely known as its counterparts, the D clarinet has a very distinctive character. Renowned composers such as Stravinsky and Strauss have famously incorporated the D clarinet into their compositions. 

With 17 keys as standard, the D clarinet offers an extensive range and versatility. Its design is similar to the Eb Clarinet, often referred to as the piccolo clarinet, making it the perfect addition to any clarinet ensemble. Whether you’re a professional clarinettist looking to expand your collection or a student exploring new tonal possibilities, the D Clarinet presents a unique opportunity to explore uncharted musical territory. 

Other types of clarinets  

There are a few other clarinet types that are less common than the main 11, although they’re worth exploring if you’re looking to broaden your playing horizons!

If you’re searching for an instrument with an even lower sound, consider the octo-contrabass clarinet, which stands at eight feet tall and plays an octave lower than the contrabass. There’s also the chalumeau, the folk instrument that is the predecessor to the clarinet, known for its warm and soft tone. 

How does a clarinet work? 

The sound of the clarinet depends on the reed, mouthpiece, and ligature that are applied to the clarinet. These elements are personal to the player and are chosen based on how they play. Overall, the noise from a clarinet is the result of the player blowing air across the reed and through the mouthpiece of the clarinet. This sound is then created from the column of the clarinet.

You need to inject the correct amount of air pressure into the mouthpiece to ensure that the reed then vibrates. The pitch of the sound is then determined by the opening and closing of keys throughout the clarinet body.

The key parts of a clarinet include the mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, lower joint, and bell.

Its mouthpiece is where you can determine the intensity of the note you play whilst the barrel helps to determine the pitch of a note.

The upper joint is where the right hand is placed and is typically where the octave key is situated. The lower joint features the lower register, whilst the bell on the clarinet determines the sound projection.

Placed in the mouthpiece are reeds, this is what vibrate and determine the sound that is produced. These reeds are held in place by a ligature. It’s also worth mentioning that some clarinets do come with reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures, and some require you to buy them separately.  

You’ll also come across Bohem and German systems. The Boehm system is more commonly used; it features four levers rather than the two flat levers and half-round keys of the German system. The Bohem system is also typically said to give off a sharp and bright tone whereas the German system is darker.

Traditionally, the bore on German system clarinets is larger and more cylindrical, with less flare towards the bell compared to the Boehm system. 

Gear4music clarinet

Clarinet accessories  

When it comes to enhancing their playing experience, clarinet players have a plethora of accessories to choose from – and they’re crucial for creating quality sounds.

These essentials include mouthpieces like the Selmer Paris Concept Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece, which is highly regarded for its exceptional tone and effortless playability, control, and articulation.

You might also need some mouthpiece cushions such as the BG Sax and Clarinet, Large 0.8mm and, of course, some reeds like the D’Addario Organic Reserve Classic German Clarinet Reeds 2.5 – these reeds are great if you’re looking for a rich and warm tone.

Ligatures are also a must-have for any clarinettist. Check out the Vandoren M/O Bb Clarinet Ligature, Black; it’s known for striking a remarkable balance between a round sound and one which is more compact. 

Furthermore, accessories such as the Neotech CEO Comfort Strap, Clarinet Stand by Gear4music, and Clarinet Maintenance Care Kit by Gear4music help to deliver comfort and keep your instrument in excellent condition.

Nuvo Clarineo 2.0 Outfit, White and Pink

FAQs

How many different kinds of clarinet are there? 

There are 11 types of clarinet: Ab clarinet, Eb soprano clarinet, Bb soprano, A harmony, alto clarinet, Basset horn, bass clarinet, D clarinet, contra-alto, and contrabass. The most common is the Bb clarinet. Each type comes with a different range and tuning, and they all suit a variety of playing environments. 


What is the most common type of clarinet?

The most common type of clarinet is the Bb clarinet, also known as the soprano clarinet and is commonly used in orchestras.


What clarinet do beginners use?  

Beginners tend to use the Bb clarinet, due to its standard sizing and incredible versatility. The majority of core clarinet repertoire is written for Bb clarinet, and it’s often used as a great starting instrument, acting as a springboard to other clarinet types. 

Final thoughts 

Overall, clarinets come in a wide range of varieties; they have the largest range of any woodwind instrument! There are many clarinets that will suit beginners and hopefully, this overview has given you an idea of which type is for you!

 

Digital Marketing Apprentice

Laura is a Content Writer with 15 years of drumming experience. Laura's musical tastes range from Led Zeppelin to Phoebe Bridgers.

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