Why does my clarinet squeak?

Question

Every time I play lower notes, like a low C, G, A, etc. the instrument does not squeak. Every time I play in the higher register like high A, B, C, etc. the instrument squeaks. Why does it do this?

Answer 1

regulate your breathing better??? What on earth?



Squeaks happen for a number of reasons. It is hard to diagnose without seeing and hearing you play. But here are some things based on what i see daily.



1) Bad or Tight embouchure

Squeaks happen when your mouth is too tight around the reed. The reed gets restricted and hence can't produce a sound. Your mouth should be tight ( as in a tight seal around the mouth piece) but with NO tension, with a firm chin.



2) Damaged reed

If your reed is chipped or damaged this can also produce squeaks. Then it is simply a case of breaking in a new reed.



3) Fingers not covering the holes

This is a common one especially in beginners when they first try the second register. From your question it sounds like this is the most probable cause. Practice slow leaps from the low note to the high note i.e just putting the register key on. Most clarinet books have an exercises like this in their pages. Slow practice yes but useful first step in getting your fingers down covering the holes and the register key on at the same time. Often in this case fingers are later/earlier then the register key (as in a millisecond later) and hence a squeak happens. Look down or use a mirror and watch your fimgers as they go down. Most liley if there is a millimetre gap , ie.e your fingers don't land exactly on the hole, a squeak happens. You may also want to check that you are keeping your fingers close to the keys. Check that in the mirror too. Far out fingers create late notes too.



4) Pads

You may have a damaged pad or too. damages pads create openings in the holes and unwanted notes. This is less likely though, if the low notes are working then it is less likely that the pads are damaged.



5) Breathing/ breath support

Remember high notes need breath support and more 'push' then low notes. If you don't know what breath support is then google it or ask your clarinet teacher to show you some excercises. Too much air can also create squeaks use your breath support rather then your air to support the note.



6) Fingering

You would be suprised how many of my students just have the wrong fingerings. So look them up if the above doesn't work.



These are just SOME of the things that cause squeaks. I would need to see and hear you play in order to fully diagnose the problem properly. Any clarinet teacher can do this. You may need to have a lesson or two if you don't already. Squeaks arer just a part of life

Answer 2

Do you have a extra moderen nicely broken in reed? If no longer get a clean reed (2 a million/2 or a three) and suck on it for a protracted time and attempt that. in case you have a sturdy reed, be certain that each and each of the springs are on. in the event that they are, start up on an open G and placed down one finger at a time jointly as enjoying. whilst your clarinet squeaks, look on the pads and be certain all of them that are meant to be down are. If a pad isn't each and each of ways down, tighten the adjustment screw (frequently located via the foremost or up the rod). If the foremost looks bent, you may bend it an somewhat little bit without breaking it. each and each of the variations could have been accomplished with the repading, however the restoration tech could no longer have accomplished this. sturdy success at your stay overall performance!

Answer 3

I'm guessing your still in middle school or high school so when you learn new notes you mess up. Tighten your lips and cotinue to practice. Brass players do the same thing but they just sound like buzzing.

Answer 4

You need to Regulate Your Breathing INTO It- better... And THAT only takes "Practice..." :)