How to Read a Clarinet Fingering Chart

Match the diagram to your hands

The left thumb covers the rear thumb hole. The left index, middle, and ring fingers cover the upper three main holes. The right index, middle, and ring fingers cover the lower three. Filled circles generally mean covered holes, while marked levers indicate keys that must be pressed.

Keep finger pads centered over the holes. A tiny leak can make low notes fail or cause an unexpected squeak. Curved fingers should hover close to the instrument so a change does not require a large slap or sideways motion.

• Left thumb: rear hole and register key area.
• Left hand: upper joint holes and left pinky keys.
• Right hand: lower joint holes and right pinky keys.
• Right thumb: supports the clarinet at the thumb rest.

Understand the chalumeau and clarion registers

The low register is called the chalumeau register. Adding the register key does not simply raise a note by one octave; the clarinet overblows at the twelfth. Low written E with the register key relates to written B above the staff, and the fingering system continues from there.

Crossing from throat tones into the clarion register is a major beginner challenge. The fingers must cover several holes together while the air and tongue position support the higher resonance. If the change cracks, check for leaks before biting or blowing harder.

Read side keys and pinky alternatives

Small side-key symbols refer to levers operated by the sides of the index fingers. Pinky-key diagrams may show a choice between left and right keys that produce the same note. These alternatives help players avoid sliding one pinky between adjacent keys during fast passages.

Choose the alternate based on the notes before and after it. If the right pinky is already holding a key, use the available left-hand equivalent when the chart permits. Mark a deliberate choice in difficult music rather than switching randomly during every repetition.

Treat throat tones as a special group

Written G, G-sharp, A, and B-flat near the top of the chalumeau register use relatively open fingerings and can sound thin or sharp. Keep the air supported and avoid spreading the embouchure. Some players add resonance fingerings in exposed passages to improve color or pitch.

Resonance fingerings are context-dependent and should not replace the basic chart patterns immediately. First develop a centered sound with standard fingerings, then compare additions using a tuner, recording, and guidance from a teacher.

Practice charts as connected movements

A chart is a reference, not a complete practice method. Learn a new fingering by connecting it to one note below and one note above. Move slowly enough that every hole seals at the same instant, then use the three-note group in a scale or short phrase.

When a note fails, diagnose in order: confirm the diagram, check finger coverage, verify reed and mouthpiece setup, then adjust air and voicing. Randomly changing several things at once makes it difficult to discover the real cause.

1. 1Name the written note and locate it on the staff.
2. 2Set the main fingers from top to bottom.
3. 3Add register, side, or pinky keys shown in the chart.
4. 4Play the note with steady air and minimal finger pressure.
5. 5Connect it slowly to neighboring notes in both directions.