Tonehole

Clarinet · Throat register

Clarinet fingering for B♭4 / A♯4

Register key, A key. Basic — A key plus register key.

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Clarinet B♭4 fingering: Register key, A key.
Standard fingeringRegister key, A key.Basic — A key plus register key.
Clarinet B♭4 fingering (alternate 1): A key, side trill key 2.
Alternate 1A key, side trill key 2.Side-key B♭: clearer tone, avoids the register key.
Written noteB flat 4 — Bb4 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetA♭4415.30 Hz
A clarinetG4392.00 Hz
E♭ clarinetD♭5554.37 Hz
Bass clarinetA♭3207.65 Hz

Tip for the throat register

The throat tones are naturally weaker and brighter. Try resting right-hand fingers down (or using side-key fingerings) to add resonance and steadiness without changing the pitch much.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play B♭4 (A♯4) on the clarinet?

Standard fingering: Register key, A key. Basic — A key plus register key.

What does written B♭4 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: A♭4 (415.3 Hz); A clarinet: G4 (392.0 Hz); E♭ clarinet: D♭5 (554.4 Hz); Bass clarinet: A♭3 (207.7 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for B♭4?

Yes — 1 alternate: (1) A key, side trill key 2. Side-key B♭: clearer tone, avoids the register key.