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Clarinet · Clarion register

Clarinet fingering for B♭5 / A♯5

Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭). Basic.

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Clarinet B♭5 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭).Basic.
Clarinet B♭5 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, E♭/B♭ sliver key.
Alternate 1Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, E♭/B♭ sliver key.Sliver key — chromatic and trill fingering.
Clarinet B♭5 fingering (alternate 2): Thumb hole, left hand 1, right hand 1, register key.
Alternate 2Thumb hole, left hand 1, right hand 1, register key.Fork fingering, use next to notes with right index down.
Written noteB flat 5 — Bb5 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetA♭5830.61 Hz
A clarinetG5783.99 Hz
E♭ clarinetD♭61,108.73 Hz
Bass clarinetA♭4415.30 Hz

Tip for the clarion register

The register key turns each chalumeau fingering into the note a twelfth higher. Keep air speed up and the embouchure steady; don't bite to make notes speak.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play B♭5 (A♯5) on the clarinet?

Standard fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭). Basic.

What does written B♭5 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: A♭5 (830.6 Hz); A clarinet: G5 (784.0 Hz); E♭ clarinet: D♭6 (1108.7 Hz); Bass clarinet: A♭4 (415.3 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for B♭5?

Yes — 2 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, E♭/B♭ sliver key. Sliver key — chromatic and trill fingering. (2) Thumb hole, left hand 1, right hand 1, register key. Fork fingering, use next to notes with right index down.