Tonehole

Clarinet · Clarion register

Clarinet fingering for C5

Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, right F/C key (pinky). Basic.

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Clarinet C5 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, right F/C key (pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, right F/C key (pinky).Basic.
Clarinet C5 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, left F/C key (pinky).
Alternate 1Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, left F/C key (pinky).Left-pinky alternative.
Written noteC 5 — C5 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetB♭4466.16 Hz
A clarinetA4440.00 Hz
E♭ clarinetE♭5622.25 Hz
Bass clarinetB♭3233.08 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 C5 on the clarinet?

Standard fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, right F/C key (pinky). Basic.

What does written C5 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: B♭4 (466.2 Hz); A clarinet: A4 (440.0 Hz); E♭ clarinet: E♭5 (622.3 Hz); Bass clarinet: B♭3 (233.1 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for C5?

Yes — 1 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, left F/C key (pinky). Left-pinky alternative.