Tonehole

Clarinet · Altissimo register

Clarinet fingering for D6

Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Basic.

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Clarinet D6 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Basic.
Clarinet D6 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, register key, G♯ key (side of left index), side key 4 (E♭/B♭).
Alternate 1Thumb hole, register key, G♯ key (side of left index), side key 4 (E♭/B♭).Trill fingering from C♯6, less flat.
Clarinet D6 fingering (alternate 2): Thumb hole, register key, G♯ key (side of left index).
Alternate 2Thumb hole, register key, G♯ key (side of left index).Light trill fingering.
Written noteD 6 — D6 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetC61,046.50 Hz
A clarinetB5987.77 Hz
E♭ clarinetF61,396.91 Hz
Bass clarinetC5523.25 Hz

Tip for the altissimo register

Altissimo notes need fast, focused air and a slightly higher tongue position (think 'ee'). The left index finger lifts as a vent — slide it rather than jumping to keep slurs clean.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play D6 on the clarinet?

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

What does written D6 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: C6 (1046.5 Hz); A clarinet: B5 (987.8 Hz); E♭ clarinet: F6 (1396.9 Hz); Bass clarinet: C5 (523.3 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for D6?

Yes — 2 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, register key, G♯ key (side of left index), side key 4 (E♭/B♭). Trill fingering from C♯6, less flat. (2) Thumb hole, register key, G♯ key (side of left index). Light trill fingering.