Tonehole

Clarinet · Altissimo register

Clarinet fingering for E6

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

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Clarinet E6 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 2-3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Basic.
Written noteE 6 — E6 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetD61,174.66 Hz
A clarinetC♯61,108.73 Hz
E♭ clarinetG61,567.98 Hz
Bass clarinetD5587.33 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 E6 on the clarinet?

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

What does written E6 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: D6 (1174.7 Hz); A clarinet: C♯6 (1108.7 Hz); E♭ clarinet: G6 (1568.0 Hz); Bass clarinet: D5 (587.3 Hz).