Tonehole

Clarinet · Altissimo register

Clarinet fingering for E♭6 / D♯6

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

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Clarinet E♭6 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1, register key, B/F♯ sliver key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1, register key, B/F♯ sliver key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Basic.
Clarinet E♭6 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Alternate 1Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Alternative from the lower clarion.
Clarinet E♭6 fingering (alternate 2): Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 2, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Alternate 2Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 2, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Slightly flat, for facility.
Written noteE flat 6 — Eb6 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetD♭61,108.73 Hz
A clarinetC61,046.50 Hz
E♭ clarinetG♭61,479.98 Hz
Bass clarinetD♭5554.37 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 E♭6 (D♯6) on the clarinet?

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

What does written E♭6 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: D♭6 (1108.7 Hz); A clarinet: C6 (1046.5 Hz); E♭ clarinet: G♭6 (1480.0 Hz); Bass clarinet: D♭5 (554.4 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for E♭6?

Yes — 2 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Alternative from the lower clarion. (2) Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 2, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Slightly flat, for facility.