Tonehole

Clarinet · Altissimo register

Clarinet fingering for F6

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

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Clarinet F6 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, register key, C♯/G♯ key (left pinky), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 2-3, register key, C♯/G♯ key (left pinky), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Basic.
Clarinet F6 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, C♯/G♯ key (left pinky).
Alternate 1Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, C♯/G♯ key (left pinky).Slurs from lower registers; good for pianissimo.
Written noteF 6 — F6 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetE♭61,244.51 Hz
A clarinetD61,174.66 Hz
E♭ clarinetA♭61,661.22 Hz
Bass clarinetE♭5622.25 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 F6 on the clarinet?

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

What does written F6 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: E♭6 (1244.5 Hz); A clarinet: D6 (1174.7 Hz); E♭ clarinet: A♭6 (1661.2 Hz); Bass clarinet: E♭5 (622.3 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for F6?

Yes — 1 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, left hand 1-2-3, right hand 1-2-3, register key, C♯/G♯ key (left pinky). Slurs from lower registers; good for pianissimo.