Tonehole

Clarinet · Altissimo register

Clarinet fingering for F♯6 / G♭6

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

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Clarinet F♯6 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 2, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Basic.
Clarinet F♯6 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Alternate 1Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Accurate pitch, speaks easily — good for wide leaps.
Clarinet F♯6 fingering (alternate 2): Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, right hand 1-2-3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Alternate 2Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, right hand 1-2-3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Stable; slurs from lower registers.
Written noteF sharp 6 — F#6 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetE61,318.51 Hz
A clarinetD♯61,244.51 Hz
E♭ clarinetA61,760.00 Hz
Bass clarinetE5659.26 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 F♯6 (G♭6) on the clarinet?

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

What does written F♯6 sound like on the clarinet?

B♭ clarinet: E6 (1318.5 Hz); A clarinet: D♯6 (1244.5 Hz); E♭ clarinet: A6 (1760.0 Hz); Bass clarinet: E5 (659.3 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for F♯6?

Yes — 2 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Accurate pitch, speaks easily — good for wide leaps. (2) Thumb hole, left hand 1-2, right hand 1-2-3, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Stable; slurs from lower registers.