Tonehole

Clarinet · Altissimo register

Clarinet fingering for G♯6 / A♭6

Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1-3, register key, right F♯/C♯ key (pinky). Basic.

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Clarinet G♯6 fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1-3, register key, right F♯/C♯ key (pinky).
Standard fingeringThumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1-3, register key, right F♯/C♯ key (pinky).Basic.
Clarinet G♯6 fingering (alternate 1): Thumb hole, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Alternate 1Thumb hole, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Responds well at all dynamics.
Clarinet G♯6 fingering (alternate 2): Thumb hole, right hand 1, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).
Alternate 2Thumb hole, right hand 1, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky).Easy fingering with good tuning.
Written noteG sharp 6 — G#6 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
B♭ clarinetF♯61,479.98 Hz
A clarinetE♯61,396.91 Hz
E♭ clarinetB61,975.53 Hz
Bass clarinetF♯5739.99 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 G♯6 (A♭6) on the clarinet?

Standard fingering: Thumb hole, left hand 2-3, right hand 1-3, register key, right F♯/C♯ key (pinky). Basic.

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

B♭ clarinet: F♯6 (1480.0 Hz); A clarinet: E♯6 (1396.9 Hz); E♭ clarinet: B6 (1975.5 Hz); Bass clarinet: F♯5 (740.0 Hz).

Are there alternate fingerings for G♯6?

Yes — 2 alternate: (1) Thumb hole, register key, side key 4 (E♭/B♭), A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Responds well at all dynamics. (2) Thumb hole, right hand 1, register key, A♭/E♭ key (right pinky). Easy fingering with good tuning.