B♭ Clarinet · Major scale · written pitch
A♭ Major scale for B♭ Clarinet
2 octaves from A♭3, key signature 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭). On the B♭ Clarinet this sounds in concert G♭ major.
Scale — ascending & descending
Arpeggio
Download: MIDI · MusicXML (opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Dorico, Finale) ·
Fingerings for every note
Notes of the scale
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written | A♭ | B♭ | C | D♭ | E♭ | F | G | A♭ |
| Concert | F♯ | A♭ | B♭ | B | C♯ | E♭ | F | F♯ |
Practice tips
- This scale crosses the break (B♭4 → B4). Keep the right-hand fingers resting just above or on their rings through the throat notes, then move the whole hand down together with the register key.
- With 4 flats, work out the chromatic fingerings first (sliver keys, side keys, alternate pinky keys) and practise the awkward pairs slowly in isolation.
- Practise with a metronome: legato first, then tongued; then in thirds and in rhythms (long–short, short–long).
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the A♭ Major scale on B♭ Clarinet?
A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭.
What is the key signature of A♭ Major?
A♭ major has 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
What concert key is written A♭ Major on the B♭ Clarinet?
Written A♭ major on the B♭ Clarinet sounds in concert G♭ major.