Clarinet For Dummies

Want to play the clarinet? No problem! This hands-on guide teaches you all the techniques you need to play this popular woodwind alone or in a group setting. You'll begin by learning how to properly hold a clarinet and move on to getting a consistent sound, reading music, and playing songs in a variety of styles, including classical, pop, and jazz.

• Get keyed up — explore the anatomy of the clarinet and grasp the basic concepts of playing the instrument, from using the mouthpiece and reed to fingering keys

• Read all about it — get a primer on how to read music or take a quick refresher course to sharpen your skills

• Clarinet care 101 — understand how to properly assemble, clean, store, maintain, and repair your clarinet

• Start making some noise — get expert tips and techniques on breathing and posture, hand position, and lip and mouth placement

• Hit the high notes — take your skills to the next level to master intermediate techniques to reach high notes and add speed to your tonguing and improve your fingering

Open the book and find:

• Tips for picking the right clarinet for you

• Guidance on renting versus buying

• Descriptions, illustrations, and exercises

• How to tune up for the proper pitch

• Warm-ups, scales, and studies to develop your skills

• Fingering charts

• Ten bad habits to avoid

• Tips for adjusting your reeds to suit your playing

Learn to:

• Develop proper finger placement and posture

• Play your first notes and move on to advanced techniques

• Maintain perfect pitch as you play

• Tune your clarinet

Play along with exercises and pieces on the audio CD