Playing the lowest notes on the bass clarinet is what it’s all about! It’s what we are famous for, and what inspires people to want to play.
Some of this chapter will be relevant regardless of the instrument you’re playing on - but some of the exercises will be based on the bottom notes on a low C instrument (because they’re complicated!).
1) Can I Puff My Cheeks on Bass Clarinet?
From day 1 of clarinet lessons, we get taught to NEVER puff our cheeks.
However, on the bass clarinet - puffing your cheeks can be helpful… watch this video for an explanation!
2) Tongue Position for Low Notes
I’ve spoken a lot about keeping a high tongue position for high notes. Low notes however, favour a lower ‘scooped’ tongue position.
What to do:
Set your metronome on 60 bpm.
This exercise is to be played slowly. Focussing on your tongue position.
Experiment with slightly puffing your cheeks as you go lower - see if this creates a more centred sound.
Your air supply needs to be solid for this exercise.
3) Low Note Exercises for bass clarinets to Low C
The bottom note fingerings (Eb & below) differ on every model and make of low C bass clarinet. For example - on my Tosca, I have 3 low Eb keys!
Therefore I will not be supplying you with a fingering chart - go work the notes out!
Get to know your low notes.
What to do:
Take each section of this exercise as it’s own challenge.
For the 6/8 section - you’ll have to alternate low note fingerings. Get to know the notes in both hands really well.
Set your metronome to 80 bpm.
Mark in left & right fingerings where necessary (particularly in lines 3 & 4).
Remember to lower your tongue position & open your throat.
We need maximum diaphragm air support here - and fast air speed.
Keep this sounding nice and ‘warm’ - try not to make the low notes sound too harsh or ugly.
Watch out for:
Low notes getting wide & sounding fluffy - aim to find the centre of each of the low notes by keeping your diaphragm switched on and embouchure firm.
