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Clarinet Tuning Before tuning you clarinet or checking for any specific note, warm-up for at least 10 minutes. Temperature is one of the many factors that affect intonation. Use a tuner to guide your efforts. They are available at most music stores. First, check and adjust the entire clarinet for general tendencies. Push in or pull out, as needed, at each of the tenons. Further adjustments can be made with your body (see below).
General tendencies Cold clarinet = flat Crescendo = lowers pitch Relax body = lowers pitch
How to raise a note Raise tongue (“eee” sound) Increase pressure to reed Use softer dynamic level Open additional keys Use alternative fingering
How to lower a note Lower tongue (“ahh” sound) Decrease pressure to reed Use louder dynamic level Ad keys or cover additional holes Use alternative fingering
Warm clarinet = sharp Diminuendo = raises pitch Tense body (running out of air) = raises pitch