Clarinet Altissimo Fingering Chart

This is the altissimo fingering for a Bb clarinet. Explore this interactive chart to view altissimo fingerings for a Bb clarinet.

Accessing note is quick and easy via your computer keyboard. Simply click on the note that you wish to view, or if you prefer, just use mouse to move around grid. There are visuals available as well as an audio preview to help you hear what each of these fingerings sound like in place.

How to Use the Clarinet Chart

The buttons plays notes from C#6 to G6. In the center there’s a grid of buttons which correspond to notes from C sharp six up to G6. When you click on one of these buttons it will choose that note and play it back via your computer’s speakers. It highlights each note you’ve chosen with a colored border to allow you to follow where you are within the scale. You can alternatively hit Tab key on your keyboard to scroll through notes and then hit Space or Enter to play them. In this way, you don’t have to rely on mouse cursor at all when going through the register.

To the right of this is a detailed diagram indicating precisely which keys is included for that given note. Keys in solid colour are covered while those remaining in white are clear. It divides into right and left-hand control, including little finger keys. It also includes back and throat keys. In this way it visually shows the pattern of venting necessary to make the notes accuratley as high harmonics.

Hit the Play all button to listen to the whole selection of notes in turn. That’s good if you’d like to test how stable each note sounds over the range, playing them together in a sustained run. There is also a second play button beneath the diagram that plays only the chosen note if you want to focus on one pitch at a time. The volume slider close to top set of controls adjusts the volume.

Personal preference and differences between instruments mean that there is no definitive Altissimo fingering, although what we have presented here are popular starting places for players. Always remember to check your tuning using an external tuner if you practice these sounds on your clarinet alone as even tiny changes in embouchure pressure and finger position can makes a big difference to where these high harmonics sit. Remember then, not to treat it like a set-in-stone rulebook but more of a reference guide to the widget.

There is also a help section that gives you some quick reminders and tips on supporting the sound/throat keys (the How to play button opens a help panel). Here, it tells you which throat keys need to be pressed down and advises you to support the tone with focused air. The info here turns on/off based off how well you know how the altissimo register works. It is a handy reminder when experimenting with alternative fingerings.

To get even more space on your screen, click the Fullscreen button. This can come in handy if you’re viewing the chart from a mobile device or smaller monitor and want some breathing room for the details. The button will take away any other elements on the page and give you more room for the grid and diagram. Use the same button again to exit full screen and go back to regular layout.

Listen to the way tone alters during this sequence if played through slowly. Listen for which notes sound solid and which ones need more air support from your lips. Click on each note’s play button again to stop right on the note, letting it speak out when clear. Compare the fingering in the diagram. See how slight adjustments to the venting change the pitch.

Once you have gained that fine-tuned, delicate control of the altissimo register then there is a world of expressiveness available in it. Work through the combination of keys here first so that you become familiar with how they work and bring the idea to your instrument. Be alert when playing to hear any intonation problems since different notes may play sharp or flat on your specific clarinet. Experiment and listen carefully. Try out these higher sounds today, you should of tried them sooner.