Alto Clarinet Fingering Chart

Hear and see the fingerings of an alto clarinet in Eb with this interactive chart. Use either your mouse to tap out the notes or computer keyboard to play more smoothly. This will allow you to explore the instrument and learn which key to press for each note across its usual range. Sound feedback also lets you hear pitch in context.

From lowest E, highest C, main grid is shown with each square representing a note on the clarinet. When you click on one of these squares it will highlight the note plus show the associated fingering diagram. It divides up keys into logical sections like the thumb keys, right-hand keys, and left-hand keys. Filled-in circles represent keys that you must cover; while open circles are keys that shouldn’t be covered. It follows actual layout of a Boehm system clarinet.

How to Use the Interactive Alto Clarinet Chart

Alternatively, if you’re a keyboard person who wants to use your computer keyboard, then just use the Tab key to jump around notes. The Tab key will move focus between the help panel, the controls and the note grid. When you have a note in focus, press the Space bar or the Enter key to play the note and select it. You can learn sequences this way without reaching for your mouse. This feels much more like playing actual instrument instead of clicking from one note to the next.

There is two buttons: Play Note plays just the selected pitch and is great if you wish to hold tone to listen to its character or compare to another fingering. There is also a Play all button. It plays a chromatic scale across the entire range covered on the chart, helping you hear how fingerings moves between notes. Clicking the button again stops the scale at any point.

Up in the top right corner of widget is where you’ll find volume control. You can use this to make the artificial tones louder/softer. This comes in handy when sharing a space with others, or simply because you like your music quieter. It saves settings as long as you remain on that page, and you don’t have to keep adjusting it.

The fullscreen button makes the chart take up your whole screen. It’s perfect when you’re showing the chart in class or want a bigger display of fingering diagrams.

The help panel provides a quick reference for how to read diagrams and navigate controls. You can have the help panel opened or closed at any time as needed (for more space).

Below is the Concert Pitch of the Alto Clarinet, which is a major sixth lower then the written. When reading sheet music that has been transposed, or if you play alongside other instruments, this is important information to have. You can see in the visual guide below what notes need to be played and where on the instrument.

Working on this device will develop your finger transition muscle memory. To practice, use keyboard shortcuts to click notes one after another as if running through scales, or just hold down key and play them one at a time. Try to isolate any difficult sections that involve several changes of key simultaneousy. It’s all about hearing the pitch to ensure you have the right finger for the note you want. This closes gap between what is read on the chart and what you hold in your hand.

So, when you take out your clarinet use this chart to check the fingerings first. This way, you can use it as a reliable guide for standard notes and any accidentals. Take some time and work through the complete range of notes at your speed and where you feel you need more practice. The audio will help you know what they should of all sound like too.

To begin, choose some notes from bottom of the instrument’s range. Hear the difference when you travel upwards along the stave. Attempt to play through the upper octaves with the register key setting switched on. Play around with settings to find one that fits your practicing routine and explore the alto clarinet in this interactive way.