To begin playing the clarinet, you must first know how to properly set up a clarinet.
Their are six main parts of the clarinet. These parts are: 1. The Mouthpiece 2. The Ligature 3. The Barrel Joint 4. The Upper Joint 5. The Lower Joint 6. The Bell To begin setting up the clarinet, you can start two ways: the bell, or the mouthpiece. I will show you how to set up beginning with the bell. Step 1. Begin by gently twisting the bell onto the lower joint. Be sure to constantly twist every piece into place gently to avoid harming the clarinet. If you are finding it difficult to connect together, add a little cork grease (or chap stick) to the clarinet tenons. This will make the pieces come together easier. Step 2. Twist the upper joint onto the lower joint of the clarinet. Be careful not to hit keys of the two joints of the clarinet together, since this may damage them.
Step 3. The bridge mechanism, seen in the image provided, needs to be straight together. If the two joints aren't aligned properly, the clarinet will not work properly.
Step 4: Attach the barrel, then mouthpiece. Sometimes it is easier to first twist the barrel and mouthpiece together, then attach them to the clarinet. Make sure the mouthpiece is lined up with the back key on the upper joint.
Step 5. Before attaching your reed, wet it with your saliva by sucking on the thinner part of your reed. Next, place the flat side of the reed on the mouthpiece opening. Make sure the reed is straight and lined up with the mouthpiece. Position the reed so a bit of the mouthpiece is showing behind the reed. When you are done this, place the ligature gently over the reed and tighten the knobs.
Always be careful with your reed. If it happens to chip or break, the clarinet will not function properly.
How to play
Begin by folding your mouth around your clarinet mouthpiece. This is called embouchure. Begin by pulling the edge of your bottom lip over your bottom teeth, while pulling your chin down. Make sure your bottom lip remains fairly tight against the reed. Your teeth will go on top of your mouthpiece, resting around a half inch from the tip of the mouthpiece. Finally, wrap the edges of your mouthpiece. The clarinet requires fat, powerful air. Try not to let any air you blow into the mouthpiece escape. This will not allow you to get a nice, loud sound. While keeping your mouth securely around the clarinet, take a deep breath and blow into the clarinet. Be careful not to blow to aggressively or softly into the clarinet, but keeping your airflow at a steady pace. Your mouth may begin to hurt after a while, that is your muscles in your face being used. Eventually they will strengthen and not hurt at all. Beginning to play the clarinet is not easy. Some people may pick it up faster than others. The video provided will show you how to set up and play the clarinet. Hopefully the video will enhance your understanding of how to play. Just remember to never give up, and you will get better over time.