First Fingerings on Clarinet: Left-Hand Setup and the Lower Register

Left-Hand Setup: The Foundation for Leak-Free Notes

Your first fingerings depend more on clean seals than on strength. A tiny gap over a tone hole can cause airy sound, squeaks, or sudden jumps into a higher register. In this chapter you will set up the left hand so the pads of the fingers cover the holes fully, with minimal motion.

Where the Left Hand Goes

• Left hand on top joint: index, middle, and ring fingers cover the three main tone holes on the upper joint.
• Left thumb: rests on the thumb hole and can also touch the register key (the small key above it). For now, the register key stays not pressed.

Finger Curvature and Contact Point

Use a natural curve, like holding a small ball. Aim to cover holes with the fleshy pads (not the fingertip point, not the flat middle of the finger). This gives a wider, more reliable seal.

• Too straight: tends to leak at the edges.
• Too curled: can land on the rim instead of covering the hole.

Thumb Placement: Stable but Not Gripping

Place the left thumb pad over the thumb hole so it can fully close it without strain. Keep the thumb relaxed; avoid squeezing the instrument between thumb and fingers. The thumb should also be positioned so the register key is easy to reach later, but do not hover so high that the thumb hole leaks.

Checkpoint: if you lightly wiggle the clarinet, your left-hand fingers should stay resting on the holes without sliding off or pressing harder.

Seal Check: “No-Rim, No-Gap” Test

Before playing, silently place each finger and feel for the rim of the tone hole. If you feel rim under the pad, adjust slightly until the pad covers the entire opening. You are aiming for full coverage, not pressure.

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• Visual check: look at finger pads from the side; the pad should sit centered over each hole.
• Motion check: lift and replace each finger by only a few millimeters (a “hover”), keeping the hand shape unchanged.

First Stable Notes in the Lower Register

We will start with two notes that are typically stable for beginners and rely mainly on the left hand: G and F in the lower register (chalumeau). Your goal is a clear tone without squeaks, which usually means: holes fully covered, fingers lifting minimally, and the register key not pressed.

Fingering Diagrams (Left Hand)

Use this simple diagram key for the left hand:

• T = left thumb (thumb hole)
• 1 = left index finger
• 2 = left middle finger
• 3 = left ring finger
• ● = pressed (hole fully covered)
• ○ = open (not covered)

Important: These diagrams show only the left-hand requirements. Keep the right hand relaxed and close to its keys, but do not add extra fingers unless your teacher instructs otherwise.

Sound Checkpoints for Each Note

• If the sound is airy or unstable: suspect a leak. Re-seat fingers with the pads centered on holes, especially the ring finger for G.
• If the note suddenly jumps higher: check that the register key is not being touched or pressed; also reduce finger lift and make sure the thumb hole is fully covered.
• If you get a squeak at the start: keep fingers down before you begin the note, then start the sound without changing fingers mid-attack.

Practice Structure 1: Single-Note Discovery

In this section you explore one note at a time to learn what a clean seal feels like.

Step-by-Step: Discover G

1. Place T-1-2-3 down (all closed). Confirm the register key is not pressed.
2. Before playing, do a silent seal check: gently tap each finger pad (tiny motion) and re-seat it centered.
3. Play G and listen for a steady, focused sound.
4. While holding the note, lightly relax the fingers (without lifting). If the note collapses, you were relying on pressure instead of placement; re-center the pads.

Step-by-Step: Discover F

1. Place T-1-2 down, lift 3 (ring finger) just enough to open the hole.
2. Keep the ring finger hovering close above the hole (minimal lift).
3. Play F and listen for stability.
4. If F sounds airy, check that 1 and 2 are fully covering their holes and that the thumb hole is sealed.

Minimal Lift Rule

When a finger opens a hole, lift it only as far as needed for the hole to be clearly open. Think “hover height”: a few millimeters. Large lifts increase the chance of accidental bumps, leaks on the way down, and unwanted register changes.

Practice Structure 2: Hold-and-Release Practice (Seal Training)

This practice teaches you to keep the hand shape steady while changing only one finger. It also trains you to release and re-cover holes cleanly.

Hold-and-Release on F (Ring Finger Control)

Set up F: T-1-2 down, 3 up.

1. Play and hold F for 4 slow counts.
2. Without stopping the air, gently place 3 down to close the hole (you will move toward G).
3. Lift 3 again to return to F.
4. Repeat slowly, focusing on silent finger motion (no clicking, no slapping).

Checkpoint: If the sound cracks during the motion, your finger is either lifting too high or landing off-center. Reduce lift and aim the pad to the middle of the hole.

Micro-Adjustment Drill (Fixing Leaks)

While holding G (T-1-2-3 down), do this without changing the note:

• Very slightly roll the ring finger pad (not the whole hand) to find the most sealed position.
• Repeat with middle finger, then index finger.

This teaches you the difference between pressure and placement. The goal is a clear tone with relaxed fingers.

Practice Structure 3: Two-Note Changes (F ↔ G)

Now you will connect the notes with clean, minimal motion. The only change is the left ring finger (3).

Two-Note Change Pattern

G  G  F  F  | G  F  G  F  | (repeat)

How to practice:

1. Start with all fingers placed for G.
2. Play two steady G notes (or two long counts).
3. Lift only 3 to switch to F; keep T-1-2 planted.
4. Return 3 to close for G, landing softly and centered.

Clean Change Checklist

• Keep T-1-2 down: do not let other fingers “float” when 3 moves.
• Hover the ring finger: lift just enough to open the hole; keep it close to reduce travel time.
• Land with the pad: avoid landing with the fingertip edge, which often leaks.
• Register key stays off: if notes pop upward, check thumb position and reduce finger lift.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fast Fixes