Why is Clarinet Squeaky ?

Question:Everytime I play a high note it squeaks. Its has been doing this for the past 2 days. I have played the clarinet for 4 years now, and I have never experinced this problem until now. What is the problem?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Everytime I play a high note it squeaks. Its has been doing this for the past 2 days. I have played the clarinet for 4 years now, and I have never experinced this problem until now. What is the problem?

OK this is a common problem! It could be a number of things... Its hard to tell without seeing you play 'live'.

1) You embouchure is too tight/ loose
embouchure has to be firm not not tense! If it is tense this will restrict the air flow to your clarinet. Loosen you mouth a little

2) You aren't using enough breath support
High notes need support not just air!!! This support comes from your muscles in your abs. Its too hard to explain but 'go ogle breath support and you should get some explanations exercises.

3) The reed
The reed could be too hard!! Break in the reed a little more or try a new reed!

4) The Clarinet
You could have leaky pads get it checked!

5) Fingers not covering the holes
This happens esp when you are going from a2 to b2 (the first a and b on the staff) Make sure your fingers are covering the holes by checking in the mirror. This crossing the break just takes practise!

try a different reed, or the adjustment of the reed. I would also suggest you check your breathing. Maybe your 'bite' on the reed.

I was always told that when you squeak on a clarinet, that means that you're not covering the hole all the way on the key.

i have been playing clarinet for 4 1/2 years now.

like the other person said, u may be biting it TOO much, that wat my lesseon teacher tells me "Don't bite the reed".

i can go up to the high G#/Ab over high C and it doesn't squeek unless u don't close the holes right or ur biting the reed.

I've been playing six years, and have found that the most common problem is usually embouchure. Try rolling your lower lip over your teeth a bit more than usual, and try to focus youur airstream so that it's going straight through the horn. Sometimes it helps to think of the horn as a kind of wind tunnel, and you're providing the wind. Also make sure that your reed isn't too soft or too damp; these can also cause problems.

As a music teacher myself, let me share a few things--my rule is to fix the kid, then fix the instrument. So, think about these:

*Are you using the correct embouchure? No dimpled chin?
*Are you using enough finger pressure to seal the holes?
*Are you using proper posture and breath support? Often players acquire bad habits and don't even realize it--I am guilty of this all too often.

If this is all okay, here are some potential problems with your instrument:
*Screws or springs could be out of adjustment. This can cause bad sealing or uneven key height.
*Take a look inside the body of your clarinet and make sure there are no foreign objects obstructing any tone holes.
*Is your bridge key lined up correctly after you assemble the clarinet?
*Is your reed cracked, chipped, or is your ligature too low or too high?
*Have you tried using other reed brands and strengths? After you play for so many months or years, you need to change reeds to different cane and strength qualities until you find one suited to you as a quality player. Often, some reeds may be "dead" when you buy them--this is especially true for Vandoren reeds.

If you find any unusual appearances with springs, screws, or keys, take it to the shop and let a professional adjust it for you--or take it to your band director/lessons teacher.