CLARINET- PINKY KEYS

l. There are several keys on the clarinet that are played by the pinkies.

2.In our minds, and when we mark our music we will label the
pinkies: R.H.-(RIGHT HAND)and L.H.-(LEFT HAND)

3.We will also make a distinction between the low notes (w/out
register key), and high notes (with register key).

4.The right hand pinkies can play the same notes as the left
hand plus one additional fingering since there are 4
right hand pinky keys.

5. The four right hand pinky keys are called the

spatula keys. These keys can be described in
directions (vertical & horizontal).
VERTICAL
HORIZONTAL
Upper & lower inner & outer

6. NAMING SYSTEM FOR THE SPATULA KEYS:

With a description of vertical and horizontal we can label
the spatula keys. without register key
with register key
upper-outer, Low F# 3rd space C#
lower-outer Low E 3rd space B
lower-inner Low F 3rd space C
(Extra note) upper-inner
Low G# 4th line D#

7.The left hand pinkies (outer, inner & upper) can play several notes
(while fingering low For 3rd
space C)
without register key with
register key
Outer- Low F#3'd
space C# Inner- Low
E3'd line B
Upper- Low F,
3rd space C

8. Clarinetists must know all R.H.& L.H. fingerings (alternate fingerings)

and within the context of the music decide which ones to use.

9. **RULE OF THUMB- Whichever pinky fingerings you choose, you must not
choose two pinky fingerings on the same hand in a row; you must
alternate hands. After you decide which to use, directly over the note
mark either "L", or "R"