Are you a beginner or looking for a second instrument? The B-flat clarinet is your default answer. It is the most widely played in the world, the most readily available, and the one for which all instructional methods are written. The other types of clarinets—E-flat, A, alto, deep low registers—exist for specific musical settings, and most clarinetists will only play one or two throughout their musical journey.
Here is what sets each model apart and the contexts in which they appear.
The B-flat Clarinet: The Starting Point
The B-flat clarinet covers practically all musical styles in Quebec: school concert bands, symphony orchestras, jazz, chamber music, and marching bands. It is the core instrument for pedagogical methods and the model that teachers unanimously recommend to get started.
Its register is wide, its repertoire is immense, and available models cover all skill levels, from student instruments like the Yamaha YCL-255 or the Buffet Crampon Prodige to professional performance clarinets made of grenadilla wood.
If you are wondering where to begin, this is it.
The A Clarinet: For Advanced Classical Repertoire
The A clarinet is about 5 cm longer than the Bb clarinet, giving it a warmer and very slightly darker tone. It pitches in concert A rather than Bb, making it indispensable for the chamber music and orchestral repertoire written in sharp keys.
Most serious classical clarinetists eventually own one alongside their Bb. This is not a beginner instrument: players transition to it after a few years of practice, often on the recommendation of a teacher preparing students for conservatory repertoire. The fingerings are nearly identical to the Bb, making the transition fluid.
Symphony orchestras routinely use both instruments within the same piece, and certain passages require changing instruments at sight between the two.
The E-flat Clarinet: The High Register of the Concert Band
The E-flat clarinet is smaller than the B-flat clarinet and pitches a minor third higher than written. In a concert band or a symphonic ensemble, it occupies the upper register alongside the piccolo and flutes, adding brightness and sparkle to the ensemble sound.
It is harder to play in tune than the Bb. The high register demands precise embouchure control, and intonation is naturally less stable due to the instrument's small size. Therefore, it is not a learning clarinet, but rather a specialized instrument that an intermediate or advanced clarinetist adds to their practice to perform in specific ensembles.
In Quebec, it is mostly found in high school concert bands and amateur wind orchestras.
The Alto Clarinet: The Middle Range of Clarinet Choirs
Pitched in E-flat, one octave lower than the E-flat soprano clarinet, the alto clarinet has a distinct look compared to straight clarinets: it features a curved metal neck and an upturned bell, similar to a miniature bass clarinet.
It is primarily used in clarinet choirs and certain concert bands, where it fills out the middle voices between the sopranos and the bass. Its use is relatively rare outside of these contexts, and it is seldom found in Quebec school concert bands.
For a clarinetist who already plays the Bb and wants to expand their tonal palette, the alto clarinet can be an interesting addition if the ensemble repertoire justifies it.
The Bass Clarinet: Far More Than a Support Instrument
The bass clarinet sounds an octave lower than the B-flat clarinet. It is recognizable by its curved shape featuring a metal neck at the top and an upturned bell. Its sound is deep, warm, and possesses a presence that fills any hall effortlessly.
This is the most versatile instrument after the Bb. It is found in symphony orchestras, concert bands, contemporary music, jazz, and increasingly in solo settings. Musicians like Eric Dolphy or Bennie Maupin have shown how far the bass clarinet can go in improvisation.
There are two types of low clarinets based on their low-range extension: models that go down to low E-flat, and those that descend all the way to low C. Symphony orchestras and advanced concert bands often require a low C. School ensembles generally operate with low E-flat bass clarinets, which are less expensive.
The bass clarinet is often a second instrument for Bb clarinetists, but some musicians play it exclusively. Entry-level budgets start around $2,000 CAD for a decent student model. If your budget is tight, a serviced used bass clarinet can offer access to a higher-quality model for the same price.
Comparison Table
| Model | Tuning | Primary Context | Recommended Level |
| Bb | Bb (most common) | All styles: jazz, classical, concert band | All levels |
| A | A | Orchestra, classical chamber music | Intermediate to professional |
| E-flat | Eb (high) | Concert band, symphony orchestra | Intermediate to advanced |
| Alto | Eb (low) | Clarinet choirs, concert band | Intermediate to advanced |
| Bass | Bb (low) | Orchestra, concert band, jazz, contemporary | Intermediate to professional |
Which Type to Choose Based on Your Situation?
You are a beginner. B-flat clarinet. All the others will follow if your playing requirements demand it.
You are a serious classical clarinetist. The A clarinet will become necessary when you tackle conservatory repertoire. Your teacher will guide you on the right time to transition.
You play in a concert band or wind orchestra. The E-flat clarinet or the bass clarinet might be requested based on the ensemble's needs. Before purchasing, confirm with your band director which model is required.
You want to specialize in the bass clarinet. This is a choice that makes a lot of sense, especially in contemporary repertoire and jazz. Make sure to have a teacher capable of guiding you on this specific instrument, as the technique differs significantly from the Bb.
Our article on How to Choose Your First Wind Instrument can also help you ask the right questions before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a B-flat clarinet and an A clarinet? Both instruments are played using the same technique and fingerings. The difference between the two clarinets lies in their tuning: the A clarinet sounds a half-step lower than the B-flat and is better suited for sharp keys, which are common in classical repertoire. In practice, an advanced classical clarinetist owns both.
Is the bass clarinet difficult to learn when coming from the Bb? The transition is quite smooth. The basic fingerings are the same, but the bass clarinet requires more air volume and a more open embouchure. The first few weeks can be tricky for intonation control in the low register, but an experienced Bb clarinetist usually adapts within a few months.
Is the E-flat clarinet harder to play than the B-flat? Yes, particularly regarding intonation. The small size of the instrument amplifies any imperfections in the embouchure. It is not recommended as a first instrument: it is better to have two or three years of Bb practice before picking up the E-flat.
What is the difference between the alto clarinet and the bass clarinet? The alto clarinet is pitched in E-flat and plays one octave higher than the bass clarinet. It is smaller, lighter, and uses a different size reed. The bass clarinet, pitched in low B-flat, produces much deeper tones and is far more common in Quebec musical ensembles.
Find Your Clarinet at Twigg
Whether you are looking for a first B-flat clarinet, a bass clarinet to complement your skills, or an E-flat model for your concert band, you will find our complete selection on our clarinets page.
To go with your instrument, our clarinet reeds cover all models and strengths from trusted brands like Vandoren, Rico, and Légère.