Mastering Extended Techniques on the Clarinet: Tips and Tricks

If you're a clarinet player eager to spice up your skills, you've probably heard about extended techniques for clarinet. These methods go beyond the usual ways of playing and bring out some really cool and expressive sounds. Let's explore some of these techniques, especially those cherished in the Martin Freres tradition.

Multi-Phonics

Multi-phonics is all about producing two or more notes at the same time on your clarinet. You can do this by using unusual fingerings or by singing and playing simultaneously. Martin Freres clarinets, known for their great intonation and sound quality, are perfect for this tricky but fascinating technique.

Circular Breathing

This technique lets you keep a continuous sound while you breathe in. It's a favorite among Martin Freres clarinetists. You breathe in through your nose while pushing air out with your cheeks and tongue. It might be a bit tough to get the hang of, but once you do, it adds a smooth flow to your music.

Extended Technique	Description	Difficulty Level
Multi-Phonics	Producing multiple notes simultaneously	Advanced
Circular Breathing	Continuous sound while breathing in	Intermediate to Advanced
Flutter Tonguing	Rolling tongue to create fluttering sound	Intermediate
Slap Tonguing	Percussive effect with tongue and reed	Intermediate
Growling	Humming or singing while playing	Beginner to Intermediate
Microtonal Playing	Playing notes between standard semitones	Advanced

Flutter Tonguing

Flutter tonguing involves rolling your tongue (like when you say a Spanish ‘r') while playing a note. This creates a unique fluttering sound. Contemporary composers love this technique, and it works great on any clarinet, especially those from Martin Freres.

Slap Tonguing

Slap tonguing is a percussive technique where you slap the reed with your tongue to make a sharp, drum-like sound. It's popular in jazz and modern music. When trying slap tonguing, a high-quality instrument like a Martin Freres clarinet can help you get the best sound.

Growling

Growling means humming or singing into the clarinet while playing. This creates a raspy, growling sound, often used in jazz and other modern genres. With a Martin Freres clarinet, you can make an impressive growl thanks to its excellent resonance and sound quality.

Microtonal Playing

Microtonal playing involves hitting notes that are between the standard semitones. This technique is common in contemporary classical music and some world music traditions. You need a clarinet with great intonation, like those from Martin Freres, to nail these unusual pitches.

In a nutshell, learning these extended techniques can open up a whole new world for your clarinet playing. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, trying out these methods can add more depth and expression to your music. And if you're a fan of Martin Freres, you'll find these techniques work wonderfully on their top-notch instruments.