Is the Extra E-flat/A-flat Key on a Clarinet REALLY Worth It?
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Advice from a clarinet teacher
First, let’s take a look at what this additional key actually is.
Traditionally, clarinets have only one fingering option for the E-flat and A-flat, and that’s the right pinky finger.
On most clarinets, the E and B, the F and C, and the F-sharp and C-sharp can be played with either the left or right pinkies, allowing for alternating pinkies for smoother playing of most passages.
The Jupiter 1100 SQ clarinet has an advanced feature that includes an additional lever on the left side to play A-flat and E-flat with your left pinky. In other words, it gives you two fingering options for each of those notes. You’ll be able to play them with either the right or the left pinky.
What this means for you is that you will always be be able to alternate pinkies. This will allow you to play many passages so much smoother.
But is it really worth it?
Clarinetists have been playing without this extra key for over 200 years, but it sure is handy!
There are many passages in music that would require a slide or right/left shift because alternating pinkies on a standard clarinet just wouldn’t be possible. With this additional key, alternating pinkies is always an option.
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When does the alternate Eb/Ab key come in handy?
Here are just a few examples:
Brahm’s Sonata No. 2 in E flat: two examples
Finger Fitness Etudes: by Dr. Kristen Denny-Chambers, the last passage in "Heroina"
Don’t get me wrong. There are people who are brilliant at the right/left pinky switch, also known as the “phantom” switch, but the left hand Eb/Ab key makes things so much easier.
Without this fancy Eb/Ab key back in college, I played Rose Etude No. 8 from 32 Rose Etudes with the good ol' right/left switch. Try it with this extra key, and you'll be sold!
If you've played the Klose's Major and Minor Scales from his Celebrated Method for the Clarinet , then you've probably worked on a slide or a switch here, too. But using this alternate key helps you play so much smoother.
My favorite feature!
With solid technique and a lot of work, sure, it’s possible to play well without this extra key. But this additional Eb/Ab lever is actually my favorite feature of this clarinet because it makes playing a lot of passages, a whole lot easier.
As a private clarinet teacher and a professional clarinetist, I’m here to say that the additional left hand Eb/Ab key on the Jupiter clarinet is absolutely worth it.
Here's more info about the Jupiter 1100SQ Clarinet.
Happy Clarineting!
Amy
About Amy:
Amy Chambers is a private clarinet and bass clarinet teacher offering online and in-person clarinet lessons for beginners through advanced students preparing for college auditions, All-State, youth symphony, honor bands, and solo performance.
Founder of ClarinetGeek.com and creator of @themusicchambers, Amy specializes in helping clarinetists build strong fundamentals, confidence, musical expression, and audition success through personalized instruction. For info about lessons with her, visit https://www.clarinetgeek.com/
Disclaimer:
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