I`ve been playing the clarinet for a few months now. I am having difficulties hitting high notes. I have been playing on 2`s ever since I started. I recently switched to 2.5`s.
I still can`t hit the high notes even on the 2.5`s the other thing I notice is that I get extreme muscle fatigue and my low notes are not loud or crisp.
One the 2`s I can`t get a high note if my life depends on it, but my muscles do not fatigue nearly as fast and the notes that I can play are loud and crisp.
What should I do?
So guess 2`s or 2.5`s is the question.

What brand of reeds are you playing on? I suggest for a begginer to use Vandoran 2 or 2.5. And the muscle fatigue(sp) will happen until your mouth gets used to playing the clarinet. Don`t force your mouth to play when it gets tired....take slow steps and graduall increase the time. But everybody still gets tired after a long rehearsal too. Good luck!

I`d stick to the 2 since you`ve only been playing for a few months, then once you get more confident move up to the 2.5 again. My advice is to not worry about the high notes yet and focus and a good focused tone...

lmao i started on 2.5`s but my mom bought 2`s by accident and now i had to finish the pack of 2`s... ugh. aafter i`m done the pak should i switch right up to 3 (i have been playing for 2 years) or move to 2.5, then 3?

oh yeah, stay n 2`s until your embouchure improves. those notes will come eventually. i`d say don`t worry about it unless your teacher needs you to play that high. in the mean time, just work on proper embouchure and soon your mouth will get used to it.

after 2 years (1 year break) i still have problems tonguing eighth notes in the clarion register. they sometimes crack.

Personally, Jay, to answer your question: I wouldn`t go straight to 3`s; I`d ask your mom to buy at least three or four 2.5`s so you work your way up again before going on to 3`s.

okay. thanks for the advice. much appreciated.

Thank you all. To answer the question of the first person to reply. I`m using Ricos. I`ll try Vandoren this time if they are a better reed.
Thanks Again

Please do remember that buying a vandoren 2 is like buying a rico 2.5, vandoren 2.5 is the same as a rico 3.

I use Vandoren "V12" 3,5. That really are the best ones! they`re something in between Vandoren 3 and 3,5 but sound so much warmer and richer.