I just bought a used clarinet last night. I cleaned it up and bought some reeds, but I can`t figure out how to make it work. I had the guy at the music store show me how to put it all together and he briefly told me how to hold it. I can only get it to make noise when I blow hard and it was loud. Surely it can be played without having to blow so hard. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Shaun

Do you know how to put the reed on properly? If it isn`t positioned correctly then making a sound can be difficult. The tip of the reed should be level with the top of the mouthpiece.

When you play, your bottom lip should be tucked over your bottom teeth and your top teeth should be resting on the top of the mouthpiece. Resting and not biting. You should be supporting the clarinet mainly with your right arm/hand/thumb and your embouchure (the shape of your mouth) should only slightly grip onto the mouthpiece.

Do you play any other instruments?

You should look into getting a good teacher, even if it is just to get to know the basics. Without a teacher, you can develop bad habits and these could be hard to break.
If you decide not to get a teacher, then get yourself a good beginners` book and work through it.

Good luck!

which reed strength are you using? (there should be a number on ur reed that is the stregth) i recommend start with 1 or 1 1/2 any number above that might be too hard for you to blow properly. also, try sucking the reed before you put it on the mouthpiece, this might also help. make sure that your fingeres are covering all the right holes fully.

Thanks for the replies. I have been moistening the reed before playing and I`m sure I have it correctly attached. Also, my reed is a 2, but I`ll get a 1 or 1 1/2 to see what difference there is. I have been able play notes since my posting of the message, but I still make it squeek often. I think I`m having to blow harder than necessary, so maybe my mouth isn`t correctly shaped. How much of the bottom lip should be between the reed and bottom teeth?

Also, can anyone recomend a good beginner`s book that doesn`t require an instructor? I bought a book that`s got a finger chart and music staffs, but that`s it. There`s not any instruction at all.

Just the coloured of your bottom lip. If you are in Britain then I recommend Team Woodwind for Clarinet but you`re probably in America so that won`t be much use to you. If you need any more advice, then I`m quite happy for you to e-mail me.

Sorry I meant
Just the coloured part of your bottom lip chould be over your teeth.

I intend buying a clarinaet soonest , i just went round 2know the price. When i get it how do i start.

Make sure you are also covering oyur holes completely. Air leaks will cause your clarinet to squeek

After seeing all the replies, I agree with everybody, especially Paul Chang. Make sure you cover your holes completely. Another tip I would suggest is looking up the definition (sp?) for "embouchure". In my words, it`s the way you form your mouth to the mouthpiece. If you don`t have the correct embouchure, it most likely will squeak. Last tip: Make sure the reed is aligned with the mouthpiece. The sides should be just matching with the sides of the flat area on the mouthpiece. The top of the reed should match the tip of the mouthpiece, or just slightly under. If the reed goes over the tip, it will be hard to play and you will squeak more.
Hope this helps, and happy playing!