How to cross the break on clarinet
The break is the moment every clarinetist remembers — the spot where the notes suddenly fight back. The good news: it's a mechanical hurdle, not a talent one. With the right fingers, fast air, and a few minutes of focused practice, you'll glide right over it.
If you've been happily playing in the low and throat-tone range and then hit a wall around B natural above the staff, congratulations — you've met the break. It trips up almost everyone, and almost everyone gets past it. Here's exactly what's happening and how to beat it.
Learn it by playing
The fastest way to nail the break is to play target notes on your real clarinet and get instant feedback. Our free game does exactly that — keep this guide open and jump in whenever.
What "the break" actually is
The clarinet has distinct registers. The lowest is the chalumeau register. Just above it sit the throat tones — roughly G, A, and B-flat near the top of the treble staff — which use very few fingers. Above those begins the clarion register, starting at B natural.
To jump from a throat tone like A or B-flat up to B natural, you don't just move one finger — you suddenly press the register key (the thumb key on the back) and cover most of the holes on both hands at once. Your hands go from nearly open to nearly closed in an instant. That coordination is the break.
The fingers: cover everything, all at once
For a clean B natural over the break, you typically need:
- The left thumb on the register key (the back key) and the thumb hole covered.
- All three left-hand fingers down.
- All three right-hand fingers down (this is what surprises beginners — the right hand had been resting).
The single biggest fix is simply keeping your right-hand fingers near or on the holes even while you play throat tones. If they're floating in the air, they have farther to travel and they land late, which causes squeaks and gaps. Anchor them low and ready.
The air and embouchure secrets
Fingers are only half the story. The other half is your air and embouchure:
- Keep the air fast and constant. Many players unconsciously back off as they cross the break. Push warm, steady, supported air through the transition — don't let it sag.
- Don't bite. Tightening your jaw to "help" the high note does the opposite. Keep firm corners and a relaxed jaw so the reed can vibrate freely.
- Voice the note. Think of a slightly higher, faster vowel — like "ee" — to focus the air stream as you climb.
A practice plan that works
Crossing the break smoothly is muscle memory. Build it with short, deliberate drills:
- Slow A to B. Finger throat-tone A, then slowly add the register key and all six fingers to land on B natural. Repeat ten times, listening for a clean start.
- The pre-set trick. While holding A, quietly set your right-hand fingers down first, then add the register key and left fingers. Train your hands to be ready early.
- Slur both directions. Slur A–B–A–B with no tonguing. Slurring forces your air and fingers to stay coordinated.
- Crossing scales. Play a slow F major or G major scale that walks right through the break, paying attention only to the break notes.
Keep sessions short and frequent — five focused minutes a day beats one frustrated hour a week.
Brass Blaster
Blast the swarm by playing the right note on your actual horn — it listens through your mic and handles transposition for you. A fun way to drill break notes until they're automatic.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lifting the right hand off the instrument during throat tones — keep it parked over the keys.
- Leaky finger coverage — the pads of your fingers must seal the holes completely. A tiny gap means a squeak.
- Stopping the air at the moment of the cross — power through it.
- Rushing. Speed is the reward for clean, slow reps, not a substitute for them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the break on a clarinet?
The break is the transition between the throat tones (around A and B-flat above the staff) and the clarion register that starts at B natural. Crossing it requires adding the register key plus several fingers at once, which is why it feels awkward at first.
Why does my clarinet squeak when I cross the break?
Squeaks usually come from leaky finger pads, too little air, or biting down with the jaw. Cover the holes fully, keep your air fast and steady, and keep your embouchure firm but relaxed. Slow, deliberate practice fixes it.
How long does it take to cross the break smoothly?
Most beginners get a clean B-natural within a week or two of short daily practice. Smooth, fast crossing in real music takes a few weeks more, mostly spent training your fingers to move together.
Keep learning: Instrument transposition · Read the treble clef · all guides · more articles