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How to Glissando on the Clarinet

1st May 2025

Glissando, a smooth glide from one pitch to another, is a technique often used in jazz and contemporary music. Mastering the glissando on the clarinet can add an expressive dimension to your playing.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a successful glissando on the clarinet, including a short video by Clarinettist extraordinaire Julian Bliss!

Understanding the Technique

Before attempting a glissando on the clarinet, it’s important to understand that it’s not merely sliding your fingers across the keys. The technique involves a combination of finger movement and embouchure adjustment to smoothly transition between notes.

Steps to Perform a Clarinet Glissando…

1. Start with Basic Finger Movement

Begin by practicing smooth finger transitions between notes. This involves lifting and lowering your fingers gradually rather than abruptly to create a seamless sound.

2. Embouchure Flexibility

Your embouchure—the way you shape your mouth around the mouthpiece—is crucial for a successful glissando. Practice loosening your embouchure slightly as you move between notes, allowing the pitch to bend.

3. Use of Air Support

Maintain consistent air support. A strong airstream helps maintain sound quality and stability, even as you adjust your embouchure and fingerings.

4. Practice with Smaller Intervals

Start by practicing glissandos over smaller intervals, like a half-step or whole-step. This will help you get a feel for the finger and embouchure adjustments required.

5. Gradually Increase the Interval

Once you’re comfortable with smaller intervals, gradually increase the distance. Practice moving between larger intervals such as a third or fourth, eventually working up to an octave if desired.

6. Experiment with Different Speeds

Try performing the glissando at various speeds. Start slowly to ensure accuracy, then gradually increase speed as you become more confident.

7. Listening and Imitation

Listening to recordings of clarinetists performing glissandos can provide valuable insight. Try to imitate the sound and style you hear in these performances.

8. Tongue Position

As Julian Bliss mentions in his video above, tongue position is very important when attempting to glissando on clarinet. Experiment with playing a High D (3rd octave) and then move your tongue to manipulate the note downwards as low as possible without the note breaking.

Spend some time (i.e weeks, not minutes!) on this exercise and eventually it will improve the smoothness of your glissando, or perhaps it should be called a ‘Blissando’ 🤣.

man playing a glissando on the clarinet

Tips for Success

  • Stay Relaxed: Tension in your fingers, hands, or embouchure can hinder your ability to perform a smooth glissando
  • Consistent Practice: Like any skill, regular practice is essential. Dedicate time each day to practicing glissandos
  • Seek Feedback: If possible, work with a teacher or experienced clarinetist to receive feedback on your technique

Mastering the glissando on the clarinet can be challenging but rewarding. With patience and practice, you’ll be able to add this expressive technique to your musical repertoire. Check out this example of a wonderful glissando on the clarinet in the famous piece by George Gershwin called ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.