How to practice scales on the clarinet
Select a link below for printable PDFs of major, minor, and chromatic scales, as well as arpeggios and exercises on some of the more challenging areas of the clarinet. There are also chromatic exercises to practice alternate fingerings on the clarinet. The pages feature scales with and without key signatures.
Practicing scales well is a great way to build up good, solid fundamental clarinet technique. Practicing scales poorly can lead to bad habits and sloppy technique that will make playing the clarinet a horrible chore. Before playing your scales, read these suggestions and guidelines on how to practice well.
Half-scales for the clarinet
These scales are based on the first five scale degrees of major and minor scales, allowing you to focus on selected groups of notes. They make accurate repetition easier and more effective.
Major half scales in quarter notes
Major half scales in eighth notes
Minor half scales in quarter notes
Minor half scales in eighth notes
Major half scales using jazz articulation
Minor half scales using jazz articulation
Lower register scales
Major, minor, and chromatic scales in the lower register of the clarinet. These scales are good for students who have not played in the upper register, yet.
Major scales for the clarinet
Two octave major scales with accidentals
Two octave major scales with key signatures
Major scales in sixteenth notes that run throughout the range of the clarinet from low E to altissimo G, using key signatures.
Minor scales for the clarinet
Natural minor scales with accidentals
Natural minor scales with key signatures
Melodic minor scales with accidentals
Melodic minor scales with key signatures
Harmonic minor scales with accidentals
Harmonic minor scales with key signatures
Chromatic scales for the clarinet
Chromatic scales, in one and two octaves, spanning the range of the clarinet
Chromatic “fork B” fingering exercise
Chromatic “fork F sharp” fingering exercise
Chromatic “side F sharp” fingering exercise
Lower register chromatic scales
Arpeggios for the clarinet:
Major arpeggios in two octaves
Minor arpeggios in two octaves
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