Clarinet in A

The A clarinet sounds a minor third lower than written and is preferred for flat keys. Orchestral composers often alternate between Bb and A clarinets depending on the key signature.

Transposing instrument: The Clarinet in A is written in A and sounds a minor third lower from written pitch.

Instrument family Woodwind
Clef Treble
Concert pitch No — transposes A
Transposition A
Concert range C#3–A5
Written range D3–Bb5

Playable Range

Comfortable range: C♯3–A5

View full range details →