B-flat Clarinet
Quick Facts
- Instrument Key
- B-flat
- Transposition Interval
- Major 2nd down
- Written C sounds as
- Bb3
- Instrument Family
- woodwind
- Instrument Page
- B-flat Clarinet on Tunable
Written vs. Sounding Pitch — Frequency Table
Each row shows a written pitch (as it appears in the score) and the concert-pitch note that sounds when played. Frequencies are equal temperament at A4=440Hz.
Key Signature Conversion Table
When the conductor names a concert key, this table shows what key signature the B-flat Clarinet player reads. The player reads the written key; the audience hears the sounding key.
Practical Scenarios
Orchestra: Playing in a Concert Pitch Score
The conductor calls a rehearsal in C major (concert pitch). The Bb clarinet player reads D major — two sharps — because every written note sounds a major second lower. When the conductor says "concert Bb," the clarinet player reads C.
Transcribing a Melody for Bb Clarinet
A pianist plays a melody in F major. To transcribe it for Bb clarinet so it sounds in F major, write the melody in G major (add one sharp) and up a major second. The clarinet reads G major and the audience hears F major.
Rehearsal: Identifying Wrong Notes by Interval
If a Bb clarinet plays a written G4 (392.00 Hz written) and the conductor hears F4 (349.23 Hz) instead of F4, the clarinet is in tune — F4 is the correct sounding pitch for written G4 on a Bb clarinet.
Why Does the B-flat Clarinet Transpose?
The B-flat clarinet was standardized in the early 19th century as the most versatile member of the clarinet family. Before equal temperament became universal, clarinets were built in multiple keys (A, Bb, C) to avoid difficult key signatures. The Bb clarinet's transposition reflects the instrument's physical construction: its open tube length naturally produces Bb when the player's embouchure targets C. Modern performers use the Bb clarinet for most repertoire, switching to A clarinet only for flat-key orchestral works where the key signature would otherwise be extreme.
Tune Your B-flat Clarinet with Precision — Get Tunable.
Tunable's chromatic tuner shows exact Hz values in real time. Tune to equal temperament A4=440Hz or explore all 16 temperament systems.
Related Instruments
How to Transpose for B-flat Instruments
All Transposing Instruments · Circle of Fifths · Keys Reference · Temperament Systems