Congratulations on making the switch to bassoon!
Switching from clarinet to bassoon like any instrument will have some similarities and some differences. With clarinet, the key system is very familiar to the range below the break (chalumeau) of the clarinet. Regardless of which instrument you come from one consistent difference is the non anchor use of the right thumb on the bassoon. It is there to hold down keys and nothing more.
Qualities of a good bassoon prospect:
Similarities between clarinet and bassoon:
The clarinet has an advantage when it comes to fingerings on the bassoon. The chalumeau register (below the break is virtually identical in note name and fingerings. That changes at the clarinets throat tones and notes in clarion and above register.
Qualities of a good bassoon prospect:
- A good ear for pitch
- Above average finger dexterity
- Happy to be different(individualistic)
- For the bassoon - big enough to handle the size/weight of the instrument and to reach the tone-holes.
Similarities between clarinet and bassoon:
- Both are woodwind instruments and require air to play
- Both are reed instruments.
- The air resistance level.
- Embouchure size, however the bassoon is "double-lip" and the jaw position changes with different registers.
- Both use a different but similar two hand fingering system that are similar below the break.
The clarinet has an advantage when it comes to fingerings on the bassoon. The chalumeau register (below the break is virtually identical in note name and fingerings. That changes at the clarinets throat tones and notes in clarion and above register.
Similarities between to the bassoon |
Where your fingers go on the bassoon |
Familiarity through your Fingers
Clarinet |
Bassoon |
Compare the bassoon C to the clarinet C. Both are holding down the left hand thumb, index, middle and ring fingers for this note. One difference between these two instruments is the amount of embouchure pressure is much lower or softer on the bassoon. This is often a challenge for clarinet players when they start the bassoon.
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Differences between clarinet and bassoon
- The jaw pressure changes more on the bassoon to achieve different registers
- You will need to soak your reeds because double reeds won't moisten completely in the mouth.
- The bassoon plays in bass, tenor and sometimes treble clef.
- Fingers are widespread and require the ability to reach all keys and tone-holes.
- The right thumb is not an anchor point.