Reed tapping articulation

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A quick one for you today…

Went and saw John Butcher play last night, and he was using this technique, which involves flicking or tapping the reed with the right hand while holding down different keys with the left hand, producing short articulated pizz-style sounds. The bigger the instrument (well, the bigger the reed) the louder this is, he used to great effect in the very resonant space he was playing in.

I can use this technique on any fingerings from middle C (written) to the Bb above on any clarinet, and the resultant pitches are a major second below.

I’ve used a plastic reed on both clarinets while playing around with this, and I can’t imagine any clarinetist will appreciate you asking for such a direct attack on a cane reed: so do ask your player whether they already have some plastic ready for use.

And for further explanation and a demonstration, here’s a short video I posted to my Instagram account. I’ve started adding different videos explaining techniques or how I’m practising things I’m learning, so if you’re on Instagram, give me a follow!