Online Clarinet Tuner
Precise chromatic tuning for clarinet, with concert Bb and A reference tones.
Tap the mic and play a note
How to tune a clarinet online
Tap the microphone button and allow browser access — nothing is recorded or uploaded. Play the “long Bb” or any steady note and hold it. CleanTune analyzes any pitch chromatically — use the reference tones below to set your barrel.
Why reed strength changes your pitch, not just your tone
A reed that's too soft for your embouchure tends to play flat and can feel unfocused, while one that's too hard resists your air and tends to run sharp under pressure — reed strength affects intonation, not just tone quality. If you've pulled the barrel to compensate for consistently sharp or flat playing but the fix never quite sticks, try a different reed strength before assuming it's a barrel or embouchure problem.
Adjust your barrel joint
Pull the barrel out slightly to flatten your pitch, push it in to sharpen it — this is the standard way clarinetists tune.
Use a relaxed, supported embouchure
Biting down too hard sharpens your pitch — a relaxed, well-supported embouchure gives a more accurate reading.
The “long Bb” is your reference note
Clarinetists traditionally tune using the note commonly called the “long Bb” — a comfortable, stable note in the middle of the range.
Frequently asked questions
What note do clarinetists tune to?
Clarinetists traditionally tune to the “long Bb”, a stable note in the clarion register, matched against a concert Bb reference pitch.
How much does the barrel joint affect pitch?
Pulling the barrel out even a millimeter or two can noticeably flatten your pitch — small adjustments go a long way.
Can I use this tuner without playing into the microphone?
No — CleanTune listens to real sound through your device's microphone, so you need to play the clarinet normally for it to detect pitch.
Could my reed be causing my tuning problems instead of the barrel?
Yes — a reed that's too soft tends to play flat, and one that's too hard tends to play sharp under pressure. If barrel adjustments and embouchure changes haven't fixed a consistent tuning issue, try a different reed strength.