Clarinet vs flute is a common confusion when choosing a woodwind instrument for the people with moderate knowledge of musical instruments. Out of several woodwind instruments in the family, clarinet flute confusion is more common due to their similar looks. In this article, we will delve into each instrument individually, understand them, understand their differences and how they work. So, the article will help you choose the most suitable instrument for yourself.
What is a Flute?
Flute is a woodwind instruments family member that produces sound through aerophones with a vibrating column of air. It has hand-bored holes through which the air is directed out, creating a vibration and hence generating the sound. The musician that plays a flute is called a flutist. A flutist can change the kind of sound coming through the holes by opening and closing the flute holes and through the air pressure through mouth.
What is a Clarinet?
Clarinet too is a woodwind instrument family member and is of the largest size in the family. It has a cylindrical bore along with a flared bell. A clarinet comes in different sizes and pitches that makes them more unique and versatile. Because of its multiple uses, efficiency, tone, playability, pitches, it is a standard instrument used in concerts and orchestra. With clarinet, you can play jazz, classical music, klezmer, and many more styles.
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Clarinet vs Flute: Difference Between Clarinet and Flute
The basic difference between clarinet and flute is that flutes are side-blown whereas clarinets are end-blown. The other major difference that makes the two instruments completely different from each other are:
1. Making a Sound
Sound generated by flute and clarinet is one of the most significant differences that one can find. Though they are both woodwind instruments, they produce different sound as they are blown differently and have different keys. A flute generates notes of higher frequency with more debris in the sound, whereas clarinet produces cleaner and fuller sound when played.
Although flute and clarinet have similar pitch range which is soprano range, while playing on the high pitch, clarinet also manages to reach a minor seventh lower which does not happen in case of flute.
2. Blowing Mechanism
Clarinet has a single-reed which is not available on the flute. Hence, the blowing mechanism in the clarinet is completely different from that of a flute. You blow across an embouchure hole to play a flute and hence, your lips form a circle like you blow a soda bottle.
Whereas a clarinet has a mouthpiece and a reed. You just secure the reed to the mouthpiece where you place your lower lip over your teeth and reed over your bottom lip and blow. The sound generation style differs in both the instruments and so is the sound that comes out when you play the instruments.
3. Playing Position
Compared to the other woodwind instruments, flute’s mechanism is different. Most woodwind instruments are blown sideways hence they are held in front and the airflow moves horizontally. When it comes to flute, it is held horizontally by the flutists (on the right side) and the air is side-blown. So, clarinet like the other woodwind instruments is help perpendicular to the body and is end-blown.
4. Design
Other than the above-mentioned blowing and holding clarinet vs flute differences, the design of flute and clarinet differ in terms of their keys. Though both the instruments are of similar size, their keys are different. The keys of flute are comparatively larger than that of a clarinet. Since the key design is different for both the instruments, their holding style of the instrument and their key holding style also differs, making the difference in sound production.
5. Built Material
A flute is made of silver or silver plating or sometimes gold or platinum plating. Whereas a beginner’s clarinet is sometimes made of plastic or ABS resin and the advanced level clarinet is made of any type of wood like grenadilla wood.
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Conclusion
Flute or Clarinet is a general confusion for people while choosing a woodwind instrument to learn. While clarinet is used in orchestra and concerts, flutes are played in classical and other kinds of music. So, as per the genre of music you would like to play, as per the style, design and stuff, you can select the most suitable woodwind instrument for yourself as per the mentioned benefits.
Is the Clarinet a Type of Flute?
No, clarinet is not a type of flute. Both the instruments, clarinet and flute have completely different features and sound different. They are both a part of woodwind family is the only similarity between them.
Which Is Easier, Clarinet or Flute?
Take flute or clarinet, both the instruments have their own challenges while you go to learn them. Clarinet has 24 keys that you have to manage while playing the instrument and for playing a flute, breathe control is the most basic requirement which is challenging at the start. Both the instruments have their own complexities, so learning any of them can be challenging.