I have an old plastic clarinet, and since I started playing soprano sax I also mess around with the clarinet from time to time. I did some research on the web and in method books, but the recommended playing position varies from 30 to 45 degrees from you body, which seems like a big difference to me. My question; in what position do hold your clarinet? And is there a "right" or "wrong" position or can you just take the angle you prefer?

Thanks in advance

45 degrees?!

I could be completely stupid here but isn't that like directly in front of you? How is that playable!?!

I think directly in front of your body would be 90 degrees Anyway this is what I mean by 45 degrees. (the picture on the right )

OH DEAR!

I am so stupid it's unbelieveable!

Within reason, it should be what feels most comfortable to you. It's a good idea to experiment with slightly different angles to get the best possible sound.

I'm OK with the angle of mine, but I have to fight against a constant compulsion to lean it a little to the right - probably because I've been playing tenor and bass recorders like that for so many years (to make the reach more comfortable for my right hand) that it has become second nature! I don't actually think that it affects the sound at all, but I've been told I should try to keep it straight.

You're not stupid saxlover! I also mix those stupid degree things up all the time and wasn't even sure I was right.

Thanks for the advice jo.clarinet. I'm going to experiment a little with the angle.

Lol

I've never really paid much attention to the angle I play it at. Whatever is comfortable for me is fine.

From what I've been told, it's not so much about the effect on the sound as the effect on your dexterity.

Can you explain what you mean by that? Like: how easy you can move your fingers or something like that?

Well yeah in a way - if you held it really tightly and close to your body then your fingers won't be able to move as quick!

Hmm, actually that makes sense! I never thought about that when I played the oboe

I think the pictures on that link are both a bit extreme - something in between works well for me and most of my students. The 45 degree angle definitely looks a bit too big and unnatural, but a lot of younger players try to do the opposite - hold it almost vertically. Then their bottom lip shuts off the reed, leading to all kinds of unpleasant squeaks! They should be standing naturally and comfortably, with the clarinet held out slightly from their body, not looking strained in any way.