How to improve a spitty sound on the clarinet

Let’s be honest – not everything about the clarinet is as glamorous as it might seem.

One not-so-glamorous aspect of playing the clarinet? Spit!

Spit happens, especially to wind players. (At least clarinetists don’t have to worry about a spit valve!)

Spitty sounds are caused by – you guessed it – a buildup of saliva on the reed and/or in the mouthpiece. (Note that for the purposes of this article, we will discuss spitty sounds. If your sound is fuzzy or unfocused, here are my tips to help you improve your clarinet tone.)

Here are a few reasons you have a spitty sound, with suggestions for improvement:

• You play with your chin lowered towards your chest. This creates a direct pathway for your saliva to enter the mouthpiece, often causing an influx of spit into the mouthpiece. Practice in front of a mirror to ensure that the bottom of your chin is parallel to the ground. (This will also help your airflow, making it easier to play.)
• You’re not swabbing frequently enough. Spit is a normal byproduct of clarinet playing, so you need to swab regularly to remove the excess from your instrument. I typically swab every practice break, which is usually every 45-60 minutes. (If I notice a persistent spitty sound before, I swab then.)
• You don’t preemptively prepare the reed or mouthpiece. If you are concerned about a spitty sound, take some time to remove the saliva from the reed and mouthpiece before playing.
• Your diet. Saliva production varies and can depend on what you eat and drink, among other factors. Pay attention to your diet to see what helps you play with a clear sound.

According to the NIH, “The normal daily production of saliva varies between 0.5 and 1.5 liters. The whole unstimulated saliva flow rate is approximately 0.3-0.4 ml / min.” If you experience hypersalivation, you can consult a medical professional for options. (Also important to note that I’m a clarinet blogger and not a doctor, so please consult a medical professional with any health and/or medical inquiries!)

I hope these tips help you play with a clearer sound!