Most band directors suggest that beginning clarinet players start out with cane reeds designed for beginners in a strength 2.0 or 2.5, because they’re easier to play and help produce a more consistent sound while learning the basics of the instrument. The best clarinet reeds for beginners are typically responsive and designed to make a good sound while the student is still learning the basics of the clarinet.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to pick clarinet reeds, compare beginner-friendly reed options, and help you determine which reed strength may work best for your playing level.
How to Pick Clarinet Reeds
This quick buying checklist will help you pick the best reeds for a beginning player. Make sure you buy clarinet reeds, not reeds for the tenor saxophone, alto sax, bass clarinet, oboe, bassoon, flute, or general saxophone.
- Pay close attention and ensure that you purchase reeds for the correct instrument. Most beginning clarinet players are using a Bb Clarinet.
- Choose the reed strength. If you’re unsure, or your child’s teacher hasn’t provided an ideal reed strength, start with strength 2.0 or 2.5.
- Pick a reliable reed brand. It’s tempting to pick the least expensive options online, but these reeds are often poorly made and are known to cause beginners to struggle to produce a good, characteristic tone. If you’re a beginner or shopping for one, you can’t go wrong with Rico by D’Addario or Royal by D’Addario.
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Buy a box. Beginning clarinet players should rotate their reeds and have backups in stock. A 10-pack should last for a full semester.
What Clarinet Reed Strength Should a Beginner Use?
Clarinet reeds with a strength of 2.0 or 2.5 are generally recommended for beginners, because they provide a nice balance of playability and sound quality. Reeds are numbered on a scale from 1.0, being the softest, all the way up to the hardest option, 5.0.
Softer reeds, with strengths ranging from 1.5 to 2.5, require a little less breath support to vibrate and allow beginners to produce sound more easily. If reeds are too soft (strength under 2.0) they can cause the clarinet to sound overly bright and buzzy, may cause a shrill sound, or might collapse when biting down. Hard reeds (3.0 and above) require more intense breath support and may cause painful muscle fatigue for beginners.
| Strength | Best for | Feel | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Young students, absolute beginners | Soft and easy | Fast response, less resistant |
| 2.5 | Older beginners, stronger air support | Slightly firmer | More control, fuller tone |
Move from 2.0 to 2.5 to 3.0 only when a teacher notices overblowing, unstable tone, or a too-bright clarinet sound. It’s a common myth that reed strength correlates with a player’s ability. In reality, professional players use different strengths based on personal preference and equipment.
Reed strength is influenced by your mouthpiece tip opening, which affects how a reed responds and feels while playing. Our clarinet and saxophone reed comparison chart will help you compare different reed strengths and identify suitable options.
What Are the Best Reeds for Beginner Clarinetists?
Rico and Royal clarinet reeds are both great choices for beginners, as they offer easy response and a consistent tone for students still developing their technique. Rico reeds are designed to help new players produce a clear, characteristic clarinet sound with minimal effort. Royal reeds offer a similar level of playability, with a more refined tone that rewards developing greater control of their air stream and embouchure.
| Feature | Rico | Royal |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | First-year students | Advancing beginners |
| Response | Very easy | Easy, slightly more resistant |
| Tone | Warm and forgiving | More focused, often darker sound |
| Cut | Unfiled | Filed |
| Good fit | Brand-new players | Returning adult players |
How to Make Clarinet Reeds Last Longer
Students should avoid playing the same reed over and over again. Instead, rotate between several reeds and take a few precautions:
- Rotate between 3–5 reeds to prevent excessive wear on any one reed.
- Break in new reeds gradually by limiting playing time during the first week or two.
- Store reeds properly in a reed case or reed guard that keeps them flat and protected, instead of on the mouthpiece or in a plastic or paper sleeve.
- Handle reeds carefully, avoiding contact with the fragile tip.
- Dry reeds completely after use and allow them to dry before storing.
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Replace damaged reeds when they become chipped, moldy, or unresponsive.
With regular practice, a beginner cane reed typically lasts a few weeks, though proper care can extend its lifespan. If your reed starts sounding airy, becomes difficult to play, or develops a chipped tip, it's time for a replacement.
