What pitch does the Bb clarinet play in comparison to written music?

The Bb clarinet is classified as a transposing instrument, meaning that the pitch it sounds is different from the pitch that is written in the score. Specifically, when a musician plays a written C on the Bb clarinet, it actually sounds as a Bb. This means that the clarinet sounds a major second lower than the written pitch. Therefore, chords and melodies written for concert pitch instruments will require transposition for the Bb clarinet player. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately performing and arranging music for different instruments, ensuring that the ensemble sounds harmonious. Thus, the Bb clarinet indeed plays a major 2nd lower than what is written in sheet music.