When somebody talks about "the" clarinet, it is very likely the B flat clarinet is meant. These are by far the most common clarinet, but from the beginning on clarinets were built and played in different sizes and scales. In the early days of clarinets there were even more types than we have today.
![Picture](/uploads/5/0/6/0/50609429/544768914.jpg?250)
E flat clarinet (the smallest and highest)
A / B flat (Soprano) clarinet ("normal" clarinets)
Alto clarinet in E flat and bassett horn in F
Bass clarinet (the low clarinet) in B
Contra-alto and contra bass clarinet (very low and rare)
The clarinet is a transposing instrument. In the beginning there were clarinets for nearly all scales, but today only B flat, A, and E flat remain (yes, I know there are G / C instruments). If a composer asks for a C clarinet you will have to transpose the notes for your B flat or better for your A clarinet, if you have got one
Here is a couple videos to show what a few of the clarinets sound like.
Bass Clarinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pAdLMSGpbY
Contra Bass Clarinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUgERWFUrOA
Alto Clarinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4eVFsmx3EM
A / B flat (Soprano) clarinet ("normal" clarinets)
Alto clarinet in E flat and bassett horn in F
Bass clarinet (the low clarinet) in B
Contra-alto and contra bass clarinet (very low and rare)
The clarinet is a transposing instrument. In the beginning there were clarinets for nearly all scales, but today only B flat, A, and E flat remain (yes, I know there are G / C instruments). If a composer asks for a C clarinet you will have to transpose the notes for your B flat or better for your A clarinet, if you have got one
Here is a couple videos to show what a few of the clarinets sound like.
Bass Clarinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pAdLMSGpbY
Contra Bass Clarinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUgERWFUrOA
Alto Clarinet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4eVFsmx3EM
(from left to right.) E flat, B flat, Alto, Bass, Contra bass.