Why is a clarinet is called a 6 ring 17 key?

Answer 1

The most common clarinets use the Boehm system of fingering. There are a series of holes in the instrument that are covered by the fingers (and left thumb), as well as many other holes that are covered by padded keys. Six of the seven holes that are covered directly by fingers or thumb have metal rings around them so that when the player covers the hole, he/she also presses the ring, which is linked to keys that open or close other holes.

In addition, a standard Boehm system Clarinet has seventeen keys that are operated primarily by the index fingers and pinky finger of each hand and that cover or uncover additional holes.

A seventh ring is sometimes added for the left hand third finger, so that there's a ring for all seven finger holes - the first three fingers of each hand and for the left thumb. Eighteen and twenty key clarinets also exist, with the 18th key adding an extra note (Eb) at the bottom of the instrument. The other added keys help with some awkward fingerings. These modifications are not rare, but the vast majority of instruments, even for professional players have the standard six rings and seventeen keys.