Putting a Reed on the Mouthpiece

First put the cut end of the reed in your mouth and make sure it is very moist. It’s also imperative that the bark end of the reed is also wet to ensure better vibration. With the mouthpiece in your dominate hand with the table facing you, slide the reed between the ligature and table making sure you start with the bark side. Coming up from the bottom will increase the risk of ruining the reed by cracking it. Align the reed using your thumb and forefinger. The tip of the reed should be lined up with the tip of the mouthpiece. The bark end of the reed should be straight and lined up with the table of the mouthpiece. The ligature should be tightened on the bark of the reed just below the cut. This will make sure that only the cut part of the reed vibrates and not the hard bark. Be very careful not to break the reed, the tip is very fragile and touching it will cause it to break.