Hi All, I have just received my new 6-key wooden flute, but I don't know what notes the keys represent. I have been playing a simple flute for years, and wanted to expand my repetoire for when I play with singers. Most of the people I play with like to sing in Eb or some such odd (for a simple flute, anyway) key. In the past I have used a whistle in that key or tried to muddle my way through on a D whistle with varying degrees of success. I am looking for a chart that explains the different keys, and how to achieve each of the notes. Any and all help is received with much gratitude. Thanks
Lowhistle
Forgive me, but I'm struggling to make sense of the request so I'm not quite sure what you're after but typically the keys on a six keyed flute are: C natural, G sharp, two keys for F natural, a B flat key, and an E flat key.
Assuming you're playing right handed (left hand on top) and using a "normal" grip:
The short key on the foot joint is the E flat key operated by the little finger of the right hand.
Moving up from the foot joint, the right hand ring finger operates the short F key and the index finger the long C.
The left hand little finger operates the G sharp and the long F.
Don't forget that for most practical purposes G sharp and A flat are virtually the same note, so you've got all the keys you need for the key of E flat.
And an Eflat keyless flute is also an alternative... And usually the best option for people who play in Eflat a lot. Own one in addition to your main D keyed flute. The acoustic effect of the two alternatives will be very different.
I need help!
I need help!
Hi All, I have just received my new 6-key wooden flute, but I don't know what notes the keys represent. I have been playing a simple flute for years, and wanted to expand my repetoire for when I play with singers. Most of the people I play with like to sing in Eb or some such odd (for a simple flute, anyway) key. In the past I have used a whistle in that key or tried to muddle my way through on a D whistle with varying degrees of success. I am looking for a chart that explains the different keys, and how to achieve each of the notes. Any and all help is received with much gratitude. Thanks
Lowhistle
# Posted on October 4th 2009 by LoWhistle
Re: I need help!
Forgive me, but I'm struggling to make sense of the request so I'm not quite sure what you're after but typically the keys on a six keyed flute are: C natural, G sharp, two keys for F natural, a B flat key, and an E flat key.
Assuming you're playing right handed (left hand on top) and using a "normal" grip:
The short key on the foot joint is the E flat key operated by the little finger of the right hand.
Moving up from the foot joint, the right hand ring finger operates the short F key and the index finger the long C.
The left hand little finger operates the G sharp and the long F.
The thumb controls the B flat.
# Posted on October 4th 2009 by Sweeney Astray
Re: I need help!
Thanks, PJ. That is exactly what I was looking for.
Lowhistle
# Posted on October 4th 2009 by LoWhistle
Re: I need help!
Hey LoWhistle,
Try this also:
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/keys.html
# Posted on October 4th 2009 by Janek
Re: I need help!
Don't forget that for most practical purposes G sharp and A flat are virtually the same note, so you've got all the keys you need for the key of E flat.
# Posted on October 5th 2009 by Trevor Jennings
Re: I need help!
I have found it really useful to google something like: "6-key flute fingering chart" and see what comes up - then it can be printed out.
# Posted on October 5th 2009 by Bredna
Re: I need help!
And an Eflat keyless flute is also an alternative... And usually the best option for people who play in Eflat a lot. Own one in addition to your main D keyed flute. The acoustic effect of the two alternatives will be very different.
# Posted on October 6th 2009 by Crackpot