How the Flute Works The Native American flute has two chambers. Air enters the first chamber and is forced upward by the wall between the two chambers and out through an opening in the top of the flute. The air is then redirected by a block (also known as a bird or fetish) affixed to the top into a hole in the second chamber. As the air enters the second chamber, the sound is created. Because the block plays such an important role, make sure it is positioned properly. Make certain that the bottom leading edge of the block is lined up with the back of the hole and centered. Later you may wish to experiment by varying the position back or forward 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch.
The sound is influenced by:
1. The tuning of the flute,
2. The nature of the wood from which the flute is crafted,
3. The finger placements over the holes,
4. The force of the air by the player.
Let's Begin with the Basics
Buttons to hear Example of Sounds)
Check Fetish - Always check the fetish on your flute to make sure it is placed with the bottom leading edge of the block lined up with the back of the hole and centered.
Holding your Flute & Finger Placement - The middle three fingers of each hand cover the holes of a six hole flute and the forefinger and middle finger of your top hand and the middle three fingers of your bottom hand cover the holes of your 5 hole flute. The "textbook" method is left hand on top but many fine players place the right hand on top. Experiment both ways to find which is most comfortable for you.
Pads vs Tips of fingers - The holes are covered by the pads of the finger, not the tips. Covering the holes with the pads of your fingers best assures total coverage which is vital.
Producing Sound & the "Sigh" - Sigh into the flute rather than blow. You should get a low mellow sound. Technically the top lip is pulled back against the upper teeth but this is far less important than breathing gently (sighing) into the flute rather than "blowing". If you hear a squeal, you are failing to completely cover all six holes. If you get a high sound, you are over blowing. However, there are a few fingering combinations that work best with "overblow" particularly on notes with the top hole open. You will discover this as you practice the drills.
Air Leak Blow
Variations in Breathing
"Tuh" - If you elect to play the same note more than once in a sequence, "tuh" into the flute for each note you are playing while covering all holes on your flute.
"Woo" - Volume variations can be easily achieved by breathing the sound "woo" into the flute while increasing and decreasing the volume of air.
"Ha" - Vibrato can be created by making the sound "ha, ha, ha, ha, ha" almost like gargling into the flute. The more you play, the more you will learn to experiment with your breath.
Combination - Play some notes long, some short, use more or less force (as a general rule, use more force on higher notes). Vary the force within a note, remember there is no right or wrong way, just fun and joy, so find what feels good to you.
Tapping rapidly, lift and lower your finger or slide it over a hole during a continuous breath. Sliding is moving a finger across a hole while you play.
LESSON FOUR Playing Scales
5 Hole Scale
Basic Minor Scale 5 Hole Flute
Practice this scale in both directions. Drills and songs for the basic scale follow. Remember to breathe as needed. You may wish to practice in front of a mirror (if you turn blue, you are not breathing enough).
6 Hole Scale
Minor Pentatonic Scale 6 Hole Flute
Practice this scale in both directions. Drills and songs for the basic pentatonic scale follow. Remember to breathe as needed. You may wish to practice in front of a mirror (if you turn blue, you are not breathing enough).
NOTE: If your flute begins to sound a little funny after a long playing session, tap the air chamber hole vigorously against the palm of your hand or shake the flute, air chamber down, to remove the excess moisture. Most flute lovers own multiple flutes so they can rotate for freshness and to play different keys.
Other scales, drills and songs are included in our BOOKS.
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