Flute Play
How the Key Affects the Sound of a Love Flute
When we say that a flute is in the key of A we mean that its lowest note is the A above middle C on a piano. A vibrates at 440 Hz. A higher keyed flute will vibrate at a faster rate than A. A lower keyed flute will vibrate at a slower rate than A. The lower the key of an Indian flute the longer the barrel of the flute. An A has a barrel length of about twelve and a half inches. A flute in the key of E will have a barrel length of seventeen and a half inches. The barrel of the flute is the hollow chamber where sound vibrations are generated.
Love flutes in the keys of A above middle C through E below middle C are often called mid range flutes. Lower keyed flutes are called bass flutes when they are in the octave below C and double bass flutes when they are two octaves below. Higher keyed flutes are called treble flutes.
As you can imagine lower keyed Native American flutes will be somewhat more difficult to hold and play. Not only is a flute in a lower key bigger and heavier. But, the tone holes that the fingers must cover are further apart. A novice Indian flute player is advised to begin with a comfortable size flute such as an A or G.
The tonal quality of each individual note is unique. So also is the tonal quality of flutes in different keys. A flute in the key of A will play a mode one pentatonic scale consisting of the notes A, C, D, E, G. A flute in the key of G will play a mode one pentatonic scale consisting of the notes G, A#, C, D, F. So, as you can see (and hear) flutes in different keys will play scales composed of different combinations of notes.
Some people experience each note as having a corresponding color. Or the different notes can be compared to different flavors of sound. Just as there are different flavors of ice cream there are different flavors of sound. The note G has a different tonal flavor than the note A. Higher tones vibrate at more rapid rates and convey more energy. They are more stimulating. Lower notes are more relaxed and meditative. Perhaps you are familiar with the sound of the Penny Whistle used in much Irish dance music. The Penny Whistle is usually in the key of what is commonly called high D. High D is the second D above middle C on the piano. This instrument has a very penetrating and stimulating sound. The dance steps of Irish clog dancing reflect this intensity. They are rapid and energetic. The dancers whirl and stomp. Contrast this to the music of a waltz in the key E.
The sound of a Love flute in the key of F, E, Eb or D is more meditative in quality. Most of the prospective buyers who sample the sounds on my website are attracted to these lower keyed flutes.
The keys of different Native American style flutes are often assigned to different areas of the human body and their associated energy centers. These energy centers are called Chakras. There are seven charkas. The lowest is at the base of the spine and the highest is at the crown of the head. According to tradition the lowest chakra vibrates at the pitch of D. The second chakra in the lower abdominal region is E. the solar plexus chraka is F. The heart chraka is F#. The chakra in the neck or thyroid region is G. The forehead or eye center chakra is G# and the chakra at the crown of the head is A. It is thought that each of these centers vibrates in harmony with its particular musical note.
The key of F# is sometimes called the de facto key of the Native American style flute. It has achieved this status by usage. The majority of recorded Native American style Flute Music is done with an F# flute. Also, F# is a very popular flute key among amateur players. There seems to be no rational explanation for this. Perhaps it is because so much NA flute music is music of the heart. The problem with a Love flue in the key of F# is that F# is not a common musical key. So other musicians - guitarists, pianist etc - may have a difficult time playing with you. The keys of A, G and E are more common.
In order to find out what flute key is right for you listen to sound samples. You will know it when what you hear feels right to you.
About the Author
My name is John Stillwell. I live and work in the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree California. For more than ten years I have devoted myself to making and playing the Native American style flute. This flute is an instrument that anyone can play. No prior musical experience is necessary. For more information about me, flute history, flute playing lessons and how to make flutes visit my website
http://www.atflutes.com
How to Play the Flute: Tips and Techniques : How to Position Fingers for the Flute
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