I understand that while metal flutes dominate the scene, there’s an undeniable charm to wooden flutes that captivates many musicians. They stand out for delivering a sound that’s both warmer and richer, though they demand a bit more skill to master.
Wooden flutes come in two types: transverse or end-blown. Many believe playing transverse flutes is challenging, but they’re actually quite easy to learn. To start mastering one, consider getting a high-quality bamboo flute.
Key Takeaways: Playing the Wooden Flute
- Richer sound: Wooden flutes produce a richer and better sound compared to metal flutes, despite requiring more power to play.
- Transverse and end-blown types: Wooden flutes can be either transverse or end-blown, with transverse flutes being easier to play than many think.
- Proper technique is crucial: Mastering the wooden flute involves learning the correct holding position, lip formation, and finger positioning to cover the holes completely for a clear tone.
- Practice is key: Constant practice is necessary to achieve clear and ringing sounds, with an emphasis on relaxing and enjoying the learning process.
- History and material variety: Wooden flutes have a rich history and come in various wood materials, offering a unique and solid sound distinct from metal flutes.
Starting your journey as a beginner flutist can be overwhelming. You might find yourself covering all the holes, shaping your lips into a whistle, and blowing hard on the mouthpiece, which leads to running out of air quickly. However, mastering the wooden flute requires you to relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy learning the basics of playing.
Steps & Techniques On How To Play Wooden Flute
The Simple System flute comes before the Boehm system flute and is favored by classical European musicians from the Classical Era. To play the Simple System Folk Flute, follow these steps:
Step 1: Take the Right Position of Holding the Flute!
First off, mastering how to grip the flute is crucial. Regardless of being right or left-handed, your left hand goes near the mouth hole, with the instrument angled to your right and fingers ready over the open holes. Aim the edge of the mouth hole at the center of your lower lip and ensure the flute stays level with the ground.
Most wooden flutes are played horizontally, so keep your elbows out to the sides instead of pinching them close to your body. Also, avoid hunching your shoulders. Sporting a loose and relaxed form is crucial. Practicing in front of a mirror allows you to check your posture and hand positions.
Step 2: Sport the Right Position for Your Lips!
Learning how to blow thin, steady air streams into the mouth hole is crucial. Simply close your lips, take a deep breath, and then blow sharply, saying “phuuuu” as you ease off. Don’t forget, getting a consistent airflow makes all the difference.
Remember not to pull your lower lip back—let it jut out slightly, covering about a quarter of the mouthpiece for the right feel on the mouth hole. It’s crucial to split the airstream in two. Experiment by rotating the flute to discover the perfect angle to catch air effectively.
Step 3: Left-hand Position
For beginners, focusing on the left-hand position is essential. Your left hand should fully cover the primary finger holes, starting from the closest one to your mouth. Make sure each finger completely seals its respective hole to prevent a weak tone. Additionally, place your left hand so that your fingers naturally curl inward for better comfort and control.
Hold the flute with your left-hand palm facing you, and use your index, middle, and ring fingers to cover the first three holes. No need to use your pinky fingers, but if you’re missing a finger, the pinky can fill in. Simply move down the scale, covering and blowing each note with the three holes covered.
Step 4: Right-Hand Position
After covering the first three holes with your left-hand fingers, move on to your right hand. Extend your right hand fingers outward, ensuring your palm faces away from you. This technique is essential for proper play.
Use your index, middle, and ring fingers to cover the fourth, fifth, and sixth holes. Note that the fifth and sixth holes are more spread out, requiring an extra stretch of your ring finger. Support the flute with your thumbs to keep it properly positioned.
Step 5: Proper Standing Position
To ensure optimal airflow, it’s essential to adopt the right standing posture. Stand upright and pull your shoulders slightly back. Keeping a strong stance is key for breathing effectively through your belly, which ultimately helps in producing the finest flute sound.
Stand with your legs and feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees for improved blood flow. If playing the flute seated, ensure your feet are flat and your thighs are level with the ground.
Lean your head slightly towards the air source, but try to keep your neck, shoulders, and spine as straight as possible. This practice balances comfort with proper posture.
Step 6: Cover the Hole with Finger Pad
The best method to get a good sound out of a wooden flute is to fully cover each hole with your finger pad, not just the tips of your fingers. This ensures the flute plays correctly.
To produce excellent flute sounds, make sure no air leaks by using the full pad of your finger to cover the hole completely, without sliding or just using the fingertip. It might be challenging at first, but consistent practice will make you proficient.
Positioning your finger on the 6th hole can be tricky since it’s farther from the 5th hole, often causing beginners to not fully cover it. Ensure your middle finger stays firm on the 5th hole as you reach for the 6th. If you have small fingers, opting for a smaller bamboo flute will make playing easier.
Step 7: Start Blowing the Flute
The key to playing a note is how you open your lips and blow air into the mouth hole. Start by focusing on creating a clear, ringing sound, directing the airstream right at the edge of the hole. Gradually adjust the force of your breath until you hit the note—remember, blowing too hard won’t help. Simply blow gently enough to produce a sonorous note.
At first, your tone might seem uncertain. However, regular practice will lead you to a clear and vibrant sound. Aim for a sound that’s both clear and full. Start by taking a deep breath and exhaling slightly for steady pressure. Before you know it, you’ll gain confidence in your tone and master playing multiple notes on the wooden flute.
Other Tips When Playing Wooden Flutes
Besides the previously mentioned steps for playing the wooden flute, picking up these extra tips will help you improve:
- Avoid attempting to cover the next hole until you have achieved a clear tone on the last hole. Failure to reach the next note may indicate that you have failed to cover entirely with your fingers one of the spots.
- Try to blow more softly onto the mouth hole if your flute went down or up in pitch.
- If you want to play the higher octave, try to pinch your lips tighter without making a whistling shape with your lips. Try to make a “phuuu” sound. Produce a bit more air pressure to make the note jump an octave.
- Don’t be impatient with yourself as you learn the rudiments of playing a wooden flute. Remember that nothing is achieved without sacrifice. So, it may take sometime before you get the hang of playing the wooden flute.