Oddly, I learned in grade school from age 8. My second year my grandfather bought me a Gmeinhard flute and I live in my low notes and low C was easy. I also have long fingers and on a piano can play a nine key span. Happily, my daughter started playing in school and became infinitely better than I ever was. It has such a beautiful variety of voices and passions you can choose from. They no longer teach music in grade schools and it’s so sad. My daughter and I both had beautiful tone , the flute itself was amazing!
Thanks a lot Jane, never did I realized that I had to press down the roller key for low C AND the key for C#/Db , always thought that it ONLY had to be the roller key ... what a difference! Awesome video, and to whomever may watch this video, please do go and take/watch the three video lessons on Embouchure, they REALLY do help !!! Thanks again Jane, God Bless
I just looked at my flute and although the C# key goes down while only pressing the C key, it doesn’t go all the way down unless you press down very hard on your pinky. At first I thought it was the C key that wasn’t closing all the way but sure enough it was the C# key. This should make things easier. Thanks a ton.
Thank you so much for this video. I could always play the low d, e etc. But never low c. Turns out, there was a leak. Your tips are so useful. Keep them up!
oh thank you so much for the video! it helped tremendously. i could play down to low D very easily with quite nice tone, but low C and B were being unstable. sometimes nice, sometimes mute. i never thought about the keys and my little finger, i only focused on my lips and wondered why... just a very slight crack open of the hole makes all the sound disappear! your video shed a whole new light! thank you so much!
Thanks for the tips! I've generally always been able to get out middle C with enough care, but my biggest issue is rapid changes needed in embouchure if you're doing a anything bigger than a Major 2nd jump that involves middle C/C4. I don't struggle with that in higher notes nearly as much, but I guess it just takes practice to get it right for the bottom of the flute's range!
Hi Dannie - yes the embouchure for the low C on the flute (which you rightly call middle C / C4!) is quite different to the higher notes. If you're squeezing for the higher notes, it definitely makes the jump down to low C more difficult. The more relaxed your embouchure is, the easier the jumping around. Good luck! PS. This "flexibility of embouchure" is exactly what I teach my students in The Flute Academy (www.flute.school/academy) - it's such a good skill to have to make playing smooth and musical! Good luck :)
Wow if the embouchure is not right, the low notes will not come out. So so true because I used to have a tight embouchure and getting that low b was so hard at first. I find that opening my jaw slightly with a more relaxed embouchure helps.
Thank u so much. I'm a beginner in flute an I've been struggling to play lower C. I just tried playing the C along with C# and it worked. Thank u again. Bye
Thank you from a sax player. Had half a dozen in person flute lessons, and still cant play low C. Then you pointed out the need to press the low C roller key in addition to the low C# key. Your tip cracked it on a borrowed Muramatsu flute I bought my daughter 35 years ago, and two new NUVO plastic flutes, albeit it is easier on the Muramatsu. Your videos are concise, sensible, reasoned and practical. Thank you. Great teacher
Charles - I do like being "concise, sensible, reasoned and practical". Thank you for the complimentary feedback!! Great to hear that your low C is easier too :)
Good luck on your flute playing journey! How exciting that you've just started! Here's the link to my free tiny course on tone to help you get started! flute.school/free 😊
Thank you so much! This was driving me nuts because I could play C# just fine, go to C and nothing would come out. Figured out it was my fingering problem by not adequately pushing down on not just the rolly key!!
i’m a 6th grade flute player that’s been playing since October of last year and i’m first chair, my band director wants me to learn new scales for all region so i’m ready for next year and i just could not get low c ! (i’m practicing by myself) but ive realized it was the way my right hand was placed! thank you so much for this help :)
Technical question, if you don't mind. I'm primarily a clarinetist who dabbles with flute a bit. Lately I've been dabbling a lot more -- since my 12 year old niece has taken up the flute, and to keep her interested during lockdowns, I dusted off my flute so we could play duets. On clarinet the lowest four notes are activated by the little finger of the right hand: G#, F#, F, and E -- corresponding to the little finger RH notes of the flute: D#, C#, C, and B. Slightly different physical layout, but quite similar really. So far, so good. However, on the clarinet there are also alternate fingerings for three of those notes, activated by the LEFT hand little finger: F#, F, and E. This makes it possible to go smoothly and quickly from, say, a low F to a low F# by using alternate pinkies for the passage. There is no comparable easy way to go from low C to low C# on the flute, since both notes have one, and only one fingering, and that involves the same finger. And I've always wondered WHY flutes don't have alternate LH keys available for these notes, like the clarinet, at least as an option? I can understand that putting all three alternates on the flute would increase the complexity of the mechanism and add some weight. But adding two, or even just one extra alternate key would facilitate a number of passages that are virtually unplayable on the standard flute. For example: a Low C-C# trill; low C#-D# trill, a smooth, rapid low C-C#-D# run -- would all become possible with the addition of a single alternate key for the low C#, activated by the LH pinkie. Are there flutes that offer such additional keys as an option? Or is it just something that's "not done", and if not why not? Thanks in advance. (Love your videos -- I've been sending links to them to my niece, all summer.)
Oscar, thank you so much for your comprehensive reply! I didn't know you could get an A foot, so that's fascinating! And Fartwrangler (is your RUclips name in reference to the instruments you play??!) - that is such an excellent point. As a clarinettist, you have a perspective on alternate fingerings that flute players (and likely flute makers) just don't really consider to be top priority. A low C# to D# trill key would indeed be handy! But I doubt I would have ever need to use it (but would be fun to have of course). So the reason for the lack of low fingering alternate fingerings, I believe is because those low notes are really not what a flute is mostly used for in orchestras and bands. We rarely need to do anything too fancy down low, purely because it won't be heard in an orchestra - we're more specialists of dexterity in the mid-high note range. So your question of alternate fingerings for that range is a very good one! I don't really know why! However, the extra weight of the extra keywork would certainly add to a downside of having alternate fingerings. Great question - thanks! Jane
I’m a 14 year old band student going into HighSchool when school starts on the 17th (I think) and that note was the only note I struggled to play on my flute, thanks so much for the tips, it made me so happy once I could finally play it.
Im glad I found this video, I have been struggling playing from low F to C. I can play F and E, but its not consistent sometimes i can play it sometimes im having a hard time. I can play the low D when I play F E and D slurred but when i try to play it as a single note, I cant really get it. For low C I cant really get any sound so I was doubting if there was a problem with my flute (because it's just cheap) or it was just my embouchure. Thanks to this I can finally find out whats the real problem
Thank you so much for creating this ! this is such a great video ! I have a Eastar Closed Hole Flute that I purchased from Amazon for 160 CAD. I had a hard time playing the note and was complaining about the quality of the flute. But turns out I was just not applying the right amount of pressure with my pinky ! And there is nothing wrong with the flute !
Good one Jane. The first time I've seen someone detail this issue. This tells me , if it's not the flute leaking then you can figure out what you're goofing with your finger and if it's not that then you just focus on the embessure.
Since years...! Since years! ... I try to play the low C, but without success. I had several teachers and NO ONE told me to press both keys. I can't believe it. It is soo easy!!! Thank you very very much.
Thank you very much Jane for your help today. Not being sure if I am the problem I did not want to waste a 2hr drive and pay $80 for an hour bench time for something I can probably do myself if the problem is not my hands or embouchure. From my own inspection of the instrument I am going to go with your suggestions. Thanks.
I live in Melbourne, and I play violin and the flute. But the flute I can’t get the low C to E very fast. If I do it slow, I make a sound when ur fingers land at different times. So can u make a video about it? It’s ok if u don’t make one :D.
Jackio! That is a great video to make. There is definitely an answer to this, so I will do a video in the coming few weeks and add it to RUclips. To be notified of when it comes out, make sure you're on my email list here: www.flute.school Thanks for the prompt! jane
Thanks Curt! If you're interested in further advice, you're welcome to join me in my free flute mini course on tone. Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free
Thanks for the help, it really helped me, I was trying to do a scale from Low C And to C Natural and back down and I noticed i had to press BOTH roll keys at the end for it to come out. Thank you very much for the help! 🙂👍
Thank you so much I had developed a habit of placing my pinky only on the roller key and I hadn’t played a middle c for quite a while! This really helped!
Thank you! Have started playing my flute again for the first time in years and years. Used to be able to play that low c. Now struggling. Your video drew my attention to the fact that the pad for that final key is a bit leaky. Will get that fixed. AND make use of your embouchure tutorial. Much appreciated. : )
That's awesome to hear Alex! 😊 If you'd like to learn more from me, here's the link to my free 3 day mini course on tone. Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free
thankss! i can finally able to finger low c i thought my flute has a problem but it turns out it was my pinky finger i still had to learn it tho its kinda hard and it hurts my pinky finger :')
I've been playing for 2 months and can play low C to 2nd octave G with reasonably good tone. I find warming up first with Trevor Wye's Part 1 beginner book helpful, then 10 minutes in after the flute is warmed up pull the head joint out a bit to tune it. My house is room temperature so I don't need to worry too much with drastic pitch changes. How I got to a better low C in a month and a half of playing from 0 flute experience at all was getting Trevor Wye's 6-part spiral bound Practice Book. There is an excellent exercise in there for Low Register tone practice. He doesn't even introduce low C in his beginner books till the part 2 book, so if you want an early start at hitting it early I recommend his practice book and focus on tone development. I will say though that you work up to it. Don't go straight to playing that note from the start. Focus on your 1st octave notes going up to second octave D down to 1st octave D. Take your time with these notes. Try to get good tone with them. Just experiment on getting a good embouchure first with these notes. What I like to do to warm up is get the full scope of the notes by going from C# down to the low C slowly to see if I can get there. Find out where you begin to struggle. If you struggle at Low D or E flat then work on these notes along with your other notes. There is no rush. However with me I'm a bit impulsive so I pushed myself hard to work on those tone exercises. I really wanted that low C. If you want something enough and are willing to put in the effort through smart practice you will get there. Also don't buy into long practice sessions if your not ready. If your hands hurt, or mouth is sore then you have to focus on your next practice sessions to correct those problems. Your mouth should be relaxed to play most notes on the flute. The pouting lips I found are where its at. Don't smile ever while blowing in else you change the pitch more sharper. You also need to be economical with your air. More air is not better. My high notes from 2nd octave A and up though I need to work on but I know I will get there but it will take time, smart practice and patience. On a side note though I'm seriously considering taking your courses Jane in the future when I become more advanced to fine tune my playing. Just because you think you know something and have all the right suggested method books doesn't replace learning by example.
What a great comment - thank you! And yes, many players think they should be able to play the lowest note on the flute, but like you said, it's not a beginner note. Jane
Hi Leo, 😀 Check out this interactive flute fingering chart from Tomplay. Here's the link for your convenience. tomplay.com/fingering-charts/flute?ref=janecavanagh
I have just listened to part one. Absolutely brilliant. I am 74 and I play flute. I am an amateur but enjoy the flute very much. My problem is I have no bottom teeth. I played since kid but I lost the teeth 6 years ago. I recently started to play again and have been practicing to get the muscles strong enough to hit the high notes. I can hit bottom C and bottom B probably on a B foothoint . My question .. will my lack of bottom teeth affect my tone.? Because my tone isn't what it should be. Is it because of the lack of support on the lip plate? Great video. Thanks a bunch. 😊😊😊😊
Sorry to hear about your teeth! You will still be able to play flute well! You might need to slightly adjust the position of the lip plate on your face to find a spot that would work better for you. Check out my free tiny course on tone to help you get started. 😊www.flute.school/free
Wow what a great video. RUclips decided all on its own that I should play the flute. Shame I don’t own one. Your video style is excellent. Maybe I’m a little biased as my accent is the same as yours. :) Thanks!
@@JaneFluteSchool I mucked around with a Penny Whistle years ago playing tunes by ear. I was living by myself then so no one to annoy :) I just watched an old Q and A of yours an got some more knowledge from that. It was probably the first one you decided not to edit. Your so natural looking straight at the camera. I have a hard time with that. I’m going to build a very large pvc wind instrument just for fun. Let’s see what comes out. ;)
I can play low C but it doesn't have a lot of power. Same for D. If a song ends in a powerful low note, it doesn't sound as good on my flute as it would, say, on a Low Whistle. Definitely not a beginner's note. Very nice tutorial!
Thanks Dan. Yay, I'm glad you can appreciate that low C is not a beginners note :) Try and relax for those lower notes to eventually be able to get a more powerful sound. Good luck with your playing!
Oh no! If you've got a face to face teacher, maybe let them have a go and see if they can work out the problem, otherwise you might need to get it serviced if it is still not working. I hope your concert goes well! 😀
Hi Jane - I find it easier to play the low C# than the low C because only the C# key needs to be pressed down avoiding the roller C key altogether. For me, depending on the music, I'll play a middle C in lieu of the low C if the melody isn’t affected. BTW: 0:43 Isn't the lowest note on the flute, the B below middle C for those who have a concert flute with a B foot joint? Happy fluting! 😉
Thanks Christopher for your reply. And yes, you are right - if you have a B foot, then B is the lowest note for you! Most student flutes have a C foot, so I tend to talk about that being the lowest note. I use a C foot because I prefer the weight distribution more than a B foot. Jane :)
. . . _(Updated 6/17/2024)_ *Additional tips for playing Low C:* (1) More side effects of stretching your pinky: As Jane pointed out, touching your D# key will kill your Low C note. Additionally, touching any of the trill keys with the side of any finger, or pulling one of your fingers slightly so that it makes a hole leak, will also kill your Low C note. If you continue to struggle with these problems, there are two mechanical remedies that will help. (1) Put a flute-hole plug in the F-key hole (if you have an open-hole flute). You will rarely have a need for that hole to be open. (2) Let a flute mechanic bend the offending trill key ever so slightly away from the finger that is accidently touching it. That only takes a few seconds to do, so it will not cost much. (2) If you are able to play Low C, but it takes a while for the note to ramp up, try fingering the Low C, and, just as you start to blow, slap the F key. This will sharpen your attack (and, somehow, train your embouchure). (3) If you have a B footjoint, Jane's tips also apply to playing a Low B. All _three_ pinky keys need to be pressed down -- your C# key, your C roller and your B roller (if you have one). Be careful not to touch your _gizmo_ (a tiny little key just to the right of those three keys, which is used only for a fourth-octave extra-high C note). (4) To further train your embouchure, try playing two adjacent long tones in a row, gradually increasing your volume in the second note of each pair. D#→D, D→C#, C#→C. Make sure that you start with a note that you can play easily and with good tone. Then work your way down. There are other exercises like this in the _Trevor Wye Practice Book for the Flute, Book 1._
Hi jen - I'll add that to my list of videos to record. A "low notes" video! Often it's your embouchure that needs a little bit of tweaking to get low notes properly. Try this free mini-course if you haven't already www.flute.school/free Jane :)
Hi! I've watched this video a couple weeks ago and tried adjusting stuff, but i still have trouble with the lower notes. It's always C and D and sometimes even E and F. What I've noticed is that all the notes come out well when I start my practice sessions and refuse to a couple minutes in. So, my question is: can the temperature of the flute influence the quality of the notes? The upper half of my flute will turn warm while the lower half stays cool, so I've tried blowing air in from the bottom to warm it up, but it never gets quiet as warm as the upper half. I have yet to find anyone mention it in tutorial videos so I assumed it wasn't a thing. Please help 😭
Hi there! 😀 I have never blown hot air through my flute through the other end, so no need to do this. You might need to book your flute in for a service. It sounds like you may have a leaky key or two if you're finding the notes are sometimes not coming out right. Temperature can effect your tone and make some notes harder to play although they should still be able to come out. I hope you're able to get your flute looked at soon.
For low C, using a gentle airstream is vital. Yes using your tummy muscles is very helpful for flute playing. Inside The Flute Academy I go into great detail discussing proper breathing technique. Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/academy 😀
If I may, using the abs, along, of course, with proper breathing, is really quite essential for playing all wind instruments. Or do you know of any other muscle to control air flow.@@JaneFluteSchool
Hi Jane, far be it from me to question you, and I love your content, but on my flute I don’t need to press down the roller AND the C# key at the same time. My roller has a connector the presses the C# key down automatically. I only have a Yamaha YFL 272SL student flute (quite a recent release from the ever faithful 211 and 271). I’m wondering if older flutes don’t have this? Cheers.
Hi Chris :) Thanks for your comment. It's good to hear that you have a good (newer model) flute that has an excellently designed low C key by the sounds of it! So, yes, you're fine to just press the C key roller. The only slight problem is if you are using the tip of your right pinky to press the C key, it will be hard to move smoothly from the D# key to the C key. That's why it's a good idea to use a flat right hand pinky to play the low C (meaning you'll pretty much be pressing the C# key too) and you can go from a curved pinky on D# to a straight pinky for C, and the transition is easier than if you using a curved pinky (the tip of your pinky) for just the C roller key. Oof! I hope that makes sense! I do a Flute Q&A video once a month (the next ones on 5th January). Let me know if you'd like me to add your question to the Q&A!
Is this for when you're playing low C? Make sure the low pads are sealing well. You might be playing whistle tones accidentally if the unwanted sounds are really soft. 😀
Before I was having problem with high notes now once I reached high notes my problem would be getting an even low notes it would always come up first low then suddenly ot would shift unconsciously on high notes makes it so crazy >.
I have been struggling to play a low C for months and months. No sound coming out at all. Watched this video, picked up my flute and played a good strong low C. Thank you so much. I was on the verge of giving up!
Hi, Jane! I have a question. Is it possible to get a lower B on a C foot flute or a lower A on a B foot flute? I saw some flute sheet music that showed a low A in the lowest octave which I didn't think was possible. It may have been written by someone who doesn't know the proper range for flute though. Here is the piece: musescore.com/kxren/scores/3507706 I mean it's possible that it's an error, lol!
Hi Olive, great question! Yes, often when you see amateur arrangements of flute music that go down too low, the arranger just didn't realise that the normal concert flute only goes down to C (and to a B if you have a B foot). And Oscar is totally right about the 8va bracket. Thanks Oscar!
Ha! Yes I have! I've playing both alto and bass flute. It's REALLY hard to get the low C when the flute isn't working probably - yikes! If the flute is working fine (use the test in this video!), try really relaxing your embouchure for low C - it should help you get the note out. Jane xx
Hmm that's odd Kiera - see if you can have a professional check and see if your flute is working properly. It sounds like it's not you, since you can play the low C :)
I can MAKE the sound, but it’s so soft and barely any resonance... any tips on how to make it louder and more resonant? Every other low note I can make a beautiful sound on. But low C? Almost impossible, lol
Hi Madeleine - thanks for the comment! Low C is notorious on the flute for being harder than the other lower notes. Just try and stay as relaxed as you can and try not to force it to come out (because that will make it worse). Good luck!
Yes Claire! If you low C is soft, you most likely have quite a big hole in your mouth. Try making it a tiny bit smaller, and seeing if your sound improves. Then get used to it for a few days, and try and make it a little smaller again, and so on. Good luck!
@@JaneFluteSchool I've been practicing daily and I've got a lot better at it now (still not perfect but working on it) thank you so much for your advice 😁
Oddly, I learned in grade school from age 8. My second year my grandfather bought me a Gmeinhard flute and I live in my low notes and low C was easy. I also have long fingers and on a piano can play a nine key span. Happily, my daughter started playing in school and became infinitely better than I ever was. It has such a beautiful variety of voices and passions you can choose from. They no longer teach music in grade schools and it’s so sad. My daughter and I both had beautiful tone , the flute itself was amazing!
That's awesome to hear you learned flute when you were younger! Hopefully you can get back into your flute playing! 😊
My second flute was a Gemeinhardt open hole b-foot. A surprise Christmas present from my mom when I was in 11th grade. I absolutely loved it.
Thanks a lot Jane, never did I realized that I had to press down the roller key for low C AND the key for C#/Db , always thought that it ONLY had to be the roller key ... what a difference!
Awesome video, and to whomever may watch this video, please do go and take/watch the three video lessons on Embouchure, they REALLY do help !!!
Thanks again Jane, God Bless
So nice of you Jorge! And glad the video helped you get low C! Jane
What flute model do you have ? I don’t need to do this on mine. Interesting.
I just looked at my flute and although the C# key goes down while only pressing the C key, it doesn’t go all the way down unless you press down very hard on your pinky. At first I thought it was the C key that wasn’t closing all the way but sure enough it was the C# key. This should make things easier. Thanks a ton.
Thank you so much for this video. I could always play the low d, e etc. But never low c. Turns out, there was a leak. Your tips are so useful. Keep them up!
So glad it helped Oscar! Hopefully you can get your leaky key fixed soon so you'll be able to nail those low Cs! 😀
oh thank you so much for the video! it helped tremendously. i could play down to low D very easily with quite nice tone, but low C and B were being unstable. sometimes nice, sometimes mute. i never thought about the keys and my little finger, i only focused on my lips and wondered why... just a very slight crack open of the hole makes all the sound disappear! your video shed a whole new light! thank you so much!
Oh that's just GREAT to hear cc!
I have an intermediate flute and was playing low b the whole time lol thank you for showing the correct fingering
That's good to hear you've fixed it! Jane
Thanks for the tips! I've generally always been able to get out middle C with enough care, but my biggest issue is rapid changes needed in embouchure if you're doing a anything bigger than a Major 2nd jump that involves middle C/C4. I don't struggle with that in higher notes nearly as much, but I guess it just takes practice to get it right for the bottom of the flute's range!
Hi Dannie - yes the embouchure for the low C on the flute (which you rightly call middle C / C4!) is quite different to the higher notes. If you're squeezing for the higher notes, it definitely makes the jump down to low C more difficult. The more relaxed your embouchure is, the easier the jumping around. Good luck! PS. This "flexibility of embouchure" is exactly what I teach my students in The Flute Academy (www.flute.school/academy) - it's such a good skill to have to make playing smooth and musical! Good luck :)
Wow if the embouchure is not right, the low notes will not come out. So so true because I used to have a tight embouchure and getting that low b was so hard at first. I find that opening my jaw slightly with a more relaxed embouchure helps.
Thank you! When I found out I’d have to play this in band tryouts I panicked.
You're welcome! Hope the band tryouts went well! :) Jane
I’ve literally had so much trouble play this note and know I can play it thanks so much this helps so much
Oh that's fantastic to hear Ale. Good on you!
thank you im a beginner and needed this for a song
Great Joshua! I'm glad it helped you :)
Thank u so much. I'm a beginner in flute an I've been struggling to play lower C. I just tried playing the C along with C# and it worked. Thank u again. Bye
That's so great to hear Ialit!! Good on you :)
@@JaneFluteSchool 🤗
Thank you from a sax player. Had half a dozen in person flute lessons, and still cant play low C. Then you pointed out the need to press the low C roller key in addition to the low C# key. Your tip cracked it on a borrowed Muramatsu flute I bought my daughter 35 years ago, and two new NUVO plastic flutes, albeit it is easier on the Muramatsu.
Your videos are concise, sensible, reasoned and practical. Thank you.
Great teacher
Charles - I do like being "concise, sensible, reasoned and practical". Thank you for the complimentary feedback!! Great to hear that your low C is easier too :)
Brilliant - this is precisely the problem I've had since taking it up three days ago!!!😊
Good luck on your flute playing journey! How exciting that you've just started! Here's the link to my free tiny course on tone to help you get started! flute.school/free 😊
Thank you so much! This was driving me nuts because I could play C# just fine, go to C and nothing would come out. Figured out it was my fingering problem by not adequately pushing down on not just the rolly key!!
Glad to hear my video helped you to achieve the low C natural! 😀
Thanks Jane. I always have a problem with Low C. Good stuff. 😍👍
Thanks Steve - I hope the video helped! :) Jane
Omg thank you so so so so much!!!!! I was having such a hard time and now I’ve got it ❤️
So glad to hear this video helped you! 😀
im 12 and its my lil finger problem and finally founda video worth for my lil tiny finger xd tysm for doing this
Glad it helped you with your right hand pinky finger! 😊
I feel so dumb 😂 I’m self taught and I never knew you needed to press both keys with your pinky. At least now low c comes out easy!
Hi Glenn,
Glad to hear the low C comes out a lot easier using this fingering! 😀
i’m a 6th grade flute player that’s been playing since October of last year and i’m first chair, my band director wants me to learn new scales for all region so i’m ready for next year and i just could not get low c ! (i’m practicing by myself) but ive realized it was the way my right hand was placed! thank you so much for this help :)
That's so awesome to hear that you've fixed your low C right away! Good on you :) Jane
Thank you so much!!! I can finally play my Allstate chromatic because of you!! THANK YOU DO MUCH!!
Yay glad I could help! 😊
Hi.. i decide to learn flute since last month glad to find this video.. cz yeah its to hard to play low C on the flute until now 😢
I'm glad you found the video too Noya! Hope your low C's are sounding good now :)
Technical question, if you don't mind.
I'm primarily a clarinetist who dabbles with flute a bit. Lately I've been dabbling a lot more -- since my 12 year old niece has taken up the flute, and to keep her interested during lockdowns, I dusted off my flute so we could play duets.
On clarinet the lowest four notes are activated by the little finger of the right hand: G#, F#, F, and E -- corresponding to the little finger RH notes of the flute: D#, C#, C, and B. Slightly different physical layout, but quite similar really. So far, so good.
However, on the clarinet there are also alternate fingerings for three of those notes, activated by the LEFT hand little finger: F#, F, and E. This makes it possible to go smoothly and quickly from, say, a low F to a low F# by using alternate pinkies for the passage.
There is no comparable easy way to go from low C to low C# on the flute, since both notes have one, and only one fingering, and that involves the same finger.
And I've always wondered WHY flutes don't have alternate LH keys available for these notes, like the clarinet, at least as an option?
I can understand that putting all three alternates on the flute would increase the complexity of the mechanism and add some weight. But adding two, or even just one extra alternate key would facilitate a number of passages that are virtually unplayable on the standard flute.
For example: a Low C-C# trill; low C#-D# trill, a smooth, rapid low C-C#-D# run -- would all become possible with the addition of a single alternate key for the low C#, activated by the LH pinkie.
Are there flutes that offer such additional keys as an option?
Or is it just something that's "not done", and if not why not?
Thanks in advance.
(Love your videos -- I've been sending links to them to my niece, all summer.)
Oscar, thank you so much for your comprehensive reply! I didn't know you could get an A foot, so that's fascinating!
And Fartwrangler (is your RUclips name in reference to the instruments you play??!) - that is such an excellent point. As a clarinettist, you have a perspective on alternate fingerings that flute players (and likely flute makers) just don't really consider to be top priority. A low C# to D# trill key would indeed be handy! But I doubt I would have ever need to use it (but would be fun to have of course).
So the reason for the lack of low fingering alternate fingerings, I believe is because those low notes are really not what a flute is mostly used for in orchestras and bands. We rarely need to do anything too fancy down low, purely because it won't be heard in an orchestra - we're more specialists of dexterity in the mid-high note range. So your question of alternate fingerings for that range is a very good one! I don't really know why! However, the extra weight of the extra keywork would certainly add to a downside of having alternate fingerings.
Great question - thanks!
Jane
I’m a 14 year old band student going into HighSchool when school starts on the 17th (I think) and that note was the only note I struggled to play on my flute, thanks so much for the tips, it made me so happy once I could finally play it.
You're very welcome! All the best for going into high school! 😊
Bless you! I can now play "Mary, Did You Know" in the low range, which is beautiful!
That's so great to hear Allison! I'm glad it helped you play your piece :)
Im glad I found this video, I have been struggling playing from low F to C. I can play F and E, but its not consistent sometimes i can play it sometimes im having a hard time. I can play the low D when I play F E and D slurred but when i try to play it as a single note, I cant really get it. For low C I cant really get any sound so I was doubting if there was a problem with my flute (because it's just cheap) or it was just my embouchure. Thanks to this I can finally find out whats the real problem
Glad I was able to help! 😊
Thank you, Jane.
You're very welcome! 😊
@@JaneFluteSchool 😊
I can get to C sharp but I've really struggling with C natural, this video was very helpful
Hey Ruushii that's great to hear that the video helped you with your C!
Thank you so much. I can now finally get the low C!!!
That is awesome to hear Ayden - good on you!
Thank you so much for this video, it helped a LOT! I always figured I could just press the roller key because it would cover both holes!
Glad you enjoyed the video and that it helped a lot! 😀
THANK U SOOOOO MUCH, so the problem for me was that I was pressing it the wrong way all the time 😅 now I can perfectly blow low C
Oh that's fantastic to hear that it helped you. Well done!
Thanks so much!
You're very welcome! 😀
I once taught one lesson to a girl who transferred from violin to flute and she thought that we would learn middle c first.
That's interesting!
I watched three videos. This one helped. Thx! :D
That's great to hear Fusuy!
Thank you so much for creating this ! this is such a great video ! I have a Eastar Closed Hole Flute that I purchased from Amazon for 160 CAD. I had a hard time playing the note and was complaining about the quality of the flute. But turns out I was just not applying the right amount of pressure with my pinky ! And there is nothing wrong with the flute !
Glad to hear there is no issue with your flute! Woohoo! 😊
The finger thing did it! Thanks!!
Awesome Katelyn! Glad it worked!
Good one Jane. The first time I've seen someone detail this issue. This tells me , if it's not the flute leaking then you can figure out what you're goofing with your finger and if it's not that then you just focus on the embessure.
Yes exactly Rand! :)
Since years...!
Since years! ... I try to play the low C, but without success. I had several teachers and NO ONE told me to press both keys.
I can't believe it. It is soo easy!!!
Thank you very very much.
Oh I LOVED your comment Anath! Thanks for adding it. And congratulations on your low C! Jane
God bless you my dear sister ❤️
Thank you! 😊
Thank you very much Jane for your help today. Not being sure if I am the problem I did not want to waste a 2hr drive and pay $80 for an hour bench time for something I can probably do myself if the problem is not my hands or embouchure. From my own inspection of the instrument I am going to go with your suggestions. Thanks.
Fantastic Franko! Hope it helped and hope that I saved you $80!
I live in Melbourne, and I play violin and the flute. But the flute I can’t get the low C to E very fast. If I do it slow, I make a sound when ur fingers land at different times. So can u make a video about it? It’s ok if u don’t make one :D.
Jackio! That is a great video to make. There is definitely an answer to this, so I will do a video in the coming few weeks and add it to RUclips. To be notified of when it comes out, make sure you're on my email list here: www.flute.school
Thanks for the prompt! jane
I am glad to come across your channel, this is so helpful. It took five minutes for me to realize my mistake, thank you! 🤗
That's fantastic to hear Gok. And well done to you!
Great advice....thanx so much!
Thanks Curt! If you're interested in further advice, you're welcome to join me in my free flute mini course on tone.
Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free
Thanks for the help, it really helped me, I was trying to do a scale from Low C And to C Natural and back down and I noticed i had to press BOTH roll keys at the end for it to come out.
Thank you very much for the help! 🙂👍
Glad the video was helpful! You're very welcome! 😊
Thank you so much I had developed a habit of placing my pinky only on the roller key and I hadn’t played a middle c for quite a while! This really helped!
That's great to hear that this helped your low C soup!
Thank you! Have started playing my flute again for the first time in years and years. Used to be able to play that low c. Now struggling. Your video drew my attention to the fact that the pad for that final key is a bit leaky. Will get that fixed. AND make use of your embouchure tutorial. Much appreciated. : )
Oh that's great to hear Kathy that the video helped! I hope your flute is all fixed now :)
Wow, I'm amazed that it was that simple. I just need to hold my pinky down a little more and boom!, I hear the C. Thank you :)
Yay! Good on you Sarah!!
Thank you. Those are very simple things and got me on the right path... yeah, it seems the "pinly factor" is at play here :-)
That's awesome to hear Alex! 😊
If you'd like to learn more from me, here's the link to my free 3 day mini course on tone.
Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/free
Thank you soo much! This helped me with my competition piece a lot!
Fantastic to hear zy! I hope you did well in your competition!!
This is gonna help a lot.
thankss! i can finally able to finger low c i thought my flute has a problem but it turns out it was my pinky finger i still had to learn it tho its kinda hard and it hurts my pinky finger :')
You can turn your foot joint a bit more towards you to help your right hand pinky finger reach these keys better. 😀
ive been struggling on low c for almost 4 years and NOBODY told me to jsut press down both pinky keys 😭, this helped so much tho thank you
Glad I could help! 😊
I am seriously only learning this note because my dad wants me to play the Oscar Mayer jingle
Good for you! I had to Google the Oscar Mayer jingle because I don't know it. Now I do! Good luck :) Hope your dad appreciates your efforts!
So it’s my embrasure 🤣. Thank you so much for the tip! I’m brand new and I was getting so frustrated!
You are so welcome Julie! Glad it helped you!
I can slur the C note but its really hard to tongue it, I can also play the B (b foot joint) but hard to get a good attack
Keep working on it Rod! That's cool you have a B foot flute! 😀
The first time, I take the flute in my hands 2 hours ago and immediately can't produce low C ..... Thank You !!!
You're welcome Tran! Glad it helped. Jane
I've been playing for 2 months and can play low C to 2nd octave G with reasonably good tone. I find warming up first with Trevor Wye's Part 1 beginner book helpful, then 10 minutes in after the flute is warmed up pull the head joint out a bit to tune it. My house is room temperature so I don't need to worry too much with drastic pitch changes. How I got to a better low C in a month and a half of playing from 0 flute experience at all was getting Trevor Wye's 6-part spiral bound Practice Book. There is an excellent exercise in there for Low Register tone practice. He doesn't even introduce low C in his beginner books till the part 2 book, so if you want an early start at hitting it early I recommend his practice book and focus on tone development. I will say though that you work up to it. Don't go straight to playing that note from the start. Focus on your 1st octave notes going up to second octave D down to 1st octave D. Take your time with these notes. Try to get good tone with them. Just experiment on getting a good embouchure first with these notes. What I like to do to warm up is get the full scope of the notes by going from C# down to the low C slowly to see if I can get there. Find out where you begin to struggle. If you struggle at Low D or E flat then work on these notes along with your other notes. There is no rush. However with me I'm a bit impulsive so I pushed myself hard to work on those tone exercises. I really wanted that low C. If you want something enough and are willing to put in the effort through smart practice you will get there. Also don't buy into long practice sessions if your not ready. If your hands hurt, or mouth is sore then you have to focus on your next practice sessions to correct those problems. Your mouth should be relaxed to play most notes on the flute. The pouting lips I found are where its at. Don't smile ever while blowing in else you change the pitch more sharper. You also need to be economical with your air. More air is not better. My high notes from 2nd octave A and up though I need to work on but I know I will get there but it will take time, smart practice and patience. On a side note though I'm seriously considering taking your courses Jane in the future when I become more advanced to fine tune my playing. Just because you think you know something and have all the right suggested method books doesn't replace learning by example.
What a great comment - thank you! And yes, many players think they should be able to play the lowest note on the flute, but like you said, it's not a beginner note. Jane
That helped so much wow
That's great to hear Nina! Hope your low C's are sounding better now :)
This is super useful! Can finally play low C 😂
Glad to hear PaulineeeL!!
I wish you zoom your finger position.
I could only see very little. Thanks
Hi Leo, 😀
Check out this interactive flute fingering chart from Tomplay.
Here's the link for your convenience. tomplay.com/fingering-charts/flute?ref=janecavanagh
I have just listened to part one. Absolutely brilliant. I am 74 and I play flute. I am an amateur but enjoy the flute very much. My problem is I have no bottom teeth. I played since kid but I lost the teeth 6 years ago. I recently started to play again and have been practicing to get the muscles strong enough to hit the high notes. I can hit bottom C and bottom B probably on a B foothoint . My question .. will my lack of bottom teeth affect my tone.? Because my tone isn't what it should be. Is it because of the lack of support on the lip plate? Great video. Thanks a bunch. 😊😊😊😊
Sorry to hear about your teeth! You will still be able to play flute well! You might need to slightly adjust the position of the lip plate on your face to find a spot that would work better for you. Check out my free tiny course on tone to help you get started. 😊www.flute.school/free
Wow I wish I would've found this earlier. Definitely giving this a thumbs up cos this video just made my playing better in like 3 mins xD
Wooo! That's fantastic to hear Elisabeth - well done!
Thank u so much this helped a LOT 🤗🤗🤗
I'm so glad Donna! That's great to hear :)
For me, it's my little finger. It can't reach all the way to the key. My hands are small.
You might need to adjust the position of your foot joint if you're struggling to reach those keys. I hope this helps! 😊
Wow what a great video. RUclips decided all on its own that I should play the flute.
Shame I don’t own one. Your video style is excellent. Maybe I’m a little biased as my accent is the same as yours. :)
Thanks!
Aww thanks so much Davo for your lovely comment! 😊
Maybe it is a sign you should play the flute 😂
@@JaneFluteSchool
I mucked around with a Penny Whistle years ago playing tunes by ear.
I was living by myself then so no one to annoy :)
I just watched an old Q and A of yours an got some more knowledge from that. It was probably the first one you decided not to edit.
Your so natural looking straight at the camera. I have a hard time with that.
I’m going to build a very large pvc wind instrument just for fun. Let’s see what comes out. ;)
I can play low C but it doesn't have a lot of power. Same for D. If a song ends in a powerful low note, it doesn't sound as good on my flute as it would, say, on a Low Whistle. Definitely not a beginner's note. Very nice tutorial!
Thanks Dan. Yay, I'm glad you can appreciate that low C is not a beginners note :) Try and relax for those lower notes to eventually be able to get a more powerful sound. Good luck with your playing!
It still doesnt work…I need to play this for a concert in less than a month 😅😅😅😅
Oh no! If you've got a face to face teacher, maybe let them have a go and see if they can work out the problem, otherwise you might need to get it serviced if it is still not working. I hope your concert goes well! 😀
Hi Jane - I find it easier to play the low C# than the low C because only the C# key needs to be pressed down avoiding the roller C key altogether. For me, depending on the music, I'll play a middle C in lieu of the low C if the melody isn’t affected.
BTW: 0:43 Isn't the lowest note on the flute, the B below middle C for those who have a concert flute with a B foot joint? Happy fluting! 😉
Thanks Christopher for your reply. And yes, you are right - if you have a B foot, then B is the lowest note for you! Most student flutes have a C foot, so I tend to talk about that being the lowest note. I use a C foot because I prefer the weight distribution more than a B foot. Jane :)
@@JaneFluteSchool :):)
Thank you so much!
You're welcome!
. . . _(Updated 6/17/2024)_
*Additional tips for playing Low C:*
(1) More side effects of stretching your pinky: As Jane pointed out, touching your D# key will kill your Low C note. Additionally, touching any of the trill keys with the side of any finger, or pulling one of your fingers slightly so that it makes a hole leak, will also kill your Low C note.
If you continue to struggle with these problems, there are two mechanical remedies that will help. (1) Put a flute-hole plug in the F-key hole (if you have an open-hole flute). You will rarely have a need for that hole to be open. (2) Let a flute mechanic bend the offending trill key ever so slightly away from the finger that is accidently touching it. That only takes a few seconds to do, so it will not cost much.
(2) If you are able to play Low C, but it takes a while for the note to ramp up, try fingering the Low C, and, just as you start to blow, slap the F key. This will sharpen your attack (and, somehow, train your embouchure).
(3) If you have a B footjoint, Jane's tips also apply to playing a Low B. All _three_ pinky keys need to be pressed down -- your C# key, your C roller and your B roller (if you have one). Be careful not to touch your _gizmo_ (a tiny little key just to the right of those three keys, which is used only for a fourth-octave extra-high C note).
(4) To further train your embouchure, try playing two adjacent long tones in a row, gradually increasing your volume in the second note of each pair. D#→D, D→C#, C#→C. Make sure that you start with a note that you can play easily and with good tone. Then work your way down. There are other exercises like this in the _Trevor Wye Practice Book for the Flute, Book 1._
Wow such great tips David! Thanks for sharing them with us! 😀
can you also show how to properly play E,F, and D. there are times that they do not easily sound correct to me.
Hi jen - I'll add that to my list of videos to record. A "low notes" video! Often it's your embouchure that needs a little bit of tweaking to get low notes properly. Try this free mini-course if you haven't already www.flute.school/free Jane :)
My wife;s flute is longer. It was her pinky she said she used to have shorter like yours so what kind of flute is yours if you dont mind.
Hi RG,
I play on a flute that has a C foot joint. 😊
Hi! I've watched this video a couple weeks ago and tried adjusting stuff, but i still have trouble with the lower notes. It's always C and D and sometimes even E and F. What I've noticed is that all the notes come out well when I start my practice sessions and refuse to a couple minutes in. So, my question is: can the temperature of the flute influence the quality of the notes? The upper half of my flute will turn warm while the lower half stays cool, so I've tried blowing air in from the bottom to warm it up, but it never gets quiet as warm as the upper half. I have yet to find anyone mention it in tutorial videos so I assumed it wasn't a thing. Please help 😭
Hi there! 😀
I have never blown hot air through my flute through the other end, so no need to do this. You might need to book your flute in for a service. It sounds like you may have a leaky key or two if you're finding the notes are sometimes not coming out right.
Temperature can effect your tone and make some notes harder to play although they should still be able to come out. I hope you're able to get your flute looked at soon.
What about breathing properly? Controlling air pressure using abdominal muscles?
For low C, using a gentle airstream is vital. Yes using your tummy muscles is very helpful for flute playing. Inside The Flute Academy I go into great detail discussing proper breathing technique. Here's the link in case you're interested. www.flute.school/academy 😀
If I may, using the abs, along, of course, with proper breathing, is really quite essential for playing all wind instruments. Or do you know of any other muscle to control air flow.@@JaneFluteSchool
Hi Jane, far be it from me to question you, and I love your content, but on my flute I don’t need to press down the roller AND the C# key at the same time. My roller has a connector the presses the C# key down automatically. I only have a Yamaha YFL 272SL student flute (quite a recent release from the ever faithful 211 and 271). I’m wondering if older flutes don’t have this? Cheers.
Hi Chris :) Thanks for your comment. It's good to hear that you have a good (newer model) flute that has an excellently designed low C key by the sounds of it! So, yes, you're fine to just press the C key roller. The only slight problem is if you are using the tip of your right pinky to press the C key, it will be hard to move smoothly from the D# key to the C key. That's why it's a good idea to use a flat right hand pinky to play the low C (meaning you'll pretty much be pressing the C# key too) and you can go from a curved pinky on D# to a straight pinky for C, and the transition is easier than if you using a curved pinky (the tip of your pinky) for just the C roller key. Oof! I hope that makes sense! I do a Flute Q&A video once a month (the next ones on 5th January). Let me know if you'd like me to add your question to the Q&A!
@@JaneFluteSchool thanks that makes sense yes. I will give that a try then. Always so much to learn 😃👍
What does it mean if you are getting unwanted harmonics
Is this for when you're playing low C? Make sure the low pads are sealing well. You might be playing whistle tones accidentally if the unwanted sounds are really soft. 😀
Before I was having problem with high notes now once I reached high notes my problem would be getting an even low notes it would always come up first low then suddenly ot would shift unconsciously on high notes makes it so crazy >.
That sounds frustrating Troa! I hope the video helped you :) Jane
Thanks again
I have been struggling to play a low C for months and months. No sound coming out at all. Watched this video, picked up my flute and played a good strong low C. Thank you so much. I was on the verge of giving up!
Hi, Jane! I have a question. Is it possible to get a lower B on a C foot flute or a lower A on a B foot flute? I saw some flute sheet music that showed a low A in the lowest octave which I didn't think was possible. It may have been written by someone who doesn't know the proper range for flute though. Here is the piece: musescore.com/kxren/scores/3507706 I mean it's possible that it's an error, lol!
@Oscar Bastidas Thank you for explaining it so in depth! This was very helpful! 😊
Hi Olive, great question! Yes, often when you see amateur arrangements of flute music that go down too low, the arranger just didn't realise that the normal concert flute only goes down to C (and to a B if you have a B foot). And Oscar is totally right about the 8va bracket. Thanks Oscar!
Thank you Oscar again for helping out Olive with your answer!
I hace a recorder flute and can't play C. Why? The rest of the notes sound fine.
For low C, use a relaxed embouchure and gentle airstream for this note to come out. 😊
hank you it was my pinky it was not strong anof but now i now thanks
Glad to hear it helped you Awen!
Haha... getting a low c on bass flute, now that's hard. Have you tried alto/bass flute Jane?
Ha! Yes I have! I've playing both alto and bass flute. It's REALLY hard to get the low C when the flute isn't working probably - yikes! If the flute is working fine (use the test in this video!), try really relaxing your embouchure for low C - it should help you get the note out. Jane xx
I'm a newby-newb and I can play low C, whew!
Awesome job Alex! 😀
I for some reason can play low C but I can't play low D or low E
Hmm that's odd Kiera - see if you can have a professional check and see if your flute is working properly. It sounds like it's not you, since you can play the low C :)
They wait till grade 4 here in the U.K. to teach this note and the C major scale. Little fingers need to grow into it.
Good thinking UK!
I can MAKE the sound, but it’s so soft and barely any resonance... any tips on how to make it louder and more resonant? Every other low note I can make a beautiful sound on. But low C? Almost impossible, lol
Hi Madeleine - thanks for the comment! Low C is notorious on the flute for being harder than the other lower notes. Just try and stay as relaxed as you can and try not to force it to come out (because that will make it worse). Good luck!
Its my flute, my heart is broken right now. 😭
Oh no! Hopefully you can get it fixed soon. 😀
I can kinda get it but it's so soft, any tips?
Yes Claire! If you low C is soft, you most likely have quite a big hole in your mouth. Try making it a tiny bit smaller, and seeing if your sound improves. Then get used to it for a few days, and try and make it a little smaller again, and so on. Good luck!
@@JaneFluteSchool I've been practicing daily and I've got a lot better at it now (still not perfect but working on it) thank you so much for your advice 😁
That is actually a Middle C.
Yep it is. Flute players tend to call it low C though, since we don't have any lower! Thanks for your comment :)
@@JaneFluteSchool Oh that makes sense. A flute is a very high-pitched instrument.
My trouble is on C4
Low C on flute is C4 😀
People who gave this video a thumbs down probably can't even use a hammer.
Awww thanks for the support FB!
I know why I can’t play low C 🤠
Glad I was able to assist you in working it out! 😀
I can play a b.
Awesome! 😀
@@JaneFluteSchool b below d on a shakuhachi, so it's probably easier.