How to Hit the Lower Notes on a Flute

Co-authored by Jennifer Slaughter

Last Updated: November 28, 2024 Approved

On a flute, the lower notes can be harder to play than the higher ones. It just depends on what kind of flute player you are. You could have more trouble playing higher notes than lower notes. Here are some suggestions for making low range notes sound good.

Steps

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A friend, teacher, or music shop employee can check and see if your flute is fully functional. An instrument repair shop can help identify and correct leaks.
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When you are blowing to produce a lower note, you need to blow at a steeper, downward angle.
Try to crescendo into the note. Also try slurring down from a note a step or so above the note you wish to play.
Notice what makes them sound fullest and what makes the attacks cleanest.
Listen to the sound! Is it full and rich? Thin and metallic? None of these are "good" or "bad", but thinking about the quality of tone, will help you learn to get the sound you want.
Ask your band teacher or a music shop to recommend a private teacher for you.
The embouchure for middle range notes should be a bit more circular and for the high notes, it should be a small circle.
Low notes are difficult and you probably will not get them just right on your first try.

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Question

Is playing low notes on an alto flute different than on a concert flute?

Community Answer

No. Every fingering is the same. However, because the alto flute is quite lower, you will need to relax your mouth and breathe slower.

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At my school during rehearsal, I can reach all the notes on the bottom part of the staff. When I'm at home, I can't even hit a low A. Why?

Community Answer

Make sure your flute is in good condition, first. If everything works, try relaxing your mouth. Go from your lowest note and add a finger. Just remember to relax and breathe slowly. If all else fails, try turning your mouthpiece slowly away from you and then back until you get the right note.

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How do I transition from notes like E-flat to higher ones without going to the low notes?

Community Answer

To transition to the higher notes, you need to have a fast and full air going through it. Don't drop the steadiness of your airflow.

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Tips

Blow enough air, but don't overpower the note.

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Start from a higher note and work your way down.

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Humming while you are playing, can help you make a more focused embouchure and use the available air more efficiently.

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Warnings

Attacking too hard while fingering a low note tends to produce the higher harmonics.

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Don't forget to practice every day. Even practicing just for 15 minutes is better than nothing.

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You should not have to squeeze the keys or your face hard to produce a tone. If squeezing improves the tone, have the flute checked for leaks. Also, get out of the habit of doing this, because it will slow you down.

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Don't try to play the low notes too many times in one session. The low notes on a flute are the harder notes to play, so give yourself time to work down to them and be patient.

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