Finger holes

Covering different combinations of finger holes produces different notes. The easiest thing to do at the beginning is to always keep the third hole from the top covered. Some people put a leather strap over the hole (or even a piece of sticky tape or a plaster). This will let you play six notes which have very easy finger positions. Later on we will look at the other more advanced fingering positions which allow a total of 14/17 notes depending on the design of your flute.

Basic fingering

Although each finger position creates a different note you should really (at least at first) not worry about what the actually note letter are. Instead just try to remember the finger positions for playing for the pentatonic minor scale and/or your favourite tune. This is beneficial in the long run when you acquire more flutes (you’ll have plenty before you know it, embrase your obsession).

The same finger positions will work on different flutes. You don’t want to end up having to remember the positions of the notes on different flutes as that would just complicate matters. Although I’m sure it’s second nature to the pro flute players.

Finger Hole Excercise

With just the third hole covered try playing the note with a blow and then stop. Now cover the top hole as well and try playing that note with a blow and then stop. Now as slow as you like continue this in turn with the second, fourth and fifth holes. You now have your first ‘easy’ fingering notes. Once you’ve gone down the notes try going back up them remembering not to let go of the third hole.

Excercise 1

You should move slowly up and down those notes so that your fingers start to remember where the holes are and what order they are in. This will also get you used to synchronising your breath and your fingers. You should continue this even after you have got the hang of it as this will encourage finger memory and allow your playing to get smoother and more natural over time. There’s no specific rules either. Once you’re happy running up and down the notes you can try repeating the notes as and when you feel like it. You could start by playing just hole three, blowing two or three times and then moving onto the next note (one and three). Go up and down doing this and see how you get on.