Q&A for How to Tune a Flute

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The lowest note I can play on a flute is a low D, and the highest is a high G. One of my friends (also a flute player) can get to low C, but can only get up to high F. Whose flute has a problem?

Maddy Vaudin

Community Answer

Probably neither. Things like that tend to depend on your embouchure and how much air you are using. Your friend probably just has a slightly looser embouchure, but you should be able to get any note on any flute. Keep trying!

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Question

Are there other ways to tune it besides the crown?

Community Answer

You can pull the head joint out if it's playing sharp and push the head joint in if it's flat.

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Question

What if only one key is playing flat?

Community Answer

I would take your flute to the shop because the key may not be closing fully. I have had that problem myself. In the meantime, look in the mirror as you are playing the problematic note. Is there anything different you are doing with your embouchure on that specific note? Are there any temporary adjustments you could make?

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Question

How can you tell if your flute is flat or sharp without a chromatic tuner? Is there any sort of indication when you play an out of tune note?

Community Answer

As you become more advanced you will be able to tell approximately what is in tune. You can also tune to your band, orchestra or friend.

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Question

I have checked all of these things, and my flute should be perfectly in tune. It is physically perfect, and I play well. It just doesn't sound right. What do I do?

Community Answer

Try checking the pads and/or tone holes. These have a huge effect on the actual tuning of a flute. If the pads are a millimeter off, the flute will have bad intonation. Another thing you can do is to sit down with a tuner and find the natural tendencies of your instrument. Every instrument has its own little quirks. These quirks are generally a handful of notes out of tune. Once you learn the natural tendencies of your instrument, you will know how to adjust the notes with your embouchure.

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Question

My flute has a "dirty" sound to it, how can I fix it?

Community Answer

Most of the time, it is not the instrument, it is the musician. Not knowing what "dirty" sound means, I assume you're talking about a scratchy sound. Make sure that when you play, you use good air support and a round embouchure. Your throat should be open and you should be blowing warm air. If there is an issue with the instrument, you should bring your flute to a repair shop and have it checked. Most of the time when a pad is leaking, there will be a "dirty" sound to it. If your flute is old and hasn't been serviced in a while, you should make sure everything is working properly.

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Question

When a flute is cold, does it go flat or sharp quicker compared to when it is warm? Why?

Community Answer

When your flute is cold it will look in tune on the tuner, but after playing for a while you will notice that your pitch will go flat. I have no idea why, but to make sure this doesn’t happen during a performance you should warm up and blow warm air into your flute with all the keys down. Then tune.

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Question

Can the flute be set to play in any key?

IncredibleGuinevere

Community Answer

The flute has limits; most student models only have middle C, and most flutes can only play up to fourth octave C (without any funky fingerings).

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Question

Do I roll in or out when I am playing sharp?

Community Answer

My band director has told me repeatedly to roll out.

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Question

What happens if your flute crown starts to come off? How can you put it back in?

Community Answer

You can screw your flute crown back on if it starts to come off. If it doesn't seem to be screwing back on properly, try taking it to a repair shop.

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Question

How can I tell if the pads need to be replaced on a flute?

Kim G

Top Answerer

Start by simply looking at the pads. Do they look worn? Does it look like they are torn anywhere? Then try to play a few notes. You may hear air leaking from a key, or find there are certain notes that won't play. In any case, it's recommended to replace the pads every 3 to 6 years.

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Question

I was playing my flute, but then, it started play only high notes, even when I try playing a low note like D, it keeps on playing the same note.

Kim G

Top Answerer

It could be a leaky key. Check the flute to see if any key pads are torn, or there is a gap when you close a key.

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Question

My flute is not making sound on all keys. What do I do?

Tutti Flutey

Community Answer

Take your flute to a repair shop. They will be able to check for leaks and do necessary repairs or suggest that you buy a new one.

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