low notes get "pitchy"

[nate]

Hi! Just got my first flute last weekend, and I am learning to play the first octave. I can play the C note (the one with two fingers) and on down to F - but then the notes become very high pitched. Is this just a breathing / practice / embouchure thing, or could there be a problem with my flute? Those notes definitely take more air I've noticed. Thank you!!

[kflutist]

most of the notes in that octive including C through F have the same or very similar fingerings to the notes in the next octive up. For myself I learned that next octive before the low octive. Your problem may be due to overblowing or having your lips too tight. I am not a professional or a teacher so I may be wrong. anyone feel free to add or correct anything.

[flutepicc06]

There's probably not an issue with the flute if you're able to produce the lower notes. If the pads weren't sealing, or there was some other mechanical problem, the notes would not speak, or would be very airy sounding. It's possible that the scale on your flute is poorly constructed and results in a sharp low range, but you would most likely notice other problems with pitch if that were the case. More than likely you're just not used to controlling the airstream to produce these notes at the proper pitch. Unfortunately, without being able to observe your playing, we can't be sure what the issue is. For now, try lowering the airstream (blow down into the flute more), and opening your throat/dropping your jaw. You should also look for a teacher, particularly now at the beginning to be sure you have the basics down properly, as bad habits can actually lead to injuries that can affect you for the rest of your life.

[nate]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. It seems the more holes I close the more airy or squeaky the sound gets. Practice, practice I guess! I unfortunatley live about 2 hours form any big town, so lessons aren't a possibility for me.

[flutepicc06]

It sounds like you just haven't figured out where to place the air/how much to use yet, which isn't surprising given that you just got the flute. Keep practicing, and it will start to come. If there's any chance of even a monthly lesson, rather than a weekly one, I would strongly encourage you to start with a teacher. Aside from helping you solve problems like these, they can help eliminate potentially harmful bad habits. Anyway, good luck, and keep practicing!

[nate]

ack! Still can't play F! I can't get any sound at all out of F. I can play from the high C down to G, and low C up to E but bomb out on F from both directions. Is there a trick to this note I don't know about? Seems to be that first finger on the right hand. Maybe if my embouchure gets stronger? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!

[pied_piper]

If you got the flute from a local music store, I'd ask them to have their repair technician check to be sure there are no problems with the flute. If not, do you know another experienced flutist in your area? Ask him/her to try your flute and see if there are any problems with the F.

It's possible that it's you, but before jumping to conclusions, be sure the flute is in good order. The F key has linkage to close another pad. The E and D also close that same pad but they are connected with a different linkage mechanism. The fact that you can play the notes both above and below the F, is a strong indicator that the F key may be out of adjustment.

Don't get frustrated - get the instrument checked!