My middle G is always flat!

Euterpe · Post by **Euterpe** » Sat Feb 22, 2003 9:53 pm

We''re playing Down a Country Lane by Copland next
week at a Wind Ensamble Festival, and there''s a short solo in the middle of
the song. My tuning is terrible. I''ve found alternate fingerings for some of
the other ugly notes such as D3 and C2, but my middle G and Bflat sound awful.
I''m rolling out and supporting as much as I can, but nothing seems to help,
and the song loses it''s musical quality at the G. Any suggestions, Please??
Thanks Elle

damjan · Post by **damjan** » Sat Feb 22, 2003 10:40 pm

Dear Elle, If your other notes are in tune, that
means that your flute is not in tune with itself and the reason is that your
cork is probably out of place. When you put the back of your cleaning rod into
the headjoint, the mark on the rod should be right in the middle of the hole on
the mouthpiece. If this is not the case, you should take it to a repair shop to
get it adjusted. Rolling the flute out is a bad habit if you are doing it to
control intonation, you shouldn't have to play any alternate fingerings on C2
and D3, while Bb and G in the second register are one of the best sounding notes
on the flute. My advice is that you get your flute fixed before your
performance. Apart from that, just make sure that you provide sufficient air
support so that your notes will sing. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Euterpe · Post by **Euterpe** » Sun Feb 23, 2003 12:47 am

Thank you for your reply. The tuning rod is right in
the center. I guess I'll have to take it in. Do you have any good support tips
or exercises? I taught my self the flute, so maybe I'm doing something wrong.
Thanks, Elle

damjan · Post by **damjan** » Sun Feb 23, 2003 3:14 am

The video lessons on www.fluteland.com cover all the
basics in detail, and there are also some exercises. However, this requires a
membership ($29/year). Some of those are free but you might also consider
investing $29, it might be worth it. If not that, you should find a teacher to
show you the basics, it is important that you get proper information. In any
case, best of luck with your concert and playing.

Euterpe · Post by **Euterpe** » Sun Feb 23, 2003 3:02 pm

Thank you. I don't think I can talk my parents into
29$ on such short notice, but I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the help!
Elle

tarzaflute · Post by **tarzaflute** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 2:12 am

Hi, as u said u might have to take it into the shop
to see what they have to say. u said u roll your flute out to fix your tuning,
just as an experiment, why don't u lift your head when u play these notes and
see if it makes a difference, i find when im flat if i lift my head it helps
[:)]

boglarka · Post by **boglarka** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 3:55 am

Have you been using a tuner? Long notes, and a
tuner...my eternal favorite things to teach. By practicing finding/holding a
correct pitch with the help of a machine (a tuner), you're actually training
your ear as well as your muscles. On all flutes, C sharp is terrible sharp (as
almost all keys are open), so we have to learn how to keep that pitch down. On
each and every flute, there are additional note that are also a bit out of tune.
On mine it's G2. I just have to be aware of it and adjust..and practice with a
tuner. Also, remember your support and airspeed. If those are sloppy/slow, your
pitch will be flat. I hope this helps, too!