Why is F so much harder for me to play?

tbone · Post by **tbone** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:17 pm

Hi,
I played the flute for about 8 years, but that was over 30 years ago. I bought a (inexpensive) flute to see if I could teach my kids some basics.

I have forgot almost everything, but I have the feeling it may come back quickly. However, I have a hard timing getting any sound when I play an F
T123- 1 ep

I can do it occasionally, but so far, not that much. What can I do, all other notes dont have this problem

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 3:16 pm

There may be a leak, though you would usually expect that to affect other notes as well. Depending on just how inexpensive this flute is, it may be an issue with construction quality. Some flutes are just junkers out of the box, and there's not a whole lot that can be done within reason to fix them up. Take the flute to a tech to get checked out and see what they can find. Since you don't have any problems with surrounding notes, my guess would be an equipment problem rather than a player-related issue.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 12:44 pm

Speaking of F's, i find the F above the staff (3 ledger lines) REALLY hard to get out. it sounds nice when i do, but LOTS of air is required. Is there anything I could do to make it easier on myself?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:12 pm

Is it just the F3 that's difficult, or anything above it as well? If it's just F3, it's probably an issue with the flute, but if it's an issue with the top of your range, it's likely that you haven't entirely learned how to use your air for those upper pitches. Play chromatically up to the F to learn where your embouchure/air needs to be, and once you've got the feel for it, start attacking right on it. Soon you should be able to pop F's with no problem at all.

Zevang · Post by **Zevang** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:21 pm

flutepicc06, no doubt that the guys need their flutes sent to a check at a good technician.
It's when we think the problem is us, but in reality the flute need some fixing.

cheers,
Zevang

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:30 pm

Zevang wrote:flutepicc06, no doubt that the guys need their flutes sent to a check at a good technician.
It's when we think the problem is us, but in reality the flute need some fixing.

cheers,
Zevang

Yes...It may well be the flute, but not knowing the levels of the various players that post here, it's impossible to eliminate player error from the list of possibilities. Still, you're right, and a check by a good technician never hurts.