Flute Consistantly Flat

[maddietortellini]

It seems I have to push in to 1/8 of an inch in order to play in tune without any adjustment from myself (lipping up, etc). Every note is equally flat or sharp, but it's kind of scaring me to push in that much on a regular basis. I tried the rod test, too, and the little line shows up directly in the center. I don't understand, the flute is tuned using a modern scale. What is happening and how do I fix it?

[thomas.horter]

7

[mrcopper]

Also, as you get more advanced, an understanding of the harmonic environment begins to help you: the root and fifth of a major triad are tuned rather high, but the third is tuned quite low. In a minor triad, the third is tuned rather high and the fifth and root are low. Seventh and ninth chords get more complicated, but generally 7ths are highish and 9ths are low. Keep learning!!

[fluteguy18]

1/8 of an inch seems perfectly acceptable and is quite near the position that most makers design their flute scale to be played. I have found that players who too far from this mark (I've seen players pull out well over a 1/2" before) often seem to have playing problems that need to be addressed. I wouldn't stress about it. Odds are that you're improving as a player and as a result you're having to change your equipment setup. It happens.

[Gandalfe]

Are you playing in an area where the air conditioning is really cold/warm? In a cold room, I tend to play flatter than in a warm. Also, are you familiar with the concept of warm vs cold air when playing an instrument? It might be time to sit down with a professional player/teacher. Doing could speed up the learning curve and move you quickly to your next level of performance.

Here's a nice chart: http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-pitchchange.htm