HELP! Low Register Db to Eb variations fingering DIFFICULTY!

[flutecakegirl]

I am trying to get this piece of music that was scored for me, FLUTE, for a trio with a violin and cello. The key is Db. And I am going crazy!

It has several variations with 8th notes on very low register notes that go F, Eb, Db, and Db to F, and Db to Eb.

The fingering of quickly going from Eb to Db.. and Db to Eb and Db to F.....sliding my pinky over is very awkward. It is difficult to finger and get a low, warm sound so fast.

Any advise? Am I just that incompetent or is that more difficult for an early intermediate????

[pied_piper]

The transition between low Eb and Db (or vice versa), is troublesome for many flutists. If you can't do it smoothly, it doesn't mean that you are incompetent, it simply means that you need to practice doing it until it gets smoother. Also, you can try a little trick that many players use. Rub the tip of your RH pinky along the side of your nose where it joins your cheek. Most people have an excess of skin oil at that spot and rubbing it with your pinky will transfer some skin oil to the finger. That will make it slide more smoothly between the keys. As absurd as that may sound, try it. I think you will find that it helps.

[flutecakegirl]

Thanks for tip!

I find playing in the key of Db awkward. ....mostly because I don't play in that key often. Then...to hover around those low notes back and forth, over and over....not pleasant.

My sound is much better and fingers much faster on my daughter's student flute for the low Db??? My open hole flute, b foot and small fingers seem to make this a challenge. However, the higher places sound drastically better on my flute so I can't use hers.

My head screw can easily spin around if twisted now that it is colder outside so maybe I have a headcork issue too interfering with a rich, full low sound???

[pied_piper]

The key of Db can be challenging even for experienced flutists! Just keep practicing it and it will get a bit easier over time.

If the head crown turns with no resistance, the headjoint cork is leaking and needs to be replaced.

[cflutist]

Another option is to get a flute with a D# and/or C# roller. I think Miyazawa offers both, but my flute only has a D# roller, helps a lot.

[fluteguy18]

A great portion of the awkwardness one experiences in the extreme lower register is mostly because the ring and pinkie fingers are controlled by the same tendon. The other fingers have independent tendons that control them.

Practice makes perfect. Slow practice.