Trill question

xclairdeLune91 · Post by **xclairdeLune91** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 10:22 am

I was just wondering if there's a way to play a trill from D to C easily, because I'm kind of having trouble with all the fingers. Thanks!

Meredith · Post by **Meredith** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 11:46 am

This trill fingering works for trilling C --> D in both the middle and the upper octaves:

When fingering "C" (first key on the left hand and Eb key are depressed) rapidly drill your first trill key (the trill key bwn. your first and second key on the right hand).

As a long-term goal, I'd suggest gradually working up to the point where you can trill C --> D and C# --> D via the natural fingerings. It takes a lot of work, but is a great way to earn "money points" at auditions. Plus, it's just a really cool thing to be able to say you can do.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 11:50 am

There is indeed. From C2-D2, use the first trill key. From C3-D3, use the second trill key. From C1-D1 it's a straightforward fingering...Just use your RH pinky. From C2-D2 and C3-D3, the trill keys will not offer quite the same pitch or intonation as the "true" fingerings, but are much easier to use, and the sheer speed at which you can trill tends to compensate for differences in timbre, while some adjustments with the air can help with intonation. The best option for an easy C-D trill is to have a C# trill, which can then be used in combination with the first trill key for a true C-D trill, but this option is not yet standard (though I personally regard it as an important part of a flute mechanism). If the trill fingerings I offered don't work, or you don't like the sound, it's possible to keep most of the right hand down while playing a C 2, which simplifies the C2-D2 trill. This could also be used for C3-D3 if you overblew the D2 fingering, but that would be my last resort. If you need any more help with trills, there is quite a useful fingering guide at www.wfg.woodwind.org. Hope that helps!

sherbert789 · Post by **sherbert789** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 1:32 pm

flutepicc06,

Wow, I've played my Sankyo with a C# trill for almost a year and I never knew you could use that to trill C--->D. Haha, thanks!! I'll try that out when I practice today.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 6:48 pm

No problem! The C# trill does far more than just let you trill from B-C# easily. In fact, it probably has the most diverse uses of any option available on flutes.

Meredith · Post by **Meredith** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:42 pm

I also didn't know that the C# is good for tricks above and beyond B --> C# trilling, thank you so much! Although my personal favorite luxury option is the Eb roller.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 10:07 pm

Yup...I'm a fan of the D# roller too...I have one on my Tom Green, and it'll be a part of any flute I get in the future. But the C# trill does have many other uses. In the first octave, it allows tremolos from G, Ab, A, Bb, or B, to C#, and if combined with the first trill, it allows tremolos between those notes and D. Add the second trill key as well, and it gives tremolos between those pitches and Eb. Then there are special fingerings using the C# trill, such as the Pianissimo Ab. Finger Ab2, and add the C# trill, and a pianissimo, but easily tunable, Ab3 is possible (also useful at other dynamic levels). Or, in the intro to Afternoon of a Faun, finger B2, and add the C# trill for an alternate C# fingering that is easier to color. The C# trill also allows for a true G3-A3 trill when used in combination with the first trill key, and a G3-Ab3 with better intonation when used alone. F#3-G#3 also can be trilled using just the C# trill. I think that's about the extent of it's normal uses, though it does open up the option of more fingerings and extended effects. As I said, it's an extremely versatile key (and my personal favorite key on the flute).

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 10:56 pm

flutepicc06,

Thanks for the tip about the C-D trill using the C# trill and first trill key.
Will have to try that out when I get my flute back.

Yep, have to agree that adding the C# trill (and Split E) in 1998 was a good investment. I don't know why I didn't think of the D# roller too.
I still need to use the forehead oil on the pinky trick which doesn't always work well.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 11:28 pm

cflutist wrote:flutepicc06,

Thanks for the tip about the C-D trill using the C# trill and first trill key.
Will have to try that out when I get my flute back.

Yep, have to agree that adding the C# trill (and Split E) in 1998 was a good investment. I don't know why I didn't think of the D# roller too.
I still need to use the forehead oil on the pinky trick which doesn't always work well.

No problem. I've never tried the oil trick, though I've heard of it. I somehow just coped without, but I'm very happy with my D# roller. Given the option, I would probably also choose to have a C# roller just to help even more.