Hi, I have just joined the forum and looking forward to participating. I have just come back to flute after 30 years, so I'm pretty much starting again. I have bought an Altus 807 closed hole offset G.
My first issue is head joint alignment, and I hope you can offer some help. I remember that I always had the centre of the blow hole facing forward of the keys. (i.e. if you looked along the flute from the bottom the blow hole would be to the right of the centre line of the keys). Recently I read that normally the centre line of the hole should line up with the centre line of the keys. However, I saw a video from J Cluff who seemed to say that you should have the hole slightly inward of the key line. So I am definitely confused!
I would be grateful of any guidance on the correct alignment.
Flute alignment
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Re: Flute alignment
Personnally I adjust the centre of the blow hole with the centre of the C key. I think you just have to find the best position to have the flute balanced in your hands. You have to be able to do a middle c# without the flute falling in or out 
Re: Flute alignment
I wouldn't say to you what my preference is, because it's a result of years playing, and it's my individual preference now.
But, as you said you are beginning (practically), I'd say you should use a starting point and only after a good period of time practicing you would be able to stablish what is your personal approach for that.
And what is that starting point? Do exactly as you said, looking from the end of the flute, align the center of the embouchure hole with the main keys center line (discard the off set G line in your case).
Look, the idea here is making the lip plate matching your chin so your down lip covers about 1/3 of the embouchure hole (maybe trying to see this at the mirror is a good idea...).That's why some people try to describe this procedure as "some tiny portion to the left of the center line" or "at the right of the center line". The most important thing is that you never should cover more than 1/3 of the embouchure hole because this may result in a poor tone, with less harmonics and color. Also, if you put the emb hole too far from your lip, the angle of the airstream will make it difficult to produce a quality sound.
Best idea really though is taking some lessons. A teacher could help you in a better way.
But, as you said you are beginning (practically), I'd say you should use a starting point and only after a good period of time practicing you would be able to stablish what is your personal approach for that.
And what is that starting point? Do exactly as you said, looking from the end of the flute, align the center of the embouchure hole with the main keys center line (discard the off set G line in your case).
Look, the idea here is making the lip plate matching your chin so your down lip covers about 1/3 of the embouchure hole (maybe trying to see this at the mirror is a good idea...).That's why some people try to describe this procedure as "some tiny portion to the left of the center line" or "at the right of the center line". The most important thing is that you never should cover more than 1/3 of the embouchure hole because this may result in a poor tone, with less harmonics and color. Also, if you put the emb hole too far from your lip, the angle of the airstream will make it difficult to produce a quality sound.
Best idea really though is taking some lessons. A teacher could help you in a better way.
Re: Flute alignment
Good points, many thanks. And yes, I think I need to get a teacher for a while to get me back into it.
Re: Flute alignment
I agree with this Zevang. So far I've changed the alignment and positioning of my flute three times. It started out with huge changes and now I'm down to minute changes. So telling a person how you align your flute doesn't really help. The best advise is to find a teacher!Zevang wrote:I wouldn't say to you what my preference is, because it's a result of years playing, and it's my individual preference now.