How to Play the Vertical Flute

X

wikiHow is a “wiki” site, which means that many of the articles here are written by multiple authors. To create this article, 115 people, some of whom are anonymous, have edited and improved the article over time.

There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 61,580 times.

The vertical flute is a woodwind wind instrument that was quite popular in the early 14th century. This instrument produces a soft flute-like sound. Compared to other musical instruments, the vertical flute is quite easy to play, so it is the perfect first instrument for children or those learning to play. This musical instrument comes in a variety of colors and sizes for you to choose from.

Table of Contents

Begin

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6a/Play-the-Recorder-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6a/Play-the-Recorder-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Buy a vertical flute. If you are a complete beginner then start by buying an inexpensive plastic flute. Plastic flutes are often used to teach students at school because you do not need to spend a lot of effort to maintain.

Once you’ve mastered the basics and still want to play, you can upgrade to a more expensive wooden flute. Wooden flutes often produce a more pleasant sound than plastic flutes, but are more difficult to maintain.
You can find wooden and plastic flutes at good musical instrument stores or online.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b8/Play-the-Recorder-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b8/Play-the-Recorder-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Install the flute. The vertical flute usually has three parts, the top part has a mouthpiece, the middle part has hand holes and the tail is shaped like a bell. Gently twist to join these pieces together.

The tail should be rotated so that the hole turns slightly to the right when looking in the direction you’re playing.
Some of the vertical flutes commonly used at school are the continuous flutes.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ee/Play-the-Recorder-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ee/Play-the-Recorder-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Learn to hold the flute vertically. Pick up the vertical flute and place the mouth of the flute on your lips. Gently hold it in the center of your lips and use your fingers to balance it. Remember to place your left hand on the top of the flute.

The back has a hole for the flute that should be facing you. The front is facing backwards.
Do not bite the mouth of the flute or let it touch your teeth.

Practice the basic steps

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ae/Play-the-Recorder-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ae/Play-the-Recorder-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Practice playing on the flute. Play on the flute to understand the sound it will make. You need to blow gently and imagine you are blowing bubbles. Blowing softly with even air is one of the most difficult techniques, but it’s also very important when you’re starting to play the vertical flute.

If you blow too hard, the flute will make a very annoying hissing sound. Blow gently for a more melodious sound.
Breathe from your diaphragm and make sure you blow evenly. That will help keep the sound even.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/08/Play-the-Recorder-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/08/Play-the-Recorder-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Learn the correct tongue technique. When playing a note on a vertical flute, you need to create and stop the sound with your tongue. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and behind your teeth. The sound needs to start and end there. ^{[1] X Research Source}

To do this, try saying the word “doot” or “dud” as you play the note. This technique is called tongue brushing and it creates a clear starting and ending point for the note.
Be careful and don’t say the word “doot” or “dud” out loud while playing. These words are only used to help you practice your tongue technique correctly.

READ More: How to Express Yourself

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f1/Play-the-Recorder-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f1/Play-the-Recorder-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Play your first note. The first note that people usually learn is the B note. This requires you to plug the hole in the back with your thumb. Now use the index finger of your left hand and seal the first hole on the top side, below the blower mouth. Use the thumb of your right hand to balance the flute. Now gently blow into the mouth of the flute and remember to say “doot” or “dud”. Good job! The sound you just made is the note B. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If the note doesn’t sound or the flute squeaks, make sure your fingers are flat and completely covering the holes.
A whistling flute could be because you blew it too hard.
Keep practicing B until you can play it easily.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/df/Play-the-Recorder-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder- Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/df/Play-the-Recorder-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Understand the fingering chart. A simple fingerboard is used to represent the notes on the flute. The fingering table consists of the numbers 0 to 7, with the number 0 representing the left thumb, the number 1 representing the left index finger, the number 2 representing the left middle finger and so on.

For example, the B note you just blew will be shown on the fingerboard as follows:
- 0 1 – – – – – –
The numbers represent the covered holes, and the dashes represent the uncovered holes. In this example, the number 0 indicates that your thumb covers the hole on the back of the flute, while the number 1 indicates that your left index finger needs to cover the first hole. ^{[1] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/13/Play-the-Recorder-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-8. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/13/Play-the-Recorder-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Learn the left hand notes. The first notes that you learn to play with your left hand are B (which you just played), A and G. The next two notes that you will play with your left hand are C’ and D’. The commas in the upper right hand corner of these notes indicate that these are high notes.

How to play the A note: Use the same hand position as the B note, but this time you need to place the middle finger of your left hand on the second hole from the top. The fingering chart for the note A is: 0 12 – – – – –
How to play the G note: Use the same hand position as the A note, but this time you place the ring finger of your left hand on the third hole from the top. The fingering chart for the note G is: 0 123 – – – –
How to play C’: Cover the back hole with your left thumb, then place your left middle finger on the second hole from the top. The fingering chart for the note C’ is: 0 – 2 – – – – –
How to play D’: Do not cover the back hole and place the middle finger of your left hand on the second hole from the top. The fingering chart for the note D’ is: – – 2 – – – – –

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7a/Play-the-Recorder-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-9. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7a/Play-the-Recorder-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Learn the notes to play with your right hand. The first notes you learn to play with your right hand are E, D and F#. The next two notes that you will learn to play using your right hand are F and C. These two notes can be difficult for new players because you need to cover a lot of holes at once while playing.

How to play E: Cover the back hole with your left thumb, cover the first three holes with your left index finger, middle finger, and ring finger, then place your right index finger on the 4th hole from the top and your finger. middle of the right hand to the 5th hole from the top. The fingering chart for the E note is: 0 123 45 – –
How to play D: Use the same hand position as E, but this time place your right ring finger on the 6th hole from the top. The fingering chart for the note D is: 0 123 456 –
How to play the F# note: Use the same hand position as the D note, but this time remove your right index finger from the 4th hole from the top and keep the rest of the fingers intact. The fingering table for the note F# is: 0 123 – 56 –
How to play the F note: Put your left thumb on the back hole, put your left index, middle and ring finger on the top 3 first holes, right thumb on the fourth hole, ring finger The right hand is on the 6th hole and the little finger of the right hand is on the 7th hole. The fingering chart for the note F is: 0 123 4 – 67
How to play C: When playing C, all 7 holes are covered. Your left thumb will cover the bottom hole, your left thumb, middle and ring finger will cover the top 3 holes, and your right index, middle, ring, and pinky finger will cover the last 4 holes together. The fingering table of the note C is: 0 123 4567

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/02/Play-the-Recorder-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-10. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/02/Play-the-Recorder-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Practice simple songs. Once you’ve mastered all of these notes, you can put them together to play some simple songs: ^{[1] X Research Source}

Mary has a little lamb:
- BAGABBB
- AAA
- BD’D’
- BAGABBB
- AABAG
Twinkling little stars:
- DDAABBA
- GGF# F# EED
Auld Lang Syne:
- CFFFAGFGAFFAC’ D’

Continue Practicing Advanced Techniques

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3f/Play-the-Recorder-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-11. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3f/Play-the-Recorder-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Practice playing high notes. These notes can be a little difficult to play. To play a note higher than the D’, you need to use a technique called “thumb hole grip”. Use the tip of your thumb to cover 2/3 to 3/4 of the thumb hole. Pinch your lips slightly and blow a little harder than usual.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b0/Play-the-Recorder-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-12. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/Play-the-Recorder-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Learn the semitones. A semitone is a sound between one note and the next, like the sound produced when playing the black keys on a piano. You have learned one of the most popular semitones – the F# note. The two semitones that you need to learn next are Bb and C#’. ^{[1] X Research Source}

The fingering chart for Bb note is: 0 1 – 3 4 – – –
The fingering table for the C#’ note is: – 12 – – – – –
You can practice these semitones by playing a short song called Black Sheep Baa Baa:
- DDAABC#’ D’ BA, GGF# F# EED

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fe/Play-the-Recorder-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-13. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Play-the-Recorder-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Practice vibrating techniques. Once you’ve mastered those notes, you can practice your vibrato technique. A vibrato helps long notes resonate, creating a very interesting dynamic effect. There are a few ways to accomplish this technique:

Use the diaphragm to create vibration. Control the flow of air into the flute by tightening and contracting your diaphragm. Say “heh heh heh” but don’t lose your breath completely.
Use your tongue twisting technique. Say “yer yer yer yer yer yer” and use your tongue to control the steam.
Use vibrating finger flapping technique. This technique commonly known as ‘whispering’ is not very useful in producing sustained vibrato. Alternately cover that note and the next higher note. Don’t hit your tongue with every note, but quickly play the sequence of notes ABABAB A.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/af/Play-the-Recorder-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-14. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/af/Play-the-Recorder-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Use the steam stroke technique. This technique is created by quickly swiping fingers in quick succession on the flute to create a swiping sound.

Preserving your Flute

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/94/Play-the-Recorder-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-15. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/94/Play-the-Recorder-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Clean your flute after each use. Keeping the flute clean is very important and it also helps keep the flute in good condition.

You can wash the plastic flutes in the dishwasher or a sink filled with warm soapy water. Please remove the parts before washing and be sure to rinse off all soap. ^{[2] X Research Source}
You can clean the mouth of the flute with an old brush or pipe cleaner.
Let your flute dry completely before continuing to play.
For wooden vertical flutes, disassemble the flute and carefully wipe the moisture inside with a soft cloth.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/00/Play-the-Recorder-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-16. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/00/Play-the-Recorder-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 16.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Store your flute in a carrying case. Keep the flute vertical in its holster when not in use to prevent it from breaking or damaging the top whistle hole, because damage there can render the flute useless.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/89/Play-the-Recorder-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-17. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/89/Play-the-Recorder-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 17.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Protect the flute from extreme temperatures. Protect your instrument from sudden temperature changes and keep it out of direct sunlight, and never leave it in a warm vehicle or near a heat source. This note is especially important for vertical flutes made of wood, but also applies to any other musical instrument. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a7/Play-the-Recorder-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step-18. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a7/Play-the-Recorder-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Play-the-Recorder-Step- 18.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Learn how to deal with congestion. Condensation in the flute can cause blockage. You can minimize clogging in both plastic and wooden flutes by warming up the joint at the top using heat radiated from your hand, under your arm, or in your pocket before playing.

If steam has accumulated in the flute, cover the hole at the top of the flute completely with one hand and blow it out forcefully into the flute. Doing so will help blow away excess moisture.
If the flute is still clogged, you can clean the flute by mixing 1 tablespoon of dishwasher cleaning water with 3 tablespoons of water. Pour this cleaning solution into the flute through the mouth or from below and let the solution sit in the flute for a while before rinsing. Let your flute dry completely before continuing to play. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Advice

If your flute squeaks a lot then make sure you don’t blow too hard and the holes are completely covered by your fingers. If the flute continues to whistle, see if you can blow harder or adjust until the note sounds right.
Tighten your lips when playing high notes and relax your lips when playing low notes.
Keeping your back straight will help improve the sound.
Try to remember the first 3 notes that make up the word BAG.
If you don’t make a good sound when you play it, your flute is probably damp. Try covering the largest hole and blowing hard or twisting the cloth to fit and clean.
Never spend money on music classes if you don’t really want to play the flute.
Play the vertical flute accurately.
After playing about 5 times then grease the rubber band when you take it off. If you don’t have grease, you can use Vaseline.
Clean your vertical flute daily.
Listen to classical music, such as music from the Renaissance, to get a feel for the sound. The vertical flute was often used in the music of that time.
Playing the clarinet will help you improve your vertical flute skills, and if you’re starting with the vertical flute another interesting instrument option is the clarinet, as it has a same play, grip and hand placement.

Warning

Do not bite the flute. The flute will not be durable if you bite.

Things you need

A vertical flute
Music sheet
One track stand (optional)
Accompaniment discs (optional)
Flute cleaning rag
Carrying case (hard case or cloth bag. Most school flutes come with a bag like a canvas bag)

Steps