The primary goal for each flute player is to achieve a good, beautiful tone. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. In this article, we will explore several common issues and practical tips that can make a difference in how you approach playing the flute
- 1. Issue #1: Tension in Your Throat and Locked Jaw
- 2. Issue #2: Wrong Angle of Your Body
- 3. Issue #3: Tight Embouchure
- 4. Issue #4: Wrong Air Direction
- 5. Issue #5: Rolling In the Flute too Much
- 6. Issue #6: Not Enough Air Support
- 7. Issue #7: Wrong Position of the Body Relative to the Flute
- 8. Issue #8: Wrong Flute Position on Your Lips
- 9. Accessories to Improve Your Playing Technique
- 10. Final Word
Issue #1: Tension in Your Throat and Locked Jaw
When your jaw is locked, you increase tension in your throat. One of the best ways to fix this problem is singing and playing. It immediately opens up the throat and helps it function independently from the lips. Also, check whether your cheeks are relaxed and soft.
Issue #2: Wrong Angle of Your Body
Changing the angle of your body is one of the most overlooked tips; however, it can really make a difference in your flute tone. Many flutists play their instrument holding it parallel to their shoulder, which negatively impacts their breathing. Literally, this position restricts airflow and leads to a tight sound. Ensure you keep your flute at a 45-degree angle to your shoulder instead of holding it parallel. Pivot your head a bit, while keeping your instrument pointing in the same direction as your feet. Pivot the flute, but keep your body still.
Issue #3: Tight Embouchure
One of the most common reasons for a bad sound is the habit of players to pull their lips back and push against their teeth. Your embouchure must be able to move. Don’t smile when you play the flute, as this creates tension and limits control. Instead of pulling back, move the lips away from the front teeth to form a kissing lip shape with some space between the teeth and lips. Just play your flute in two ways to compare the difference: first, try to tighten your lips, and then play with some space between the teeth and lips. The second way will provide you with more control when experimenting with dynamics or playing octaves.
Issue #4: Wrong Air Direction
Blowing over the flute is another reason why your flute tone may not be as good as you want. It's especially a common issue when you play in a high register. When you play the flute, try to blow down toward your left elbow, not over the instrument.
Issue #5: Rolling In the Flute too Much
It can impact the tone even if you have a right angle and blow correctly. As a result, you get a dull tone and flat intonation in the second register. Ensure you roll the flute out and get the air blown down toward the left elbow. Also, make sure you have a third to a quarter of the flute tone hole covered with the lower lip.
Issue #6: Not Enough Air Support
Playing a wind instrument is all about correct breathing technique. Poor air support is the biggest reason why your tone is bad. It’s impossible to get a good sound without good air support. Learn to breathe by expanding your abdomen, rather than pulling air into your belly. Avoid twisting shoulders or hips as it impacts the breath. Bring all your body parts in alignment.
Issue #7: Wrong Position of the Body Relative to the Flute
Not standing right or not holding your flute properly affects the tone. Ensure you don’t have your knees locked. Keep your shoulders, hips, and knees all in alignment. Avoid twisting your shoulders to the sides. Also, avoid craning your head forward too much. You need to just pivot the head gently and keep your body balanced.
Issue #8: Wrong Flute Position on Your Lips
Many flutists play by keeping their flute to one side. This is correct as long as the lip opening is aligned with a tone hole. Some flutists place the flute too high on the lips, as it makes a low register easier, but then they roll the flute to make the second register easier and thus make two mistakes in sequence. Do not roll the flute too much in and out. Ensure you don’t position the flute on the lips too high.
Accessories to Improve Your Playing Technique
Here is a list of accessories to improve your technique, which also impacts your tone:
- Thumb Rest. It helps flutists avoid tension in the right hand, thumb pain, and wrist strain when they play for a long period. Thumb rests redistribute the instrument’s weight and help you build the habit of a correct finger position.
- Wind Director. It helps achieve a beautiful tone and improve your tonguing. Using this accessory, you get fast feedback on the correct placement of the air column.
- Flute Tutor. Its construction with an extended part resting on the player’s shoulder helps musicians check whether they hold the instrument correctly. The device helps to avoid rolling the flute in too much or covering too much of the tone hole.
Final Word
Many factors may affect your flute tone — from the wrong instrument position to poor air support. However, all these issues are manageable. Once you give yourself time and work on your mistakes, you will notice how your sound also improves.
In addition to the list of helpful gear provided in our article, you can explore flute accessories designed by our company for better comfort and playing experience.
We also recently shared the article Selecting High-Quality Flute Accessories: Why It Matters. Feel free to read it for helpful insights.
Sources:
6 tips for a better flute TONE 🎵
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