How to Play a Homemade Flute

Playing a homemade flute requires some practice and knowledge of how the instrument works. There are two types of homemade flutes available, transverse and end-blown flutes. Since the flute was constructed at home, the pitches available will vary greatly. Even the pitch of handcrafted Native American flutes can vary from one instrument to the next. The key to playing these flutes requires an understanding of how to hold, breathe and create the sounds.

Step 1 Breathe from the diaphragm and take air in deeply to your lungs. Sit up straight to allow a clear path for the air to travel.

Step 2 Place your left hand on the holes at the top of the flute. Place your index, middle and right finger on the first, second and third holes. The thumb should support the flute from below.

Step 3 Position your right hand on top of the remaining holes, with your other thumb supporting the flute from underneath.

Step 4 Blow across the mouthpiece, similar to how blow might blow on a bottle, if the flute is a transverse flute. For end-blown flutes, blow on the edge of the top of the tube.

Step 5 Experiment with covering each hole. In a typical handmade flute, each additional hole covered lowers the pitch one scale degree. With a homemade flute, each note is different. Make up melodies that fit the design of your flute.

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