Flute Keys

This page lists the various keys of Native American flutes. The key of the flute is the lowest note that the flute plays … often called the fundamental note note of the flute.

Although I have assigned ranges to the keys of flutes, these ranges are not in general use — these assignments are completely my invention. If you have any comments on my choices, please email me at clint@goss.com. The ranges are:

• Ultra-High / Sopranino The extreme upper end of the range for playable Native American flutes. These flutes are typically used for special effects and ornaments on songs, rather than creating melodies.
  Very few flute makers craft flutes in this range.
• Very High / Soprano The upper end of the range for practical melodic Native American flutes. These flutes are typically used for special effects, counterpoint to a lower flute, or for use over drums.
  Few flute makers craft flutes in this range.
• High / Alto A range of flutes that is quite high, but playable flutes can be made. Small fifes have historically been made in this range. Native American flutes in this range often sound good when paired with a flute an octave lower in duets.
• Mid-Range / Medium / Tenor The range for the majority of Native American flutes that are constructed. This range strikes a balance between a good sound for the Native American flute, and the ability to reach the finger holes for most players. The center of this range, the keys of F# and G, are the most common keys for Native American flutes. These keys are a good choice for most first-time players of the Native American flute. For adult players with a smaller hand reach, a Native American flute in the key of A might be a better choice.
• Low / Baritone A range that usually produces a soothing, mellow sound from the Native American flute. Often used in mellow or meditation style songs. Since Native American flutes do not have keys or mechanisims to extend the reach of the fingers, these flutes tend to be difficult to play for people with a small finger reach. Native American flutes at the low end of the baritone range often are "side-blown" so that the arms can reach the finger holes.
• Very Low / Bass The extreme lower end of the range for playable Native American flutes. Flutes in this range are sometimes produced as a curiosity rather than a serious attempt at producing a quality sound. One exception is the Slovakian Fujara ... an instrument of excellent sound quality that is a cousin in design to the Native American flute.
  Few flute makers craft flutes in this range.
• Ultra-Low / Contrabass Below the range for playable Native American flutes (although this might change in the future).

Native American flutes in the key of B spanning four octaves. Fundamental notes are B2 (topmost flute) to B5 (bottommost flute), ranging from about 5 feet to about 10½ inches. Flutes crafted by and photograph courtesy of Barry Higgins of White Crow Flutes. The topmost flute was used to record the B2 sample below.

For more information on the Frequency and Piano Key#, see Octave Notation.

Unless otherwise noted, all sound samples played by Clint Goss, from instruments in my collection. The Flutopedia audio player used on this page can have multiple sound samples running at once, so you can experiment with what keys produce nice harmonies (or dissonance, if you like):