How to make a Cherokee 4 hole whistle

Learn to make an advanced version of a traditional Cherokee whistle. Visit us on the web at www.bluebeararts.com

[@davidlayne8755]

My dad showed me 60 years ago how to make those and whistles but with knife... the insert was cut flat on top and if it needed more air we cut a little more off the insert to make the air opening larger.... the angle was made on the bottom part of the flute to make a nice mouth piece... we made the whistles out of hickory bark and used them in the mountains to communicate with each other.....

[@SaItyStudios]

wow so cool what a wonderful little story

[@ianprevost8725]

I was just given a four hole Cherokee flute, thank you for your lessons you were a true master in your field

[@linosedeno3959]

Lorenzo from Lubbock tx. Just wanted to say I love what you're doing and what you stand for. I just purchased my first little people flute I want to start embracing my charokee culture. Much love to you and your family.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thank you my friend! I know you will love this flute!

[@richardlaplant271]

Thanks for the flute construction lesson Charlie. I`m going to make one or more, your lesson will help a great deal.

[@ericvonriegers499]

This was great! Very informative and you clearly love what you're creating. Thanks for taking the time to put this out there!

[@degenwow]

Thanks for all your archive of Truly inspirational & educational videos.

[@jarrodbelcher7517]

Thanks to this video, I made my first 4 hole and it turned out perfect! I don't have any power tools, so I just my pocket knife and sandpaper. Now I just have to get a David R. Maracle CD. Thanks a bunch, Charlie!

[@redstickmarket]

My Dad showed me how to make a flute from a drinking straw (what was handy) when we were camping in the mountains of Va, after listening to the calls of a whip-poor-will..taught at night by firelight..very fun for a kid..and I remember it well even though it was almost 40yrs ago. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. :-)

[@koobo100]

Thank you for this upload. I have been trying to find a use for the smaller parts of bamboo I use for flutes. They sound great. I hope I can make them sound as good as yours. Thanks for all the info you have given.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thank you! I am glad you like it! This particular whistle is what started my flute journey over 25 years ago and I still love playing them! We just uploaded a video on how to play them.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Great Bill. Good to hear from you. I will be starting a specific section of our webpage for schematics soon. There will be a lot of my pattern sizes on it, so keep an eye open for the update! :)

[@SwampTrax]

You have the best, by far info about making flutes. I think I will try to make one. I have plenty of Bamboo in my back yard. Most is too big, but some will work I think. Thank you for sharing,

[@Raja-zo4sv]

Wallace B Smith

[@user-nj3hg4ey7v]

Wallace B Smith ن

[@amandaworley2064]

I've been watching at least 3 of your videos a night for almost a week...

[@robert421960]

very cool and very special doing things taught by your grandad

[@BlueBearFlutes]

It actually has been a guiding beacon in my life!

[@burlinrobinson6018]

My grandpa taught me as well. From a Paw Paw tree using the bark from a small limb

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Super cool!

[@58lucinda]

thank you Charlie , we have cane an bamboo also. Hope it turns out as good as yours.

[@williammatejka1173]

I'm a knife maker and have made single hole whistles from left over antler material. Going to try a longer piece for a 4 hole. Thanks

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Good to hear from you again Benito! If you mean flutes out of actual tree limbs, I have and do on occasion but usually cane, pine and cedar... :)

[@alanquinn8745]

I literally collected Joe pye weed yesterday for one of these and unintentionally found this video I'm definitely going to take Ur information and apply it thanks for the amazing video and keep it up I love them all

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You're welcome! Glad you found it!

[@saintjermain9524]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge.

[@didiermermet-projetevolution]

Thx for your videos! Have made a 5 holes flute in B ...not too bad sound, have to practice ! Pluies d'automne - Didier Mermet

[@idfkhaha6234]

this is amazing!

[@Syngeman]

Thank you very much. I am very inspired.

[@LassieFarm]

Interesting personal story with that, cool

[@charlessaldat8140]

gracias amigo,I served much to learn something so beautiful as to make a flute

[@GVZBCN]

I've made my own cherokee 4 hole whistle. Soon i will use it in some backing tracks. Thak you very much from Barcelona.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+GVZ instrumental Excellent! Would love to hear it :)

[@BAK87]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge and tradition. Tomorrow I go for stalk hunting, hopefully next week I video reply. Peace and blessings upon you.

[@billyjoedenny]

very nice and a lot of great info. i going to try one charley. thanks again for the great info. ..bill

[@peaceseeker123]

Hey I just want to say thank you for making this video. I recently decided I wanted to make some natural instruments like out of wood or soemthing and I realized a flute was perfect and then I went to the beach. There I found a bunch of natural material that was hollow maybe bamboo but I’m gonna try to use it so far it’s been pretty good. I’m excited to make music with natures help it’s awesome

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Wonderful! By the way, I put out an album in the early 90s with your KZbin name on it! Thanks so much for watching. I have tons of similar other videos!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Cool!!! We've also made some "saxophones" and "motorcycles" with drinking straws, but have not made a flute of one yet...

[@astrobreaux]

much love and appreciation for the plug.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

you da man Pan! looking forward to seeing you again soon!

[@randomfox9970]

+BlueBearFlutes greetings from UK England Essex I has great respect for native Americans I tried making a flute from canes growing in Italy as I'm part Italian but no sound I makes deer antler whistle work or olive wood too but not flute I'm confused incidentally my animal spirit is a grizzly bear as I break things not possible to break but I loves all animals and hand feeds wild foxes and a badger 💕🐺🐾👍

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey, you're welcome and thanks for watching. We actually make another flute slightly larger than this and larger than our "mini-flute" which we used to call our "perfect size flute" because it was perfect to use with some of our left over pieces! I'll post it's dimensions in an upcoming video.

[@DIYAtoZ]

Nice one.. it will be helpful to making my Recorder flute

[@TureyManikato1388]

Good explanation, I see what I was doing wrong, the inner cork has to be in a slant angle.

[@GHOST_Hesitant]

Was thinking about making one out of willow tree bark by waking the stick on a rock lightly for a couple minutes and pull the bark off and use it as the material and repeat these steps in the vid

[@Njennings42]

I would really like to see one of these in bone... That would be Awesome!!! Good videos man!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Nathan Jennings Thanks Nathan!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Sounds good my friend! Also, keep a watch for our upcoming video on making flutes out of just about anything!

[@ChrisLeeW00]

Just bought your book and one of these whistles, I'm going to try 3D printing one!

[@colemanedwards7397]

Plz lmk how that goes

[@kajungadgets619]

I really like your videos of how to make flutes been trying to make them out of pvc but just can't get it right would really love to see a video of how to make your 4 hole out of pvc with misurments of hole space and size of flute

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I will do that! Thanks for watching!

[@user-ds2uj1kq9u]

Made a pvc flute and two bamboo flutes. They make sounds!!! Kids think I'm a wizard. Lol

[@eirikstorvik2413]

Hi, I'm from Norway and i remember learning the bark flutes you are talking about when i was a kid as well. We make them from what in norwegian is called "Selje" or Salix caprea in latin. Don't know the english name but it's some sort of willow i think.

[@eirikstorvik2413]

They are called willow flutes in english

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

I used to make bark whistle as a kid, my mother showed it to me as her father had showed her when she was a kid. I'm in the process of showing my little brothers daughter to do them as well it is a real blast 😁 might have to have a try at make one of these to, sadly we don't have any river cane over here in scandinavia but I think I'm not useless as a wood worker so I might find a way to do it 😁 probably earn a couple of scars in the process as well😅

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Be careful and good luck my friend! There is a type of river cane that does grow there! Check out my video on collecting flute materials as you may recognize it!

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

@@BlueBearFlutes we have one species, an invasive one that people are trying to get rid of and I haven't seen it myself that I know of, it's called japanese knot weed. But if there are others I will sure keep my eyes peeled for them when I'm out and about😁

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715 knot weed works too, it's just a little tough :)

[@CathyJohnson]

Just ordered your new book, too! I'm so looking forward to it...

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thank you Cathy!

[@CathyJohnson]

And now I am looking at your burning tool...

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Cathy Johnson I have one sitting there waiting on someone....;)

[@CathyJohnson]

Looks like I'd better go complete my order, then! :)

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Gracias~

[@rlowle1228]

Very nice Flute and instruction video very well done, Flute on

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+R lowle Thank you!

[@melanieortiz712]

Corn stalk eh? I might give that a try since I got to cut the stalks down today.

[@RioDaSoulSinger]

sounds good, I got to make a 4 hole now

[@BlueBearFlutes]

super easy and very original/traditional!

[@Anothermachine]

Exactly what I needed info wise...just wish you didnt have the torch and sander running so close to the mic...this is my intro to the world of handmade flutes and whistles....

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks for watching! This was an older video and we have quite a few more at this point! Please be sure to check them out!

[@Anothermachine]

Yes i subscribed. This is my new go to for info

[@SandorBerta]

Hi Charlie, thank you for your clips movies, I love and learn a lot things. I have a question in this flute what key is? C, A, or E? Thanks.

[@eirikstorvik2413]

you could probably make one out of carrot. i have made pipes and bowls from them and noticed they resonate really when i blow through to clean them out. I also know there are people making instruments of vegetables.

[@myrablack2337]

It kind makes the same sound as the 4 hole ocarina

[@dardanus999]

great,,, thanks ..... this will be great hanging from the xmas tree

[@Dad_Brad]

I have a question about the river cane/bamboo straightening. I have some river cane poles that I've tempered with fire - can I heat them again to straighten them after they've already been tempered first?

[@tanyabatson5803]

Ok so i get me some straws and start trying, did u use only the straw? I tried a few different bendings but settled on using a piece of wood for the sound maker since it would be available by a camp fire, but if u only used the straw im curisous how, and what videos make look easy is a fun challenge. My grandfather was indian but i was young when he went to the spirit world. Thank you for sharing your talents ,windworker.

[@woodlandechoesdistantsound2733]

Hello I would just like to say thank you for all your posts, I have been trying with limited tools to make a flute with not very good results but since watching your posts I have made one reasonable sounding G flute and intend to have another go soon. Now I need to learn to play something Do you have any suggestions? Many thanks Brett

[@BlueBearFlutes]

We do have some videos on playing, and are adding more soon! If you want to play traditional Native songs there are very limited recordings available, however if contemporary is what you are looking for, I will be offering some really cool new ones within the next week or so. Thanks for watching!

[@robertvice1590]

cool i like

[@johntomlin1062]

where the music comes out does the holes gotta be a certian size?????i am making my square rod today or can i leave it round and flat where the air comes out i applied the princ.of the whissle to the flute and it worked lollooll and the angle of the wood block down ward angled twoward the front of flute right on top of flute god bless

[@artmargodygasm.dygas-konop568]

Hi. Thank you for films. I try to make fluets by Cooper, because wood is sitill for me to hard to work. I have ploblem with chosing kind of wood for a wood whistle. Could me sugest which I sholuld use ? And should samway impregnat agaist an saliva? Thank for answers. BR.

[@wildlife1003]

i'm busy to make one like that but when he's done where can i find some songs i can learn to play or tips i wanne really play on my first flute i have make

[@carlhansson-mild6570]

I have tried 4 times now and i just cant get it to make a sound! Any tips for how to get it right?

[@sethflud8690]

how big is the hole in the middle? i am making one from a broom stick.

[@Robertrampt]

Thanks again Charlie. Just curious. What did they originally use to plug the air chamber to the sound hole, instead of dowels.?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Depending on the materials used for the whistle, usually part of the core of that material. I have made them that way as well as just picked up another small stick and carved it down. The one my grandfather made for me was out of the bark of the tree and the plug was of the little tree itself.

[@Robertrampt]

Very cool thank you so much. May you and your wife have a pleasant evening. Love all your work.

[@Smithspike1]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I have made the fingering holes and the sound hole I think I might have made the sound hole to big. Is there anything I could do to help this? I can get the bottom notes to play but the top 2 are difficult. Could you please share some pointers?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Steven, feel free to use the contact form on my website. Once I hear from you I will be able to have you send some pics of the sound hole so we can determine the next steps.

[@jenkins1979]

Can you explain the mouth piece and angle plug a little better for me or show a pic?I want to make one for my grandson. Thank you very much.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

This video may help you more with that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKOXaayKjddnsLc

[@charlessaldat8140]

hi, i want to know of distance of the holes please sorry for my bad english but i a old man from mexico to try a learn

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Gracias mi amigo. Nosotros hemos enseñado lo clases de flauta en Mexico antes. Extraño México y espero volver pronto. Voy a publicar algunos shematics en nuestro sitio web en la página de "instrucción" por ti mañana, por favor, encontrar allí. Por favor email yo también;) Tambien, mis Espanol es no perfecto!

[@benitofernandez70]

Do you make branch flutes?

[@lassuculentasdenatayalgoma3331]

Puede regalarme las medidas de las distancias y hueco?please?

[@danagrauke5761]

I tried making mine out of 5/16 stainless steel. The whistle worked well until I drilled the holes. Now it only makes noise when I cover all the holes. Any idea?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Absolutely Dana. We have a similar issue during the process of clay whistle making. Once you get all of the holes drilled, you have to adjust the sound edge of the whistle so that it is split precisely. Although it may make a sound before, flutes will just about always make a sound with all holes covered even if the sound edge is not perfectly aligned. Please message through my website so that you can send a picture of the sound edge to me and I'm sure I can help.

[@leithp]

I am having trouble with the sound hole and block/dowel on my first couple of tries. I can't really get a whistle out of them. Any tips on angles and gaps? I have about 1/4" bore bamboo, and using a redwood twig for a block/dowel.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Walking Bird Music Please contact me on my facebook page, facebook.com/?_rdr=p or my website so I can get a photo and make an assessment. I will be more than happy to help you figure it out :)

[@spawniebear4978]

can u use bamboo

[@talkite7663]

I am having trouble getting good volume out of my flute. I realize it shouldnt be very loud but Im barely getting a whisper out of it. Any suggestions?

[@talkite7663]

I mean whistle

[@rickschuman2926]

Instead of steel wool you could use another piece of river cane.

[@irishwanderer4206]

ive een trying to make a flute with weeks and its annoying as hell with no holes it plays G4 spot on ut i use NAFlutomat and drill my soundholes and i lose sound completely its making me hate the topic i dont know what to do.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

If I may make a suggestion or two, 1. Utilize "what works" and leave the flutomat for down the road. Computers don't teach flute making, people do. I know I sound like an old man but it is what I run into time and time again. 🙂 I don't mean any rudeness at all. 2. We have hundreds of videos on making native american flutes, try some of the ones I list below first. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3aunqiJeZd8h9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/h364iGVnn6eAjsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnyyd5Z4hryrj9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZOYko1ugtSYqsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKOXaayKjddnsLc 3. Don't give up! (ask questions anytime)

[@irishwanderer4206]

@@BlueBearFlutes firstly ,many thanks for the reply I'm very very pleased to meet you your flutes are cool I've been watching your videos with 2 weeks I will get it eventually it's just very frustrating I will watch those linked videos again thank you ,good day .

[@a.r.moyapapitawaira7369]

👍

[@cassiewildermuth1174]

Also how do you hollow out the wood, if you don't have to e for the wood to ship?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

The material is naturally hollow save for the natural links in some of the wood which you need for making certain flutes, but not for the 4 hole whistle.

[@FinncikOdair44]

I can't seem to make the mouth price correctly any tips? Any help would be great

[@BlueBearFlutes]

FinnicK OdaiR The best thing to do is to make certain the sound hole is square and then the plug needs to be at a precise angle. This may be something you will need to play around with to get right. You can send me a picture of what you have and I an help you figure it out if you'd like. Just send me a message via my contact form on my website www.bluebearflutes.com or find me on Facebook facebook.com/bluebear.arts

[@markmason667]

BlueBearArts

[@leahmondloch3794]

now there is no stop or block in this one , right?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Leah Mondloch Other than a wedge shaped plug at the mouthpiece (which creates the sound) there are no other stops in it.

[@jamesproutry7010]

tried with pine can't get to play open ended. only plays closed ended. notes are very near the same. the same with pvc. first three holes play o.k. forth hole very weak.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

James, feel free to shoot me an email on my website. Maybe I can help you out.

[@Gbarthelow79]

I wonder if you could use pvc pipe

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Gary Yes, I have done it myself ;)

[@traceystumpclark931]

Wado ❤️

[@willwegiel5350]

Elderberry wood has arsenic in it. Your lips will go num playing it lol. I did that walked around like came out of the dentist. lol

[@Smithspike1]

The diameter of my piece of bamboo is about 5/8"

[@AlphaverseCosplay]

Can I use this method for any sized wood?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

The method, yes, however the fingerings will need to be different. Please be sure to subscribe because we will be making a traditional 4 hole flute in an upcoming video.

[@AlphaverseCosplay]

BlueBearArts alright cool! thanks

[@chrisw5742]

Rustica I see. Nice :-). I grow it too.

[@Nova1624]

Sand the dowel before you cut if off -- that'll keep your knuckles intact..

[@BlueBearFlutes]

That'll work too, but I like a challenge ;)

[@degenwow]

For me, flute shouldn't be completely compostable, so using paper or drinking straws seems like a one-shot temporary solution and I prefer to cherish my flute & decorate, so I choose more solid materials

[@BlueBearFlutes]

...just trying to consider the future as the old ones did.

[@Syngeman]

Now im getting it. I do best with square sound hole and i get track flat and the bevel at good angle. Doing all by hand . Many failures. Need new tools

[@BlueBearFlutes]

If you haven't seen it yet, I do have numerous other videos doing all of it by hand with small knives for files. Keep it up!

[@johnnyarpa]

Hello my name is john did you use to work in Chino ca at strawhat

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Not in this lifetime my friend. :)

[@johnnyarpa]

@@BlueBearFlutes my mistake well you make awesome flutes what's the prices on 1/2 inch and 3/4 if you don't mind me asking brother

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@johnnyarpa I'm not sure I'm following you, please send me an email or fill out the contact form on my website bluebearflutes.com

[@dmauro3959]

do you make them and then sell them to

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Yes! www.bluebearflutes.com

[@billsiviter9272]

My uncle taught me how to make a whistle out of Sycamore by loosening the bark in the Spring when the sap is rising and slipping the bark off the stick cutting the flat slope into the wood and the air hole out of the bark and slipping the bark back over the stick. but now I'm 70 years old I've forgotten how to do it. I'd love to show my grandchildren how it's done if anyone has any idea????

[@jasonellis3379]

Google willow branch whistle, I made them in scouts as a kid.

[@cassiewildermuth1174]

Where can I buy bamboo?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hi Cassie, you can by materials at www.fluteblank.com

[@BambooFluteMakerAlbuquerque]

Tikki torches, tomato stakes, tree stakes, even home decor all have bamboo options. You can find bamboo locally at any local hardware store, plant/tree nursery, art/party supply, home decor, or major marts, just be on the look out. when see a piece that resonates with you buy it :) the piece will love and appreciate being a flute more then being a tikki torch ;)

[@JuwonSeong]

이렇게 피리를 만드는 군요

[@johntomlin1062]

could you make a flute like on the show kung fue ???? blowing from the side of it and would ya have to block off the top of the flute to have the air travel down threw

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+John Tomlin Hey John, we do make some side blown flutes, however we have a video for a walking stick flute similar to what you are talking about. You can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_ZfGqOfaeWhKs The top of the flute must be capped off to direct the airflow. We have a video on making one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZvZc2iwZt-ciac Thanks so much for watching!

[@dmithsmith5880]

Elisabeth Warren sent me here 😊

[@sethflud8690]

ok so im having trouble mine is making no niose

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Send me a message on my website listed in the description and I can help.

[@lassuculentasdenatayalgoma3331]

En español.

[@flightsimboy27]

i am half Cherokee tribe

[@pia-johannalaidoner2364]

First American to use SI measuring system lol

[@bradenoakes6097]

It sucks that you're 10 years ahead of schedule.Will you please update your video and give me some side by side instruction

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I'd be glad to. Side by side instruction of what?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

"So far, I haven't found a rhyme or a reason to change..." ~Waylon Jennings