How to Play the Native Flute for beginners - High Spirits Playing Tips

[@stevevess8464]

I have watched lots of beginner videos. This is THE BEST!!

[@phild8095]

I just came here to give a 20+ year review of my High Spirits cedar six hole double flute in A minor, as I just pulled it off my wall mount and played it for half an hour. Yah, been jamming on this for 20+ years and it has stood up to several moves across town and state lines, vacations, drum circles, etc. It has some scratches and wear, like any traveling instrument, but it plays so well. It has some nice engraving, a nice turquoise button set into the bottom cross piece. It has always been easy to play, and easy to play intricate melodies with different beats. I have given High Spirits flutes as gifts several times and they have always been appreciated. Besides the double I have owned an F# and a Bass C. The F# I gave to a young friend when he completed basic training and the Bass C I gave to a grandchild. That bass C, I had a buddy that had a long hard recovery from an abdominal surgery. His doctor wanted him to spend a lot of time breathing slow. He had my bass C for about 5 months. Keeping those low notes from breaking helped him recover.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thank you so much, Phil! We really appreciate and value your feedback. It's great to know that High Spirits Flutes have been in your life for so long and that you've been able to share them as gifts with family and friends, especially when in need.

[@devinruss1850]

So I know this was from 4 years ago but I'm finally old enough to understand how the flute works and I was Junior head dancer at Vigo pow wow Indiana and I got gifted one of these flutes it was the A flute by high spirits I can't thank you enough for how much this has helped me I have panic attacks and when I play my flute it helps a lot I just wanted to say thank you because I was very young when I got gifted this flute

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thank you for taking the time to share your story! We are so happy that the flute has brought you peace. We understand and appreciate the healing way that the flute can soothe and relax. It's so great to hear personal stories about this so thank you so much for sharing!

[@RedfishCarolina]

I love how you can just make stuff up on the spot and everyone will assume it's an ancient healing song passed down for thousands of years that takes decades to master. It always sounds as if it is telling the story of history. I'm a woodworker by trade and never learned how to play an instrument. So I think I'm going to cash in on the Choctaw and Cherokee my parents bestowed upon my genes and make one of these and learn to play it.

[@anthonyman8008]

What an awesome, in-depth, very detailed and well thought out tutorial! God bless!

[@1969sofine]

I just received my flute, what a masterpiece!

[@gailsulser8201]

May I ask from where did you purchase your flute?

[@littlestation3222]

i just came back from Sedona . I got mine from butch hall flutes

[@TheElan5]

After many years of wanting to learn the Native Flute, I just purchased a beautiful one from your company. This video helped so much! Thank you for creating such beautiful flutes and for your excellent instruction 🙏

[@2amText]

So how did it go?

[@zanescents3986]

He said” ...feet? They don’t do much.” 😂😂

[@elfriedefieldman2877]

I am so happy with my first flute. I have no musical talent at all but somehow I am starting to feel as if I can actually play my flute. I am feeling more confident every day. I do feel as if I know Odell personally. He has a very calming voice and is a great teacher. Best yet, he can offer no criticism. Of course, I am my own worst critic anyway!!

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

We are so happy to hear that Odell's videos are helpful to your learning of the Native American Style Flute!

[@ggolful]

Hello sir, first of all A huge bow down to you( Odell Sir) and the High Spirits Flute family for crafting and introducing us to these beautiful magical instruments......... I am from India and really interested in native American flutes and culture..... Got huge respect for all of you... I dont know how to play flutes and I am learning from the tutorials on you tube but one day surely I'll buy a Condor Base D... ( dollar is a bit high in India so it will cost around Rs.20000-24000 for me) .... So saving for my native magic and loads of love from India 🇮🇳......

[@binliang5950]

Wow! I dare not to start with condor base, my hands are so small🤣but that’s my goal🤩

[@rasputin90]

I too am from India. I am blown away by the simplicity in the way he taught so much. I have a few Native American flutes. I love them all the more now & know how to play a bit more now. Salutations to you . I am an Indian flautist & make my own flutes. Loved your work

[@jenpen1022]

Thank you for this tutorial. It has been very useful. I bought a flute from a local artist and craftman. Key of F. I will look into getting more materials from your company. Again, thank you.

[@Promerita]

Thank you for the amazing lesson! You have made it possible to teach all the fundamental knowledge in less than an hour. I am utmost grateful!

[@Innere_Stille]

What a beautiful person!

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you very much!!!

[@biancafairyfly]

I love my high spirits flute and this video made me feel so much more knowledgeable playing it. Thank you 🦋

[@rajjavalgi3436]

Mr. Borg is a great teacher and he has patience. I am going to listen to him a couple of times to learn how to play flute with proper protocols. Thank you.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thanks for your kind words! We're so happy the videos are a help to you!

[@psychedelicwriter5051]

Maybe this video is the best of all videos about Native American Flute.

[@ronduff4325]

I learned from an Old DVD of yours about 11 years ago when I bought my Redtail Hawk G in Spanish Cedar , in Manitou Springs Colorado. You made it so easy to finally understand . Thank you Odell. And I am the proud owner of 10 High Spirits Flutes. 2 are Drones , A and F# . I have 15 flutes from other makers but they're not the same Quality as High Spirits.

[@richardtuttle8814]

this was a nice discovery. thanks very much

[@sunyorange8039]

Donna Christensen Odell I absolutely love the quality and sound of my flute. I find learning from you so relaxing and fun. Thank you

[@Shuriko000]

So excited to learn, really love and appreciate how you talk about the instrument.

[@robertjacobs861]

What a beneficial tutorial for those of us new to flutes! Thank you so much!

[@OwlWhite12]

Oh wow🥳Thank you!!!👍

[@Paintbl99]

Just received my high spirits flute and it looks and plays beautifully - thank you!

[@Nothanks450]

Thank you, I ordered my first flute today. The information you provide in this video will serve me well while bonding with my new spirit singer

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

We are so glad to hear that this video helped you! Welcome to our High Spirits Flutes community and congratulations on your first purchase! We appreciate your support and kind words. Please reach out if you ever have any questions. :)

[@jaymuse9353]

Thank you sir. I appreciate you!!!

[@socratineantennedoc7390]

Hello, I have my flute for 2 days and thanks to you I can start training. Merci !

[@franziskaseger9179]

You are a brilliant teacher !

[@earthmothercare13]

this was really fun! thank you Odell ..

[@robertslaglestudio]

Thank you for this video. ❤

[@naturalbeautyfoods512]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@SheilaS143]

This was an easy amazing video! thank you so much Odell!

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

You are very welcome!

[@dianachapman9331]

Outstanding instruction. Thank you for the mastery of your teaching and your generous sharing. My two flutes are both High Spirit Flutes and I am enjoying them both very much.

[@mrsteve.keepfit6201]

Thank you so much for this. Got a Native Flute for my Christmas. Looking forward to taking tuition from your video.

[@robertdeleno7143]

Amazing lesson 👍🏻👍🏻thanks

[@sirthomas182]

Great! Thanks from Spain.

[@selten-so-gedacht]

Thank you very much, sir, for your effort and love you put into this video - it´s so rewarding to follow your instructions and passionate teaching. May all the good ghosts be on your side.

[@robertdeleno7143]

Fantastic teaching video made me really want to continue learning the flute👍🏻

[@MsThirtythree]

A great tutorial, thank you so much! I’ve played a tin whistle for years, without any real information, so I learned a lot of applicable stuff. Just bought a low D Native flute and was struggling with the low note, so this video helped a lot. One small point about making a tiny intake of breath on every note, in the video you can’t actually hear the break as you can when I try. Hopefully practice makes perfect, as this one takes quite a lot of puff and is a bit hard on the thumbs! Also, playing Irish music, the feet are vital. 😂

[@dodgercan]

Thank you. I am a beginner waiting on my flute to come in the mail. will save this video and play it over and over. Thank you for doing this free for all of us beginners.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hope this video is helpful. Have fun making music on your new flute!

[@Iamwildiamond]

What a wonderful video. Simple and capacious.

[@S33K3R]

Thank you, Sir 👍👍👍 This video helped me a lot ❤❤❤

[@LoneWolf-nj1ev]

Your teaching skills are very helpful I own your sparrow a flute and the crow in g your skills have helped me to progress in my playing Thank You so much for your time

[@okaminess]

Thank you man. I am navajo and I ordered a flute from a company in Washington state but I really like your instructional video. Ahéhee’

[@Sunlineish]

Thank you Odell for sharing this beautiful instrument. I am about to make an order. I also play Western Flute, so to understand the Native Flute is a blessing.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

You are very welcome!

[@1huntswithnature10]

Excellent excellent excellent. Thank you very much.

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you so very very much!!

[@robertjacobs861]

Thank you so much for this video. It helped explain several things I had wondered about and made me feel much more at ease with my flute learning. You seem to really care that people enjoy their flute experience!

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thank you for the kind words, you're absolutely right. The joy of playing is what we love to share!

[@drleach44460]

Great video, thanks

[@jrmys74]

Hello there. I'd like to share with you how I came about my 6 hole flute. My buddy had purchased a gold claim way deep in the canyon between Foresthill, CA. and South Lake Tahoe. He asked if I'd help him work it so we did for about 3 years. During a little discovering time while our concentrates were drying over the fire, I found this small man made cave. I began to shake some of the rocks in the walls looking for any loose ones. I found 3 cubbies! 1 held an old broken fishing pole. Another had a bug eaten blanket. And the last held a rolled cloth with another cloth and inside was this flute. It has some dry cracking going on but looked hand made and I figured I could refurbish this thing and enjoy it. This was about 10 years ago. I now am trying to create my own flutes just for kicks and still have no clue how to play properly. It's just a meditative thing for me.

[@jrmys74]

Ps. I'd post a photo but I don't know how.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

You can send us a photo at [e-mail] , we'd love to see it!

[@Denise-SA]

Thank you for this video. I recently purchased two of your flutes and this has been very helpful information. Your flutes are fabulous.

[@koreanature]

Wow... !!! My best friend, thanks to you, I enjoyed watching... I'm proud of you for developing day by day.

[@torismith9591]

Great video dude thanks from Kansas

[@caziko48]

Thank you so much for this wonderful comprehensive easy to understand lesson. I have just unwrapped my Plastic Flute…..Your slow and patient teaching made me feel so much more confident. It’s not the most wonderful sound but it’s all I could afford at the time. Thankyou from Australia. 🙏😀

[@RickyD1968]

Very good video !!! just purchased my first high spirits flute.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy making music on your new flute!

[@jyanwellness7746]

Just received my flute. This was a Great video. Dvd came with it but this was quick to check out 😃 later I will check out the book .

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@robertherzberg7420]

Thank you !!

[@QuantumThoughts69]

Thanks so much for the info! I’m hooked! I really feel drawn to this instrument and even more so after watching a few of these KZbin videos. 🙏

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

That's awesome to hear, thank you!

[@QuantumThoughts69]

@@HighSpiritsFlutes4all well I enjoyed the warmth in the productions so much I watched a few more. I am now waiting for the delivery of my first flute! I bought the Nova double flute in A and can’t wait for it to arrive! 🙏 thanks so much for making my flute for me!

[@johnsoncatherine8916]

Thank you a lot of information to practice I love the flute Bought from you and now I'm going to play it on "son yoga" therapeutique healing . Catherine form France Paris ;)) Take care

[@sanandakumara]

Watched just for the beuty of the explanation 🙌☺

[@judysebern2005]

Thank you, very helpful

[@matthewwitmer380]

I just received my Taurus flute, it's great!

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Wonderful!

[@jeffbrownspiritofthehandpa2517]

Very helpful!! Thank you!

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tunefulcathodic]

amazing thanks!

[@roses123ize]

Fabulous video made so much progress watching for 30 mins do rest later, thanks so much !

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Glad you enjoyed it and that it was helpful!

[@barbaralindberg5814]

Excellent video. I’m ready to learn more and practice.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thank you for your kind words and welcome to our High Spirits Flutes community! We are so excited for you to begin your flute journey. If you have any questions please reach out! :)

[@gerardhoward3084]

This is the video I’ve seen on the flute… thanks

[@ShantiTrish]

Thankyou for excellent video. Best wishes to you and all the viewers.☺️👍

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thank you for your kind words, we always love to hear that our videos are helpful! Best wishes, and happy playing!

[@clayc124]

Great video. Thanks for doing it.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Our pleasure! Glad it helped!

[@walkingwithin]

I've had my flute for a little while now . This was a wonderful tutorial. Thankyou so much Ordell for your time and offering quality advice for free. Much appreciated 💚💛🧡

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

You're very welcome! Glad to hear it was useful!

[@TheAdventuresOfDougan]

I bought a flute from High Spirits years ago. I think it was my second flute, but first real flute. I think it was called the ravens wind (or head?) flute, jet black, in F#? Still my favorite flute. Odell’s instructions got me off the ground and it’s been the best experience ever.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

That's great to hear! I wonder if it might be the Crow Flute in Ebonized Walnut? highspirits.com/collections/all-flutes/products/crow-turquoise-inlay-f-ebonized-walnut

[@TheAdventuresOfDougan]

@@HighSpiritsFlutes4all that’s the flute body but the totem is a lot different, closer to your eagle flutes. The flute has a turquoise inlaid dot and beads on the totem ties.

[@JBHeatingCoolingSolutions]

great! tutorial sir.

[@MyBodyIsMyTemple]

very good teacher for beginners

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Glad you think so!

[@Enlightenment246]

Ohhh l wish l could bye one of these flutes in South Africa. Thank you for the lesson, you are extremely knowledgeable and l enjoyed listening to your video, thank you so much. 🙏🙏🙏

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi Janet - thank you for your interest in our flutes, and for your nice words about our video. We always ship our flutes internationally through FedEx for a flat $45 USD, so you can still own a High Spirits Flute in South Africa!

[@Enlightenment246]

@@HighSpiritsFlutes4all Eventually l managed to buy my beautiful Spirt Flute in the UK and brought it back to SA with me yesterday, l waited so long for this purchase so it had to be the right one. Luckily my son is extremely musical and helped me choose the best one for me with a beautiful voice that l would enjoy, l chose the Golden Eagle in Walnut. Unfortunately l noted the only supplier was at Two Feathers in Brighton and we had to drive down from London. We arrived at this shop on a Saturday to find it closed due to a broken glass inside and a note on the door saying they would open in a hour, well for three hours we waited and returned each time to find them closed , we then had to knock on the door for entrance and were eventually allowed in by a very lethargic sales woman. We were then told that we were not able to see the flutes we requested to see as there was a healing happening in the stockroom and we best to phone the day before for a viewing of the required flutes. What a disappointing process but after checking on the internet l couldn’t find another supplier of your flutes, we were then forced to return to Brighton a second time from London in order to view and purchase a flute. These people are not doing justice to your instruments and had no knowledge of them whatsoever, this was very disappointing and luckily l knew something after watching many of your videos and with my son’s knowledge l was able to buy my flute. You really need to look into this issue and maybe seek a more reputable distributor in the UK. Thank you for all your videos and sharing your knowledge, much appreciated.

[@chrislee4744]

Thank you for your teachings. I could use anything, I’m trying to get in contact with my next vibration. I’m hoping this helps..

[@novalena]

Thanks a lot, that was very helpful and enjoyable! I wanted to check out the padded soft flute case, but haven't found it on your site, is it available?

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hey there - we are so glad this was helpful! Unfortunately, our padded soft cases are out of stock currently. We have had them on backorder for a few months now because of COVID, and we are not sure when we will have them back in stock. So sorry about that!

[@MrSYL12]

Odell, your flutes are the best in quality and has the best voice ever. Do you customise the flutes too with engravings. Thks

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thank you for your support and question! Unfortunately, we do not currently offer custom flute engravings.

[@larryking606]

This video has helped me so much, as I am still learning to be better at playing your beautiful flutes ! As I grow in my ability to do this wonderful instrument justice ! Thank you so much!

[@larryking606]

Sir , You are so completely encompass all of the information, for even a novice like me, be able to increase my ability to properly make the deserved sounds that your wonderful flutes can make ! Thank you , again !

[@dustinvines5017]

I wanna just go into the woods and play one. Just relax

[@usernamemykel]

Your tablature shows the flute from it's bottom to it's top, rather than top to bottom, the way it is played. ct Take a look at tinwhistle/pennywhistle/Irish whistle tablature (e.g, on YT Channel "Cutiepie" -Stephanie), and you'll see that the tablature is presented in the same plane as the way the tinwhistle is held, with the fipple on top, where one's mouth would be located. So, the tab you are showing would be if our toes had mouths. But you said it yourself, "feet don't do much". I've been playing tinwhistle since 1998 and have never seen upside down tablature. In fact, tablature for the Peruvian Quena is in the SAME format as the tinwhistle, probably because mouths are higher than feet, which "don't do much". OTHERWISE - GREAT tutorial. Liked and subbed,. A NAF is being made for me, and I came upon your well produced instructional/informative video.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Thanks for the observation. While most tablatures are notated top to bottom, the traditional way that the Native American Style Flute is notated is bottom to top, which is why we choose to use this tablature.

[@renatara9026]

It is great video. Thank you so much. I have learned a lot about how to play a flute, evern when I don't have any yet. I am not sure what scale of flute is best for beginners and what are the differences? Are there any scales best to start with?

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

You're welcome! Renata, pentatonic scale is best for beginners. Any of our flutes in the key of 'A' are great for beginners. My recommendation is the Sparrow Hawk and the First Hawk! highspirits.com/pages/great-flutes-for-first-time-players

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

6 year old video, shame on me. Very nice work start to end. Merry Christmas

[@caraskinner9211]

I have a high spirit flute :) I’m wondering what type of care it needs to be well looked after? I got it this year and want to take good care of it.

[@garoproudian7705]

can I ask you please how many octaves can do a flute?...

[@cathy6289]

oh my goodness. I just found out watching this video I can play using my nose. I had it rested against my nose and breathed out and played it lol lol lol

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

a fun way to play! there are actually instruments called nose flutes that are intended to be used that way.

[@cathy6289]

@@HighSpiritsFlutes4all I learn something new each day. I cant hold the notes for so long but saves moisture getting in the flute lol. That is good to hear for those who may not be able to use their mouths I have a bamboo flute which is a bit deeper in sound but maybe one day if I can find a suitcase of money I will get one like you were playing too. Thank you for replying to me. You are very kind

[@Johnspeacefulchaos]

Those look like Mimosa Trees in the Back ground !

[@dodgercan]

I got my first flute today. been watching your video. do you have a website or how do I get in touch with you?

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi Roger! Our website is www.highspirits.com and you can email us any questions you may have at [e-mail]

[@reygonzales7264]

I like the sound of this flute. What is it called and what keyis it? Thank you,

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi Rey - this is our Sparrow Hawk flute in Aromatic Cedar. It is tuned to they key of A minor. You can learn more about this flute on our website at the following link: highspirits.com/products/sparrow-hawk-a-aromatic-cedar?_pos=1&_sid=d9833bf71&_ss=r Thanks!

[@authenticempowerment5319]

Is there a video on the tonguing technique? I am a king if slurring :-) the tonguing is tough.

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi there and thank you for your question. Odell talks about tonguing around minute 3:45 in this video tutorial. I hope you find this helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGmnnn6taragatk

[@lmallard3788]

I keep mine in case designed for a fly rod with reel attached

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

I like that ingenuity!

[@lmallard3788]

White River brand fly rod and reel case has fleece lining to protect the raven or crow that is on my flute. Total length of case is 38” long and a little longer than my black flute with aqua colored beeds embedded on top of flute.

[@Here_Today_]

@@lmallard3788brilliant suggestion, thank you!

[@MrDaytrack]

Hi ... Love your flutes; lesson and your work. I wonder if I could ask you a technical question!? Simply; if I have a flute that plays really well; and I cut the tube off the flute! So; all I know have is the sound part and about two one inche of pipe in front of where the sound is generated and comes out! If I now blow through the very shortened section (and, again, this is where the sound is generated) ... if I blow through this, will I get a sound ... !? The reason that I ask is that; I have built a 34'' Contrabas flute; the long tube is finished, but not connected to the sound part, but, for the life of me, I cannot get any sound out of the sound part! I would have thought you could create sound through the sound part with it disconnected to the tube part ... !? Hope you can help on this one, as I am now completely stuck ... ! Best wishes ... William (Hampshire UK)

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi, William. It is difficult to say whether or not what you have so far should be producing a sound. What may help is a great resource for flute-crafting: www.flutopedia.com/faq_craft.htm There are many diagrams and descriptions on that page that can help you to understand what to expect and how to achieve it.

[@MrDaytrack]

Great. Thank you so much. Best wishes. @@HighSpiritsFlutes4all

[@rohansingh8997]

I would like to own one of those flute I am a bigginer living in Guyana .....

[@girypranayama367]

I really want to learn to make a native american flute, can you help me find a guide, PDF?

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hello. There is much information on this free site: www.flutopedia.com/

[@gailsulser8201]

What is your website

[@souffled]

VERY EXCELLENT EXPLANATION

[@Enlightenment246]

Love my High Spirit flute, beautifully made, thank you. Please red my reply below your remarks 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi Janet, thank you so much for your kind words! We are so happy that you love your flute. Thank you for being part of our High Spirits Flutes community!

[@manuelgayao9077]

I wanna buy one

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Here you go :) The Sparrow Hawk 'A' is a beautiful flute, and we have an option to add turquoise! highspirits.com/collections/key-of-a-for-first-time-players/products/sparrow-hawk-a-aromatic-cedar highspirits.com/collections/all-flutes/products/sparrow-hawk-turquoise-inlay-a-aromatic-cedar

[@franziskaseger9179]

Can your flutes be posted to Australia as well ?

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Yes, we can deliver to Australia. For important information on International shipping, please see: highspirits.com/pages/order-shipping-details

[@franziskaseger9179]

@@HighSpiritsFlutes4all i already got it 🙏thank you ,very nice flute 🌈👍

[@janicedrennen4897]

Does High Spirit Flutes make a drone flute?

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

In this list highspirits.com/collections/double-flutes you will find the Nova Double Flute series.

[@yusefelbialy2755]

What key is dat flute mr

[@stickyspaceman]

I can't find the flute care kit on your website

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Unfortunately we're sold out at the moment. If you'd like to be notified when they're available again, please send us an email to [e-mail] and we'll get you added to our follow-up list.

[@stickyspaceman]

@High Spirits Flutes thank you I will check back in a month or so

[@HighSpiritsFlutes4all]

Hi, just wanted to let you know the care kits are back in stock, and currently on sale: highspirits.com/products/native-flute-maintenance-kit?_pos=1&_sid=3d44cd5be&_ss=r